VOLUNTEER
How Do I Get Started?
How Do I Get Started?
Below you will find what is needed to become a Court Appointed Special Advocate. Because the Eighth Judicial District Court CASA Program aka (CASA Las Vegas Program) must ensure the safety of children, the process for volunteering is extensive, very thorough and comprehensive.
The following steps are required to become a CASA volunteer in Clark County:
- Please provide your contact information to RSVP for CASA orientation (offered virtually/remotely) – Orientation Registration
- Complete the online Volunteer Application – Application Link
- Complete the supplemental background packet (This form must be submitted to CASA office by fax, email or in person) – Packet Download
- Confirm fingerprinting appointment. (Staff will contact you to set an appointment)
- Complete fingerprinting (There is no cost to you for fingerprinting)
- Complete an Interview (offered virtually and in person) (45-60 minutes)
- Attend 30 hours of training (Currently being offered in person at the Government Center)
- Take CASA Oath of Office and get sworn in by a Judge. (Will be offered virtually and requires wifi access and ability to use video conferencing)
- Receive your case file
- Pick up CASA badge
- Advocacy begins!
ORIENTATION
TRAINING
CASA Volunteer Training Dates & Times
CASA Volunteer Training Dates & Times
The CASA Program is excited to offer the National CASA Association’s 2017 Pre-Service Training Curriculum. CASA trainings are offered four times a year: Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. Below is an overview of the materials that are covered in the training.
Please note that at this time, the local CASA program is delivering CASA volunteer training in person until further notice.
Winter 2022 Training Schedule
Will start Wednesday, January 19, 6-9 pm
At the Government Center ODC # 3
This training is scheduled for in person participation. Please know there may be requirements to socially distance and wear a mask during training. All attendees must be registered through the CASA program to participate.
Spring 2022 Training Schedule
TBD – Spring 2022
Summer 2022 Training Schedule
TBD – Summer 2022
Fall 2022 Training Schedule
TBD – Fall 2022
CASA Training Overview
Chapter 1 Summary
Introducing the CASA Volunteer Role
In this chapter, participants learn about their roles and responsibilities as CASA/GAL volunteers and the principles that guide their work. This is a “big picture” chapter, setting the historical and current context of child protection and describing the CASA/GAL volunteer’s place in the overall system. Key child welfare laws will be discussed, as well as discussion about the local court system. This session provides an opportunity for participants to feel inspired, knowing they can make a difference in the lives of children. Court report writing and case studies are introduced in this chapter and integrated throughout the curriculum, as these key components are integral to the role of CASA volunteers.
Chapter 2 Summary – The Well-Being of the Child
This chapter focuses on all there is to know about child development and what a CASA/GAL volunteer needs to know to do his/her job. The goal is not for volunteers to master all the information, but to help develop intuition and be able to “red flag” situations that should be evaluated by a professional or discussed with a supervisor. The importance of attachment in childhood is also covered.
Chapter 3 Summary – Trauma, Resilience and Communication Skills
This chapter introduces the importance of effective communication in CASA/GAL volunteer work. Participants practice the skills they’re learning in order to build confidence and prepare them for their role.*Examines the dynamics of cultural differences.
Chapter 4 Summary – Mental Health, Poverty, and Professional Communication
In this chapter, it is important for participants to understand that while mental illness and poverty are risk factors for child abuse and neglect, most people affected by mental illness and poverty do not abuse and/or neglect their children. When working on a case that involves either mental illness or poverty, participants should always focus on the parent’s ability to provide a safe home.
Chapter 5 Summary – Substance Abuse and Cultural Competence
This chapter addresses substance abuse and how it can affect a parent’s ability to care for a child. This chapter also includes why participants need to know about this subject, why they need to be aware of their personal values about substance use/abuse, and ways volunteers can set aside their values in order to consider what’s best for a child. This chapter introduces the concepts of culture, diversity, disproportionality and cultural competence that will be further explored in chapter 6.
Chapter 6 Summary – Domestic Violence and Cultural Competence
This chapter goes deeper into cultural competency issues and delves further into addressing bias, stereotyping, institutional racism, and allowing participants the opportunity to create a plan for increasing their cultural competence.
Chapter 7 Summary – Educational Advocacy, Older Youth and LGBTQ Youth
The material in this chapter about educational advocacy and advocacy for older youth is intended to briefly introduce issues related to these topics.
Chapter 8 Summary – Wrapping Up
This chapter wraps up the pre-service training program. As participants prepare to launch into their real-world role as CASA/GAL volunteers, they review what they have learned in training, evaluate their strengths and challenges, and identify their support systems.
Training Topics included throughout each chapter
- Practicing the CASA Volunteer Role – Case Studies and Information Gathering
- Court Report Writing
- Documenting Case Notes into the Computer System
- Court Observation
- The Interactive curriculum is designed to help the CASA volunteer gain confidence in acquiring the competencies needed to become an effective CASA volunteer.
Ready to Take the Next Step?