Careers & Internships

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:

• 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.

Internships

The Child Advocacy Studies minor includes a capstone requirement (like a field experience). The capstone experience is a required, four-credit class taken at the end of the CAST program (typically in a student’s final year). This off-campus, community-based course provides students with actual experience in the field and can lead to a career in child advocacy.