GetInvolved!

GetInvolved!

Take the first step to becoming a CASA advocate:

VOLUNTEER!

CASA PRE-SERVICE VOLUNTEER TRAINING (MANUAL AND CURRICULUM)

This pre-service training will equip you with the solid base of knowledge you need to powerfully and compassionately advocate for a child that has been abused or neglected. In addition to gaining an understanding of child protection system and the CASA volunteer role, you will also learn about trauma and resilience, efforts at improving our systems, cultural competence and much more.

DOWNLOAD MANUAL HERE.


PLEASE COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING PRE-WORK BEFORE YOU ATTEND YOUR FIRST VOLUNTEER TRAINING SESSION:

CLASS ONE:

  • Prior to your first class, complete the “pre-work” sections in chapters 1-5 of the “Volunteer Manual”
VOLUNTEER MANUAL: CHAPTER 1
  1. In your manual, read the “pre-work” pages 8–46, “The CASA Role” through the end of the “Bleux Case File.”
  2. Write down any questions you have about the “Child Welfare History” material.
  3. Using the “Bleux Case File”, write a case history in one or two paragraphs.
  4. Write down any questions you have about the case.
VOLUNTEER MANUAL: CHAPTER 2
  1. In your manual, read the “pre-work” pages 66-98, “How Children Grow and Develop” through “The Importance of Family Engagement.”
  2. Read the “Bleux Case Court Report” provided by your facilitator: VIEW BLEUX CASE COURT REPORT HERE.
VOLUNTEER MANUAL: CHAPTER 3
  1. In your manual, read the “pre-work” pages 126-141, “Understanding Child Trauma” through “Initial Case Notes for the Black-Smith Case.”
  2. Watch “CASA Sample Interview: 4-Year-Old Child – Part 1” video, and take notes as instructed. WATCH VIDEO HERE.
  3. Complete the assignment: “Preparation for Interviewing a Child.”
VOLUNTEER MANUAL: CHAPTER 4
  1. In your manual, read the “pre-work” pages 152-171, “Mental Illness in Families” through “Initial Case Notes for the Greene Case.”
VOLUNTEER MANUAL: CHAPTER 5
  1. In your manual, read the “pre-work” pages 176-191, “What is Substance Abuse?” through “Initial Case Notes for the Bass Case.”
  2. View the methamphetamine videos “Methamphetamine: Before and After” and “Why is Meth One of the World’s Most Addictive Drugs?” ***(WARNING: This video contains explicit language.)***:

  ***(WARNING: This video contains explicit language.)***


PLEASE COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING PRE-WORK BEFORE YOU ATTEND YOUR SECOND VOLUNTEER TRAINING SESSION:

CLASS TWO:

  • Complete the “pre-work” sections in chapters 6-8 of the “Volunteer Manual” 
VOLUNTEER MANUAL: CHAPTER 6
  1. In your manual, read the “pre-work” pages 200-217, “Understanding Domestic Violence” through “Initial Case Notes for the Amarillo Case.”
  2. Write down any questions you have after reading the “Understanding Domestic Violence” section.
  3. Watch “The Myth of Best Interest” video:

  1. Complete the “Spent” poverty simulation. ENTER THE SIMULATOR HERE.
VOLUNTEER MANUAL: CHAPTER 7
  1. In your manual, read the “pre-work” pages 226-260, “Youth Aging Out of Foster Care” through “Initial Case Notes for the Brown Case.”
  2. Watch the “In Brief: How Resilience is Built” video:

3. Complete the “Connecting With Your K–12 Experiences” activity.

VOLUNTEER MANUAL: CHAPTER 8
  1. In your manual, read the “pre-work” pages 266-292, “Initial Notes for the Redd Case” through “CASA/GAL Volunteer Competencies Review Activity.”
  2. Using the Redd Case Notes and your program’s court report guide, complete the “Writing Your Court Report Activity” per your facilitator’s instructions.
  3. Complete the court report.

PLEASE COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING PRE-WORK BEFORE YOU ATTEND YOUR THIRD VOLUNTEER TRAINING SESSION:

CLASS THREE:

Prior to your third class, ensure you have completed the following:

  1. Watched all videos for each chapter.
  2. Completed all reading and activities in the “Volunteer manual“.
  3. Completed and turned in the court report.
  4. Have completed your fingerprinting.