LEWISTON – The course, “Responding to Child Abuse” will offer participants an opportunity to learn more about current child abuse and neglect issues from professionals presenting on topics in their fields of expertise. The course will be held from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, July 23 to 26, (lunch on your own) at Advocates for Children.

The course will also help participants examine how dealing with the issues affects them personally and professionally.

Topics will include the effects of domestic abuse, dynamics of abusive families, medical perspectives, the legal system, working with juvenile offenders, role of law enforcement, the Department of Human Services, prevention efforts, foster care system, responding to sexual behaviors, the link between animal abuse and family violence and responding to online child exploitation. The course, sponsored by Advocates for Children, is 45 hours, providing 4.5 continuing education units for teachers and professionals. The cost is $195. To register, call Advocates for Children at 783-3990.