Child Sexual Abuse: Identification, Response & Mandatory Reporting under POCSO: A Self-Paced Online Certificate Course for Mental Health Professionals

Child Sexual Abuse: Identification, Response & Mandatory Reporting under POCSO A Self-Paced Online Certificate Course for Mental Health Professionals Child sexual abuse (CSA) is one of the most common yet under-recognized forms of childhood trauma. Mental health professionals are often among the first individuals to whom children disclose abuse, placing them in a unique position to identify, respond, and support survivors while navigating their legal and ethical responsibilities. This self-paced online course provides an evidence-based, trauma-informed understanding of child sexual abuse and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, with a special focus on the role of psychiatrists, psychologists, counsellors, social workers, and other mental health professionals. Through engaging video lectures, case discussions, practical examples, and quizzes, participants will learn how to recognize the different forms of child sexual abuse, understand grooming and disclosure processes across developmental stages, identify behavioural and psychological indicators, conduct sensitive trauma-informed conversations, and respond appropriately to disclosures. The course also provides detailed guidance on mandatory reporting under POCSO, balancing legal obligations with therapeutic engagement, addressing children's fears about reporting, maintaining confidentiality, documenting cases, and supporting children and families through the legal process. This course is designed for: Psychiatrists Clinical Psychologists Counselling Psychologists Psychiatric Social Workers Mental Health Counsellors Paediatricians Psychiatry Residents and Psychology Trainees Other professionals working with children and adolescents Whether you are a clinician beginning your practice or an experienced professional seeking to strengthen your knowledge of trauma-informed care and POCSO procedures, this course offers practical, clinically relevant guidance that can be immediately applied .