Woman working with students

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.