
Careers
Child advocates may have a variety of functions at corporate, non-profit and government organizations. These functions might include:
- arranging adoptions
- dealing with child maltreatment, neglect, and abuse
- foster care placement
- early interventions with families and schools
- counseling for pregnant teens
- dealing with truancy problems
- behavior modification
- addressing health issues
- researching policies
- filing lawsuits
- lobbying
- home visits
- family and child counseling
There are many pathways towards a career in child advocacy. A CAST minor can be combined with a variety degrees and programs at WSU:
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Biology: Allied Health Option
This degree offers preparation for a number of health related fields from environmental health to physician’s assistant where there are many opportunities to promote health, fitness, and safety for children. - Business Administration or Public Administration
With an administrative degree, you can get a job directing child advocacy organizations and influence public policy to help protect children. - Criminal Justice
A degree in criminal justice opens the door to careers in law enforcement and corrections that play an active role in child advocacy. - Education
A degree in education puts you in a perfect place to notice possible maltreatment or abuse and lead in advocating for students. - Legal Studies
This degree provides entrance into careers with law firms, government agencies, and insurance companies where there are many opportunities for child advocacy. A Legal Studies degree is also good preparation for law school and one day advocating for children in lawsuits and criminal trials yourself. - Nursing
A nursing degree can lead to a job working closely with children where you can become an advocate for abused or neglected children. - Psychology
A degree in psychology can help prepare for work in counseling children who are at risk for developmental, behavioral, and social problems and their families. - Social Work
A degree in social work can lead to a career specifically oriented toward protecting children and supporting child victims. - Sociology
A sociology degree can lead to a career at an advocacy center or other outreach agency that provides assistance and support to children in need.