Child Advocacy Studies (CAST) Program
The CAST program is available at participating Florida universities!
A staggering 76% of U.S. high school students report experiencing at least one adverse childhood experience, with emotional and physical abuse being among the most common (Swedo, Pampati, Anderson, et al., 2024).
The CAST program provides students with the skills to build a resilient foundation for working within child welfare systems and equips future professionals with tools to recognize and respond to child maltreatment.
Through cutting-edge curriculum, the 9-credit CAST digital badge program is designed to build competencies and core skills to encourage meaningful change in the field.
Established in 2004 and implemented in 100+ academic programs in over 30 states.
Make a Difference in Child Welfare
Thinking about a career in child welfare, social work, healthcare, law enforcement, school counseling, or a related field? The Child Advocacy Studies (CAST) program, facilitated by the Zero Abuse Project, is the nation's only evidence-based programming for postsecondary child maltreatment education (The California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare, 2025). CAST equips you with the skills to protect children, navigate tough cases, and build a resilient, fulfilling career.
By participating in CAST, you’ll:
- Earn a 9-credit digital badge to boost your resume
- Learn to identify, investigate, and respond to child maltreatment
- Master resilience strategies to sustain your passion and well-being
- Take expert-led courses
- Join an interdisciplinary professional network (medicine, law, education, criminal justice, music therapy, and more)
- Drive meaningful change in child welfare systems
Start your educational journey today—build a career that makes a difference and lasts a lifetime.
Participating Students Gain:
Resilience as Professionals
Connections with Peers Across Disciplines
Engaging Activities
Specialized Skills and Insights into Child Welfare
Networking and Career Opportunities
A Digital Badge to Enhance their Degree
Eligibility
- Completion of general education requirements
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 in all social work coursework (including field placements)
- Statement of interest that includes proposed career goals
Join a CAST program near you!
Approved by the Zero Abuse Project
Florida Institute of Technology
The Academic Innovation program at the Florida Institute for Child Welfare is proud to partner with universities across the state to promote the CAST program to Florida's future child welfare workforce. Join our priority mailing list to stay informed about CAST expanding to additional universities and other opportunities from the Academic Innovation program. For questions or further support, reach out to the program team at FICW-AI@FSU.EDU.
References
Swedo EA, Pampati S, Anderson KN, et al. Adverse Childhood Experiences and Health Conditions and Risk Behaviors Among High School Students — Youth Risk Behavior Survey, United States, 2023. MMWR Suppl 2024;73(Suppl-4):39–49. DOI:
The California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare. (2025, March). Child Advocacy Studies (CAST).