Child Advocacy Studies (CAS) is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge to effectively address and respond to child maltreatment. The CAS certificate is appropriate for professional first-responders, educators, child care providers, social workers, and anyone who works with children. CAS is recognized and backed by zeroabuse.org, ensuring that students receive a credential respected in the field of child advocacy.
Key Areas of Study
- Recognizing Child Maltreatment: Students learn to identify signs of child abuse and neglect, understanding the various factors that contribute to these situations.
- Identifying Prevention and Intervention Systems: The program covers existing systems and supports designed to prevent and intervene in cases of child maltreatment.
- Developing Effective Multidisciplinary Responses: Students are trained to work collaboratively with professionals from different disciplines to respond to child maltreatment cases effectively. (healthcare, criminal justice, social services)
- Fostering Resilience for a Long-Term Career: The program emphasizes strategies for maintaining resilience and longevity in the challenging field of child advocacy.
- Establishing Better Outcomes for At-Risk or Maltreated Children: The certificate aims to improve outcomes for children by preparing students to provide informed, ethical, and trauma-informed care.
Students can choose to complete the Social and Human Services Associate in Applied Science degree with a concentration in CAS or pursue the CAS certificate independently through curriculum or continuing education.
Four Courses - 100% Online
The CAS certificate requires the completion of four 8-week online courses.
Cost: Each class is $125.
CAS 110: Perspectives on Child Maltreatment & Child Advocacy - Aug. 15, 2025 - Oct. 10, 2025
This course covers the critical examination of child maltreatment and advocacy. Emphasis is placed on the history, comparative perspectives, legal framework, responses to child maltreatment, and pertinent issues in maltreatment and advocacy. Upon completion, students should be able to apply the knowledge and skills necessary for recognition and advocacy on behalf of child victims.
CAS 210: Professional & System Responses to Child Maltreatment - Oct. 15, 2025 - Dec. 12, 2025
This course is designed to focus on the responses of professionals to allegations of child maltreatment. Emphasis is placed on the multifaceted nature of child abuse and neglect and explores evidence-based strategies for intervention, prevention, and collaboration across diverse professional settings.
CAS 120: Cultural Awareness of Child Maltreatment - Jan. 6, 2026 - March 3, 2026
This course is designed to deepen students' understanding of the intersection between cultural dynamics and child maltreatment, emphasizing the significance of cultural awareness in effective advocacy. Emphasis is placed on an exploration of diverse cultural contexts, promoting cultural competence as an integral aspect of advocating for the rights and well-being of children. Upon completion, students should be able to navigate the complexities of child maltreatment while respecting and valuing the diverse backgrounds of children and families.
CAS 220: Responding to the Survivor of Child Abuse - March 9, 2026 - May 11, 2026
This course is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and compassion necessary to effectively recognize and respond to the effects of child maltreatment. Emphasis is placed on intervention strategies for children and their families, exploring the multifaceted dimensions of child abuse, emphasizing trauma-informed approaches, and the cultivation of a supportive environment for survivors. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the practical skills and compassionate mindset needed to effectively recognize, respond to, and support survivors of child maltreatment.