Department of Psychology

The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program in Child Advocacy Studies is designed to provide greater knowledge for professionals who are already working in the child protection field or to provide education for individuals who are preparing for a career in this area. Students completing the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program in Child Advocacy Studies will be well equipped to work in healthcare, criminal justice, and social service fields as they advocate on behalf of children and the families they serve.

Graduates of this program will have a strong understanding of the theoretical and environmental issues that surround child abuse, evidence-based intervention strategies, and multidisciplinary approaches to prevention, advocacy, and treatment of child maltreatment victims and survivors. This curriculum is experiential and multi-disciplinary with an emphasis on ethical and legal responsibility, and cultural sensitivity. The multidisciplinary framework enhances professional skills in a variety of settings including law enforcement, behavioral health, healthcare, law, and education. This is a non-degree post-baccalaureate certificate program.

Criminal Background Checks

Applicants must submit a current criminal background check (SLED), conducted within the previous sixty days, with their application for the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program in Child Advocacy Studies. The applicant assumes the cost of the SLED background check. Due to the sensitive nature of the subject matter and limitations on employment in the field, applicants who have been found guilty, plead guilty, or have plead no contest to any crime against a child, any crime of a sexual nature, or any crime involving violence, will be scrutinized carefully by the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program in Child Advocacy Studies Admissions Committee. Enrollment in the CAST U799 Child Advocacy Project/Internship requires a second SLED background report and a Department of Social Services Central Registry background check. The internship applicant will also provide a professional credentials/licensing status check if applicable.