Child Advocacy Studies (CAST)
CAST 1110 Introduction to Child Advocacy 3 Credits (3)
This is the introductory course for child advocacy studies (CAST). It covers different models for understanding child maltreatment, types and indicators of child maltreatment, controversial topics in the field, and issues and laws related to child maltreatment in various countries around the world. Students will develop critical thinking and analytical skills in assessing child maltreatment.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate how to apply a model of critical thinking and analysis to child maltreatment issues.
- Describe historical trends in child maltreatment and child advocacy.
- Compare and contrast theories and models of child maltreatment.
- Compare and contrast the indicators and consequences of different types of maltreatment.
- Discuss cultural issues related to assessing and working with families.
CAST 2110 Professional and Systems Responses to Child Maltreatment 3 Credits (3)
Course examines the professional and systems that respond to allegations of child abuse and neglect. Includes the differences between civil and criminal proceedings; components of a court-worthy child abuse and neglect investigation; basic child forensic interviewing; an overview of child sex offenders; and current research and controversial issues affecting the field.
Learning Outcomes
- Define neglect, abuse, and violence including psychological, emotional, and spiritual maltreatment.
- Describe the interpersonal dynamic of violence and abuse, and the varied and changing types of violence and abuse.
- Identify risk factors for various categories of child abuse in the general population and identify high-risk population.
- Describe the physical and behavioral health effects of violence, neglect, and abuse, including mental health impacts.
- Identify the barriers to help-seeking for victimized children.
- Describe models for intervention and prevention of child maltreatment.
- Discuss various factors that affect children’s motivation for disclosure.
- Discuss how values, attitudes, beliefs, and experiences related to child maltreatment may effect interaction with children and families.
CAST 2120 Prevention, Trauma Informed Treatment and Advocacy 3 Credits (3)
The purpose of this course is to prepare students to recognize the effects of child maltreatment and apply interventions strategies for children and their families. Multidisciplinary approaches to prevention, advocacy and treatment of child maltreatment survivors will be presented and discussed. Topics include violence prevention research, interdisciplinary family programs, how to advocate for survivors of child abuse, case management, working with families, mental health service and controversial issues.
Learning Outcomes
- Be able to create goals and identify services needed by maltreating families.
- Understand the development of psychopathology in the child related to maltreatment
- Understand the documented effects of maltreatment such as depression, anxiety, sexualized behavior, neurobiological, suicide, and damaged ego development/ sense of self
- Describe interdisciplinary family intervention programs such as in-home parenting programs, Stay Safe program, Incredible Years, Project Safe Care, ECFE, etc.
- Explain mental health assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and availability of services for the survivor, the family and the offender.
- Understand PTSD, reactive attachment disorder and other trauma responses; assessment and treatment
- Describe issues for adolescent and adult survivors of maltreatment such as eating disorders, low self- esteem and personality disorders.
- Identify professional issues related to maltreatment such as how to approach families and an awareness of the effect of working with families on the professional.
- Discuss the role of interdisciplinary approaches to child maltreatment intervention in planning for the future and advocating for the rights of children 1
- Explain violence prevention research, strategies, and programs 1
- Understand how battering, chemical dependency/maltreatment, mental illness, chronic illnesses, disabilities, and other family stressors influence intervention with survivors, their families and the offender 1
- Explain how issues of race, class, sexual orientation, religion, gender and social justice can influence professional practice with children who have been maltreated 1
- Explain the role of the child advocate in addressing social justice issues associated with intervention and prevention of child maltreatment, and in promoting social change that will result in fewer incidents of child maltreatment.