Training
Volunteer Training - NEXT TRAINING CLASS STARTS September 11, 2012
After being interviewed and screened, potential volunteer advocates attend 30 hours of classroom training, plus additional time in court observations. Topics include Dynamics of Child Abuse and Neglect, Advocate Responsibilities, Family Violence, Cultural Competence, Permanency Planning, Accessing Services, and Court Proceedings. You will learn court report writing, interviewing and fact-finding, substance abuse, child development, cultural awareness, child welfare law, and other topics that involve child welfare. Professionals from the community participate in the training, including therapists, attorneys, and social workers. There are also opportunities to speak with experienced CASA/GAL Volunteers. During training, volunteers have the opportunity to visit court and are expected to write a draft court report. All classes must be completed before potential volunteers can graduate and be sworn-in as CASA/GAL Volunteers. After volunteers complete the training, a Williamson County Judge will swear them in as officers of the court, the first step toward being appointed as an advocate.
After being appointed to a case, volunteers are required to participate in Continuing Education or In-Service training. These are offered the third Thursday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at the CASA office. Volunteers are expected to complete 12 hours of continuing education every year, which can include those provided by CASA as well as other trainings in the community.
Some training sessions can be made up if you are not able to attend on a scheduled date. To be eligible to attend the Initial Training you need to begin with the application process. Please let us know as soon as possible if you have any questions or potential conflicts with the training schedules.
Interested in becoming a volunteer?
Thank you for your interest in becoming a Guardian ad Litem / Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). Potential volunteer advocates must attend an information session, be interviewed, and pass background checks prior to becoming a CASA/GAL.
Download the CASA Volunteer Application