DONATE
Empowering students to 
confidently recognize, react 
to, and effectively respond 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 100 academic institutions across 30 states.

Portal Login
FullLogo_Transparent_NoBuffer (1)
CREATE TTT Banner

CAST
PORTAL

Access the CAST Portal

Click the link below to access the CAST Portal.

Portal Login

annual seminar

Learn
About CAST

The 2024 CAST Virtual Seminar launched new Graduate Toolkits, Continuing Education materials, and a Simulation Hub for enhanced child advocacy training.

WATCH NOW

Contact Us

Collaborate
with CAST

Our streamlined contact form makes it easy to reach our team about program implementation, partnerships, curriculum resources, or to provide feedback on the CAST program. Access the form here, on the CAST webpage, or through the CAST Portal.

contact us!
CAST Overview 

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.

More

What is CAST?

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

View Brochure

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

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

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

More

What are Toolkits?

CAST Toolkits will be launched in Fall of 2023. Each Toolkit will include an 8-week course plan including a class syllabus, complete slide decks, supplemental readings, experiential exercise instructions, assignments and rubrics.

Download

More

Contact Us

Connect with the CAST team about program implementation, partnerships, training support, or program feedback by filling out our contact form.

Contact Us

CAST's National Impact

Over 100 programs across 31+ states are preparing tomorrow's child protection professionals.

Programs Nationwide

0 +
States and Growing
0 +

Ready to strengthen child protection education at your institution?

contact us to get started

about our impact

CAST Resources

CAST trains future child protection professionals nationwide through our Post-Secondary Educational Opportunities for Child Protection Professionals grant, funded by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). Our program equips mandated reporters and child protection specialists with evidence-based skills and knowledge.

Check out our essential resources including annual impact reports, a CAST implementation guide, our National Plan, and our quarterly newsletters.

Meet the CAST Team

IMG_1806
Ariana Leon
Program Manager
Counsil Headshot 2025
Tyler Counsil
Director, Child Advocacy Studies (CAST), Center for Education & Workforce Development
Lm2HQUOtJqSAGMlxVZhnv8JZufy9c9QlEwvcqm8uhKU
Victor Vieth
Chief Program Officer, Education & Research
Untitled design (1)
Nicole Davis
CAST Manager
contact us

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

Beyond the Classroom

Our latest series explores the real-world application of our CAST program through the resources and application of the curriculum, and the impact it has on the community of child protection professionals everywhere.

LEARN MORE

CASTing Call Library

Beyond the Classroom Library

Testimonials

2[2]

Dr. Betsy Goulet

Coordinator | 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.

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

Zero Abuse Project Headquarters

Main Office
366 Jackson Street,
Suite 300
St. Paul, MN 55101
(651) 714-4673
Virginia Office
1450 Duke St
Alexandria, VA 22314
(651) 714-4673
Indiana Office
2005 State St, Suite A Washington, IN 47501
(651) 714-4673
Jacob Wetterling Resource Center
(800) 325-HOPE (4673)​
DONATE
© 2024 Zero Abuse Project. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. EIN: 82-4614993