The comprehensive training to become a CASA volunteer was developed by the National CASA Association in consultation with child abuse and neglect professionals, juvenile court attorneys and judges, CASA staff, and CASA volunteers from all over the country.

Using this standard curriculum, our goal during CASA training is to ensure that volunteers receive the tools they need to be the best possible advocate for the children they will serve while providing a positive and stimulating experience. We realize volunteers are taking time from their regular lives and families, so we try our best to ensure that the time they are investing is well spent.

CASA training hours are scheduled at times that are convenient for most working people. Prior to being sworn in, volunteers undergo 40 hours of training, which includes courtroom observations, conducted by the local CASA program. Volunteers learn about courtroom procedure from the principles in the system- judges, lawyers, social workers, court personnel and others. CASA volunteers also learn effective child advocacy techniques and are educated about specific topics ranging from seminars on child sexual abuse to discussions on adolescent behavior. All classes are mandatory and must be completed prior to being assigned a case!

In order to become a CASA volunteer we ask that you first attend a one hour Orientation Session. During this informal presentation we provide an overview of what to expect during the CASA training, provide a forum for meeting fellow classmates, and allow opportunities for questions. Prior to the one hour orientation session, a volunteer application and personal interview with staff must be completed. Upon receiving your application a CASA staff person will contact you to set up the personal interview and go over the dates, times, and location of the next CASA training.

          Fall 2010 Orientation Schedule

Orientation and Enrollment	Orientation and Enrollment DAY & DATE	Orientation and Enrollment TIME
Pre-Training Session	TBA	TBA
Pre-Training Session	TBA	TBA

                     OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2010 
                   TRAINING SCHEDULE


All classes must be attended to be considered as a CASA volunteer!  

Two Training Sessions: One morning and one afternoon to accommodate busy schedules.

**Please note that there is a Saturday session for both the morning and evening classes. It is a mandatory session and cannot be missed to be considered for a CASA volunteer position.

Option 1: Time: TBA	OR	Option 2: Time: TBA
Dates	Topics	Dates
10/21/2010 Thursday	Introducing the CASA Volunteer Role	10/21/2010 Thursday
10/25/2010 Monday	Introducing the Law, the Child Protective System, & the Courts	10/25/2010 Monday
10/28/2010 Thursday	Developing Cultural Competence	10/28/2010 Thursday
11/1/2010 Monday	Understanding Families (Part 1)	11/1/2010 Monday
11/4/2010 Thursday	Understanding Families (Part 2)	11/4/2010 Thursday
11/8/2010 Monday	Understanding Children	11/8/2010 Monday
11/11/2010 Thursday	Communicating as a CASA Volunteer	11/11/2010 Thursday
11/13/2010 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. Saturday	Gathering Information:  Case Study	11/13/2010 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Saturday
11/13/2010 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Saturday	Reporting and Monitoring	11/13/2010 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Saturday
11/15/2010 Monday	Pulling It All Together	11/15/2010 Monday
Various Dates (must complete 5-10 hours)	Courtroom Observations	Various Dates (must complete 5-10 hours)
To Be Announced	Swearing In Ceremony	To Be Announced

Training Information:

Location:      124 N. McDonough Street, Suite 101, Jonesboro, GA 30236
                                           
Contact:         Call: 678-610-1061 or email: becky.galbreath@co.clayton.ga.us

Parking:         Parking is free to all participants

Children:        Childcare is not provided during orientation or training sessions

Visitors:         Visitors are not allowed to attend class sessions


Stay tuned for more training announcements throughout the year!