Main Content Start
Micro-Credential
Child Protection
Child Protection
Microcredential - Child Protection
DESCRIPTION
This Microcredential prepares individuals to recognize and respond to child maltreatment
and support families who have experienced childhood trauma. Participants will learn
to identify the forms of maltreatment and complete minimal facts interviews essential
for mandatory reporting. They will also learn about the various government agencies
and nonprofits that make up the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) responsible for investigating
child maltreatment and providing support to children and families after maltreatment
occurs. Through experiential learning, participants will learn the mechanics of an
investigation and the skills needed to advocate for families.
Instruction Method
Online and In-person
Knowledge Acquired
- See Learning Outcomes
Course Names and Codes
To earn this credential, the following courses must be successfully completed:
- Child Abuse & Neglect Perspectives (PSYC 2463)
- Child Abuse Investigations (CMJS 2473)
Durable Skills Awarded
- Collaboration
- Critical Thinking
- Empathy
Pre-requisites
None
Credits Earned
6 Academic Credits
Shortest Time to Completion
4 Months
Youth Services Advocate Pathway
Learning Outcomes
- Describe the history of child protection interventions, both civil and legal.
- Discuss forms of child maltreatment as well as potential consequences, interventions, and treatments.
- Explain the initial responses to child maltreatment by professionals.
- Describe the investigative process and the roles of interdisciplinary team members.
- Discuss perpetrator issues such as characteristics of perpetrators, perpetrator interviews, and legal charges.
- Explain the roles of other professionals, including medical, educational, and mental health personnel as well as other mandated reporters.
- Identify necessary support systems for the child and the family and access child placement needs.
- Demonstrate skills needed to serve as an effective child advocate throughout the investigative process.
- Explain how issues of race, class, sexual orientation, religion, gender, poverty, and social justice influence the investigation of child maltreatment and analysis, as well as knowledge of major concepts, models, and issues in the discipline of geography.
- Understand and use a coordinated multidisciplinary approach to share information and divide responsibilities in investigations.
- Use a trauma-informed response to develop support systems for children and families and minimize any negative impact of investigation.
- Use the necessary interview skills when maltreatment is suspected.
- Summarize issues related to child witnesses, such as recantation, suggestibility, memory, testifying, and the impact of multiple interviews.