Child Advocacy Studies
Certificate Program
Our Goal: Eliminate Child Abuse.
Wilmington University is part of an elite group of academic pioneers offering courses in child abuse recognition and investigation, and a certificate in Child Advocacy Studies (CAST). The courses are taught by practicing professionals with significant experience in the field, with the goal of eliminating child abuse.
Who Should Take These Classes? You.
This program is vital for anyone working with children, like teachers, nurses, medical personnel, caseworkers, clergy, or law enforcement. However, it also extends beyond those professionals. Everyone who has or knows any child can benefit from this program, and help us eliminate child abuse.
You’ll learn to:
- Recognize symptoms of child maltreatment
- Recognize the effects of child maltreatment
- Identify intervention strategies
- Conduct investigative interviews.
Course Requirements:
SOC 425 
(formerly numbered as SOC 465) Child Abuse: Recognition and Investigation
SOC 426 (formerly numbered as SOC 466) Responding and Investigation: Child Maltreatment
SOC 427(formerly numbered as SOC 467) Responding to the Survivors of Child Abuse and Survivor Responses
Electives
Two electives are also required to earn the Child Advocacy Certificate. Approved courses are listed below. Depending on your major, you may be able to substitute courses from your degree program. Please check with the program Director.
Behavioral Science
SOC 302 Marriage and Family
SOC 303 Contemporary Social Problems
SOC 405 Social Deviance
SOC 469 Step-parenting and Blended Families
SOC 490 Internship in Behavioral Science
Criminal Justice
CRJ 318 Criminal Investigation
CRJ 469 Spec. Topics: Domestic Violence
CRJ 474 Spec. Topics: Victims of Crime
CRJ 490 Internship in Criminal Justice
Psychology
PSY 201 Child Growth and Development
PSY 215 The Family: Effects on Development
PSY 330 Infant and Toddler Development
PSY 331 Middle Childhood Development
PSY 332 Adolescent Development
PSY 333 The Exceptional Child
PSY 375 Forensic Psychology
PSY 412 Crisis Intervention
PSY 481 Domestic Violence
PSY 472 Spec. Topics: Bullying
PSY 490 Internship in Psychology
Total credits for the CAST – 15
This information applies to students who enter this degree program during the 2012-2013 Academic Year. If you entered this degree program before the Fall 2012 semester, please refer to the academic catalog for the year you began your degree program.
