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Child Advocacy Studies (Online) Program at Fredonia

What we offer

Advanced Certificate

Who to contact

College of Education

graduate.admissions@fredonia.edu

716-673-3808

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Courses and an Advanced Certificate (AC) in Child Advocacy Studies (CAST) are cross-disciplinary in nature, and meet critical needs in the fields of education, social work, counseling, medicine, criminal justice, and law. The CAST program at SUNY Fredonia was developed in conjunction with the Zero Abuse Project. The goal of the CAST curriculum is to improve the knowledge and skills of those individuals who will interact with children during the course of their careers, often as mandated reporters. Development of this knowledge will enable these professionals to recognize, react, and respond appropriately in circumstances where children are maltreated or at risk of maltreatment. Completion of the Advanced Certificate in Child Advocacy Studies does not lead to NYSED Teacher Certification.

The Fredonia Difference

Our program is 100% online and is the only graduate CAST program in New York State.

Career Opportunities for Child Advocacy Studies (Online)

  • Teacher
  • School administrator
  • Social worker
  • Child protection worker
  • Law enforcement
  • Attorney
  • Doctor
  • Nurse
  • Youth specialist
  • Advocate
  • Therapist

Curriculum

What does an example degree look like?

View Example Curriculum

What are all the required and elective courses offered to obtain this degree?

Program requirements for Child Advocacy Studies

Sample Courses

CAST 501 Perspectives on Child Maltreatment and Advocacy

This is a multidisciplinary course is designed as a survey of major issues related to child abuse and neglect. An overview of the impact of child maltreatment, prevention and intervention strategies, system response, and child advocacy are included.

CAST 502 Global Child Advocacy

This is a multidisciplinary course is designed to prepare students to recognize health, maltreatment, cultural, religious, political, and social advocacy issues within and outside of the United States, and how these issues affect the learning, welfare, and quality of life of children and families.

CAST 503 Professional & System Responses to Maltreatment

This course focuses on the responses of professionals to allegations of child maltreatment. The purpose of the course is to expand the student’s knowledge and skills in identifying, investigating and prosecuting child maltreatment. The course is designed for students who are likely to pursue a profession in which they will be a mandated reporter and knowledge of child maltreatment, trauma-informed practices, and advocacy is critical.

It's Different Here

Strong support system

Fredonia's advisors will guide you through all your requirements to ensure your success.

Accreditation

Fredonia's College of Education is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), a nationally recognized accrediting body approved by New York State Education Department.

Generations of teachers

Fredonia graduates are hired across the nation in public school elementary grades, private elementary schools, and charter schools.

More to consider

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