Trauma-Informed Child Advocacy Minor/Endorsement

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network defines a traumatic event as a frightening, dangerous, or violent event that poses a threat to a child's life or bodily integrity. Witnessing a traumatic event that threatens life or physical security of a loved one can also be traumatic. This is particularly important for young children as their sense of safety depends on the perceived safety of their attachment figures.

Endorsement

Professionals working with children and families need training in trauma-informed practices. This endorsement program complements the MSU Human Development and Family Science degree and other majors taught across departments and colleges by providing state of the science techniques used to assist and advocate for children and families who have experienced trauma. The endorsement requires a minimum of 12 hours of coursework (4 courses) focused on trauma and risk, child advocacy, human behavior and behavioral strategies, and/or family functioning.

Required Courses

• HDFS 2023 Trauma-informed Practice
• HDFS 2123 Perspectives on Child Maltreatment and Child Advocacy
• HDFS 3123 Global Child Advocacy Issues OR a Departmental approved 3 hour course

Students must also take one of the electives below:

• HDFS 4803 Parenting
• HDFS 3843 Guiding Child Behavior
• PSY 3213 Psychology of Abnormal Behavior
• PSY 3363 Behavior Modification
• Other courses, including special topics courses (2990 and 4990), will be considered for elective credit on a case-by-case basis.

Minor

Interested in working with children and families? The Child Advocacy and Science of Trauma minor can give you the tools to make a real difference. Designed to pair with majors like HDFS, Social Work, Psychology, Pre-Med, Pre-Law, and Education, this program prepares you to recognize the signs of trauma and respond in ways that support healing. With just six courses (18 credit hours), you’ll explore topics like trauma and risk, child advocacy, human behavior, and family dynamics—skills that will strengthen both your career and your impact on others.

Required Courses

• HDFS 2123 Perspectives on Child Maltreatment and Child Advocacy
• HDFS/SW/PSY 4123 Child Advocacy & Science of Trauma (CAST) Capstone

Students choose one of following:

• HDFS 2023 Trauma Informed Practice
• PSY 4343 Clinical Child Psychology
• SW 2023 Trauma Informed Social Work Practice

Student choose two of the following:

• HDFS 3123 Global Child Advocacy Issues
• SW 4613 Child Welfare Services
• SW 4653 Social Work with Family Violence
• HDFS 4133 or HDFS 6133
• PSY 4133 or PSY 6133

Choose one of the following:

• HDFS 3843 Guiding Young Children’s Behavior & Social Development
• HDFS 4803 Parenting
• PSY 3213 Psychology of Abnormal Behavior
• PSY 3363 Behavioral Modification
• SW 3003 Social Work with At-Risk Populations
• SW 4643 Social Work Services in Schools
• SW 4653 Social Work with Family Violence