CAST Certificate Program
Child Advocacy Studies Certificate Mission:
The mission of the Child Advocacy Studies Certificate program, in conjunction with the mission of the Zero Abuse Project, is to strengthen the regional child welfare workforce by preparing students across disciplines to effectively advocate on behalf of children as victims and survivors of child maltreatment.
Learning Goals for CAST:
After completing the Child Advocacy Studies Certificate Program, students will be able to
- Recognize child maltreatment and understand the factors that contribute to it.
- Identify existing services and supports for children in their communities.
- Develop an effective inter professional response to child maltreatment.
- Build their own resilience for a long-term career in child welfare.
Resource Links:
The Zero Abuse Project
Survivor Space
ChildSafe Center – CAC
Victoria’s House Child Advocacy Center
Faculty Profiles:
Tiffany Rexrode Director
Washington Co. Maryland, Department of Social Services
Course: SOWK 320: Child Welfare and Advocacy I – Perspectives on Maltreatment and Advocacy
Kelly Bober Executive Director
ChildSafe Center – CAC
Course: SOWK 321: Child Welfare and Advocacy II – Interprofessional Responses to Child Maltreatment
Jennifer Cullum, LCSW-C, Trauma Therapist
Safe Place Child Advocacy Center
Course: SOWK 322: Child Welfare and Advocacy III – Perspectives on Maltreatment Advocacy
Leah Falco, LMSW, Child and Family Therapist,
Safe Place Child Advocacy Center
Course: SOWK 322: Child Welfare and Advocacy III – Perspectives on Maltreatment Advocacy
Amy Garzón Hampton, Vice Consul, United States Department of State
US Embassy of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Course: SOWK 331: Global Child Advocacy
Pippa McCullough, Assistant Professor of Social Work
Shepherd University
Course: SOWK 350: Professional Self-care.