New CASA Training
Orientation Training (OT)
Advocacy Academy is the initial training a CASA receives. It is divided into three separate sections:”Getting Started” , ” Advocacy Academy” and “Beyond the Basics”. These three sections combine to fulfill the initial training requirement of 30 hours.
“Getting Started” is a half-day commitment of approximately 5 hours. Conducted by the Pima County Program, it consists of an overview of a CASA’s role, presentations from various agencies associated with the local program, and explanation of the dependency system and court procedures.
“Advocacy Academy”, is a two-day training conducted by the State CASA program and includes topics such as laws pertaining to confidentiality and mandatory reporting; parental substance abuse; presentations by CPS workers, judges, law enforcement agencies, attachment and bonding specialists, therapists, and others who work closely with CASAs and the children for whom they advocate.
Approximately two weeks after Advocacy Academy, volunteers attend a half-day “Beyond the Basics” session which provides more specific information about the Pima County CASA Program as well as its staff, Support Council, and local resources. Volunteers are also introduced to the basics of court report writing, special needs of dependent children, the Juvenile Court and hearing processes, and the administrative/record keeping requirements associated with their cases. The highlight of “Beyond the Basics” is the swearing in ceremony conducted by a Juvenile Court Judge in his or her courtroom and at which time the CASA oath is administered. Following “Beyond the Basics”, Advocates have numerous opportunities to observe court hearings, Foster Care Review Boards, or other proceedings to become familiar with their new roles before actually selecting and being assigned to a case.
