Jul 31, 2025  
2023-2026 Academic Catalog 
    
2023-2026 Academic Catalog

PSY 8390 - Child Maltreatment


(2 Credits)

As the field in psychology has been expanding in the last years, there is an urgent need to prepare mental health professionals in specific issues considered relevant to their competency. One of the roles of the psychologist might require some knowledge and skill related to forensic fields and topics. A relevant topic to be addressed in this course relates to violence in general, and particularly, children’s abuse. Several types of child maltreatment will be discussed, including physical, emotional/psychological, sexual, and negligence. In addition, legal aspects and concepts related to Law 54, as well as Law 246 in Puerto Rico will be covered. Other important information regarding the forensic interview with children, according to the APSAC Guidelines, as well as the role testifying in court about interventions (assessment and therapy) with abused children will be covered in this course.