A key feature of experiential learning is the ability to construct environments that are as realistic as one would find working in the field. The University of Illinois Springfield, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), established the Residential Simulation Lab (a simulated training house) in 2016. Since then, the Alliance has expanded use to other disciplines and UIS students.

The two training labs (including a mock courtroom on the main campus) are designed to train students, investigators, law enforcement, and other first responders to identify and respond in cases of child maltreatment. The Residential Simulation Lab provides a safe learning environment that:

• Allows trainees to practice their knowledge and skills in a support environment where mistakes are allowed and can be corrected.
• Helps to increase confidence and competency, which increases job retention.

“The goal of our partnerships is to make it possible for child protection first responders and the next generation of child welfare workers to enter the field with the necessary skills to protect the most vulnerable of victims,” said UIS retired faculty member Dr. Betsy Goulet, the inaugural CAST coordinator and founder of the original Illinois Child Protection Training Academy.

The two labs are now utilized primarily by the Alliance for Experiential Problem-Based Learning and are supported by grants awarded to the University.