Explore various disciplinary methods of recognizing child maltreatment and develop a robust understanding of effective responses.
MC’s Child Advocacy Studies Training (CAST) program is a valuable asset for a variety of professions that routinely work with children and families. The program is designed to equip you to advocate on behalf of victims and survivors of child abuse and neglect by exploring a multidisciplinary approach to recognizing, assessing, managing, and responding to child maltreatment.
The CAST curriculum focuses on ethical, trauma informed, realistic, and culturally proficient content that provides you the needed foundation for properly caring for children in cases of child abuse and neglect.
You may earn a minor or certificate in Child Advocacy Studies Training. The CAST certificate is offered at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The courses are the same, with the graduate level program requiring additional workload.
The CAST minor and certificate are approved and offered by Zero Abuse Project Protection Training Center, a 501(c)(3) organization committed to transforming institutions in order to effectively prevent, recognize, and respond to child maltreatment.
*More than 20 Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning offer either a certificate and/or minor in CAST.
| Course Number | Class Name | Hours |
| CAST 400/5400 | Perspectives on Child Maltreatment and Child Advocacy | 3 |
| CAST 401/5401 | Professional and System Responses to Child Maltreatment | 3 |
| CAST 402/5402 | Responding to the Survivor of Child Abuse and Survivor Responses | 3 |
| CAST 403/5403 | The Church’s Response to Child Maltreatment | 3 |
| CAST 404/5404 | Strengthening Families: Building Protective Factors | 3 |
| CAST 405/5405 | CAST Capstone Project and Experience | 3 |
| Course Number | Class Name | Hours |
| CAST 400/5400 | Perspectives on Child Maltreatment and Child Advocacy | 3 |
| CAST 401/5401 | Professional and System Responses to Child Maltreatment | 3 |
| CAST 402/5402 | Responding to the Survivor of Child Abuse and Survivor Responses | 3 |
You’ll be prepared to work in a variety of areas where knowledge of child maltreatment and advocating for children may be necessary. Below are just a few possibilities.
Effectively advocate for the rights and well-being of children within the criminal justice system, ensuring their unique needs are recognized and addressed.
Gain the knowledge needed to navigate ethical dilemmas, recognize signs of abuse or neglect, advocate in the best interest of pediatric patients, and support families dealing with adversity.
Teachers can gain a deeper understanding of child development, learn to recognize signs of abuse, and address diverse needs to promote a safe learning environment.
