Training scheduled to begin August 1, 2007

Call CASA @ 209.567.4230 or e-mail: cmcasaofstanco@yahoo.com  for an application and/or for further information.

    Independent Study Opportunities are also available.

All CASA volunteer advocates will be provided with a National CASA training manual that includes copies of pertinent federal, state, and local laws. It will also include policies and procedures that relate to the program. CASA will provide training to any interested agency or persons that require knowledge of CASA and how to work with CASA effectively. CASA will conduct a minimum of two basic training courses per year.

Basic core training will consist of at least 30 hours of training which includes the following topics:

§ Roles and responsibilities of a CASA volunteer advocate.

§ Juvenile Court process.

§ Dynamics of human behavior associated with child abuse and neglect.

§ Dynamics of families.

§ Relevant state and federal laws including the Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA), the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), and the Multi Ethnic Placement Act (MEPA).

§ Confidentiality and record keeping practices.

§ Child development.

§ Child abuse and neglect.

§ Permanency planning and resources.

§ Community agencies and resources.

§ Communication and information gathering.

§ Advocacy.

§ Cultural awareness.

§ Poverty.

§ Special needs of the children served: differences in cultural and socio-economic norms, values, and heritage.

§ Identification of personal and institutional bias or discrimination as it relates to the children and families being served.

Additional Training Requirements include:

§ On-site tour of Court and Community Services Agency

§ Volunteers will observe 12 hours of court in session to become familiarized with the proceedings.