Empowering students to 
confidently recognize, react 
to, and respond effectively to 
child maltreatment.

Universities often fail to adequately prepare students for the complex realities of child protection. Child Advocacy Studies (CAST) exists as a dynamic academic program that spans various disciplines, empowering students to confidently recognize, react to, and respond effectively to child maltreatment. Since its establishment in 2004, CAST has been successfully implemented in over 90 academic institutions across 30 states.

Seminar Registration

Learn about cast

Come learn more about CAST and it’s impact on Child Advocacy. Join us at our next virtual seminar on November 8th, 2023 and November 9th, 2023.

Register today!

 

Register

CAST Portal

Current CAST Faculty

Click the link below to login to the CAST Portal, where you can access Toolkits for CAST course instruction, assessment, experiential learning and more. For current CAST faculty only.

Join
CAST!

ACCESS THE PORTAL

The CAST Portal is a gateway to resources for new and current CAST faculty members to access critical materials to improve and streamline CAST deployment, enhance current course offerings, and assist with the expansion of CAST programming at one’s institution. Sign up today! 

 

 

Request Access
Get to know CAST 

Why CAST?

Discover the unique advantages of the CAST curriculum. Whether you're seeking a concise introduction to CAST (see our one-sheet intro), need compelling talking points to engage your administration, or want to spark enthusiasm with our Toolkit 'marketing' document, this section provides the essential resources to understand and promote the unparalleled benefits of CAST in child advocacy education. Dive in and find out why CAST stands out.

CAST Overview

Child Advocacy Studies:

What is CAST?

More

What is CAST?

Child Advocacy Studies (CAST) is an evidence-based academic major, minor or certificate program that focuses on child maltreatment.

Download

CAST Cost-Benefit Analysis

Value of CAST: Key Considerations

More

Key Considerations

As administrators consider budgetary constraints and the implementation costs associated with new curricula, it’s crucial to evaluate how CAST compares. Here are some key points for discussion with your faculty and administrative representatives.

Download

Benefits of CAST

Frontline Agencies & Academic Institutions - An Overview of Advantages

More

Bridging the Gap

While CAST is offered in over 90 academic programs, many institutions considering implementation of
the curriculum still ask, “Why CAST?”

Download

CAST Toolkits

An Overview of Faculty Toolkits

More

Key Considerations

As administrators consider budgetary constraints and the implementation costs associated with new curricula, it’s crucial to evaluate how CAST compares. Here are some key points for discussion with your faculty and administrative representatives.

Download

CAST Talking Points

Discussions with Institutional Administrators

More

Bridging the Gap

Child Advocacy Studies (CAST) is currently implemented in over 90 programs, including universities, law schools, medical schools, and seminaries across the United States and internationally. University administrations may wonder if CAST programming will be sought after by students when discussing the implementation of CAST curriculum.

Download

Training Request

Submit Request

Child Advocacy Studies (CAST) Postsecondary Training Request

Submit a request form for CAST faculty & admin training from Zero Abuse Project. This training will focus on major CAST instructional considerations and implementation best practices to optimize your CAST program launch and maximize your academic potential. 
Complete Form

Through our program, students gain hands-on experience, essential skills, and comprehensive knowledge, enabling them to:

Recognize signs and indicators of child maltreatment

Identify esixting systems and support networks

Develop effective multidisciplinary responses

Cultivate personal resilience for a fulfilling long-term career in child advocacy

CAST Programs

Learn about our reach.

CAST is implemeted in over 31 states and growing. Take the next step toward preparing future child protection workers and apply to become a CAST institution today!

0 +
CAST Programs
0 +
U.S. States

resources

CAST Impact, Accolades, and Resources​

Through our Post-Secondary Education Opportunities for Child Protection Professionals grant, funded by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), CAST supports the training of future mandated reporters and child protection professionals across the country. Check out our resources, roundtables and reports to see what CAST has been up to.

subscribe to Zero Abuse Project
Impact Reports

Newsletters

Roundtables

Resources

CAST National Plan

CAST Implementation Guide

Library

CASTing Call

This social media series highlights the important partnerships and shared initiatives between Child Advocacy Studies and other leaders in our field.

learn more

CASTing Call Library

Play Video


Child Advocacy Studies (CAST) Coordinators

testimonials

What Our Partners Say About CAST

2[2]

Dr. Betsy Goulet

Coordinator of the UIS Child Advocacy Studies Program
"Hands-On practice, the reality of what to expect in the field combined with all of the modules that we cover, particularly those that improve their understanding of mandated reporting, creates a much more competent Workforce for just about any of the professions that our students might pursue. The content of CAST is really the well-rounded education that our students need to succeed."
3[1]

Karla Steckler Tye

Executive Director, Children's Advocacy Centers of Mississippi
"Instead of constantly being reactive, we need to equip professionals to be proactive. Mississippi's institutions of higher learning stepped up to implement Child Advocacy Studies (CAST) within their programs. The courses are interdisciplinary and designed to help students learn to work within a multi-disciplinary team coordination, which is at the heart of the Child Advocacy Center model."
4[1]

Martine

Student | Florida Institute of Technology
"When you study child advocacy, you learn a lot not just about the different educational aspects but you learn a lot about the world around you, things that you didn't see before. It impacts the way you see people in general. Not only has it made a personal difference, but now I know it's children I want to work with. Children who don't have all the advantages that I had growing up. CAST is the first step on that track."
5[1]

Dr. Travis Conradt

Assistant Professor of Psychology | Florida Institute of Technology
"Students go in with a good understanding of where things stand, who different professionals are, and how to interpret problems they might face on both a global and local level. It puts more meaning behind the connection of courses, leading to a broader collection and purpose. With CAST, students develop strong relationships because of the passionate subject matters they explore. They go through this growth together, becoming their own multi-disciplinary team. Because of the purpose behind earning the certificate, students find it more meaningful, purposeful, and connected."

apply today

Apply to Become a CAST School

STAY CONNECTED

We need your help to protect children from abuse! Sign up to stay connected and learn about upcoming events and announcements!

Facebook Twitter Youtube Envelope Rss
Subscribe

ABOUT

Zero Abuse Project is a 501(c)(3) organization committed to the elimination of child sexual abuse. Our programs are designed to provide training and education to professionals and students, and to help transform institutions to effectively prevent, recognize, and respond to child sexual abuse.

NAVIGATION

CONTACT US

Jacob Wetterling Resource Center
(800) 325-HOPE (4673)

Zero Abuse Project Headquarters
366 Jackson Street, Suite 300
St. Paul, MN 55101
(651) 714-4673

Virginia Office
1450 Duke St
Alexandria, VA 22314
(651) 714-4673
DONATE
© 2023 Zero Abuse Project. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. EIN: 82-4614993