Many professionals or mandated reporters who work with vulnerable populations are inadequately trained in recognizing and addressing maltreatment. Judges, prosecutors, child protection attorneys, doctors, nurses, psychologists, social workers, law enforcement officers, clergy, teachers, child protection professionals and others can better serve their communities through education on child and adult advocacy.
As a student pursuing a graduate certificate in child and adult advocacy studies at USD, you will gain a foundation for responding to maltreatment. You will learn about the various responses to maltreatment and develop a multidisciplinary understanding of the most efficient responses. After completing the courses in this certificate, you will be better equipped to be an advocate on behalf of victims and survivors of maltreatment and fulfill the advocacy responsibilities required by your line of work.