This pre-service training will equip you with the solid base of knowledge you need to powerfully and compassionately advocate for a child that has been abused or neglected. In addition to gaining an understanding of child protection system and the CASA volunteer role, you will also learn about trauma and resilience, efforts at improving our systems, cultural competence and much more.
On this page you will find the required online Pre-Work (including videos and other activities) for each session. There are two options to complete your Pre-Work :
- Option A: Access session materials directly.
- Option B: Complete Pre-Work online in the Texas CASA Learning Center.
Table of Contents
SESSION 1: THE CASA/GAL VOLUNTEER ROLE
PRE-WORK INSTRUCTIONS
Please complete the following Pre-Work before you attend your first volunteer training session:
- Read pages 8–46, “The CASA Role” through the end of the “Bleux Case File.”
- Review and think about the Developing Competencies for CASA/GAL Volunteers assessment.
- Write down any questions you have about the “Child Welfare History” material.
- Using the Bleux Case File, write a case history in one or two paragraphs.
- Write down any questions you have about the case.
OPTION A:
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SESSION 2: THE WELL-BEING OF THE CHILD
PRE-WORK INSTRUCTIONS
Please complete the following Pre-Work before you attend your second volunteer training session:
- Read pages 66-98, “How Children Grow and Develop” through “The Importance of Family Engagement.”
- Read the “Bleux Case Court Report” provided by your facilitator.
- Read your program’s policies provided by your facilitator.
OPTION A:
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SESSION 3: TRAUMA, RESILIENCE AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS
PRE-WORK INSTRUCTIONS
Please complete the following Pre-Work before you attend your third volunteer training session:
- Read pages 126-141, “Understanding Child Trauma” through “Initial Case Notes for the Black-Smith Case.”
- Watch “Shane’s Digital Story” video.
- Watch “CASA/GAL Sample Interview: 4-Year-Old Child Part 1” video, and take notes as instructed. Click here to view the video.
- Watch “First Impressions: Exposure to Violence and a Child’s Developing Brain” video
- Complete the assignment “Preparation for Interviewing a Child.”
OPTION A:
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SESSION 4: MENTAL HEALTH, POVERTY AND CONFIDENTIALITY
PRE-WORK INSTRUCTIONS
Please complete the following Pre-Work before you attend your fourth volunteer training session:
- Read pages 152-171, “Mental Illness in Families” through “Initial Case Notes for the Greene Case.”
- Complete the “Examining Poverty vs. Neglect Scenarios” activity.
- Play the online game “Spent” to learn more about the challenges of poverty.
OPTION A:
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SESSION 5: SUBSTANCE ABUSE, DIVERSITY AND DISPROPORTIONALITY
PRE-WORK INSTRUCTIONS
Please complete the following Pre-Work before you attend your fifth volunteer training session:
- Read pages 176-191, “What is Substance Abuse?” through “Initial Case Notes for the Bass Case.”
OPTION A:
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SESSION 6: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, BIAS AND CULTURAL COMPETENCE
PRE-WORK INSTRUCTIONS
Please complete the following Pre-Work before you attend your sixth volunteer training session:
- Read pages 200-217, “Understanding Domestic Violence” through “Initial Case Notes for the Amarillo Case.”
- Write down any questions you have after reading the “Understanding Domestic Violence” section.
- Complete the “Sorting People Online” activity.
- Complete the “Exploring Culture and Perceptions” activity.
- Complete the “Culturally Competent Child Advocacy” activity.
- Build an Individual Action Plan for Cultural Competence.
OPTION A:
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SESSION 7: EDUCATIONAL ADVOCACY, OLDER YOUTH AND LGBTQ YOUTH
PRE-WORK INSTRUCTIONS
Please complete the following Pre-Work before you attend your seventh volunteer training session:
- Read pages 226-260, “Youth Aging Out of Foster Care” through “Initial Case Notes for the Brown Case.”
- Watch the “In Brief: How Resilience is Built” video and think about relationships you had as a youth that helped you build resilience.
- Listen to the “Childhood Reflections” audio clip.
- Watch the video “Legislative Updates to Religious Protections for Child Welfare Service Providers” video
- Complete the “Connecting With Your K–12 Experiences” activity.
OPTION A:
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SESSION 8: MOVING FORWARD AS AN ADVOCATE
PRE-WORK INSTRUCTIONS
Please complete the following Pre-Work before you attend your last volunteer training session:
- Read pages 266-292, “Initial Notes for the Redd Case” through “CASA/GAL Volunteer Competencies Review Activity.”
- Using the Redd Case Notes and your program’s court report guide, complete the “Writing Your Court Report Activity” per your facilitator’s instructions.
- Complete the “CASA/GAL Volunteer Competencies Review” activity.
OPTION A:
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