Volunteer Training PreWork

CASA of Eastern Oregon developed this pre-training site for the sole purpose of preparing Court Appointed Special Advocate Volunteers to advocate for the best interest of abused and neglected children in state care.  Materials have been developed by CASA of Eastern Oregon using the National Training Curriculum.  Use of the site is for volunteers training under CASA of Eastern Oregon who have completed the application process and individual program interview and is to be used in conjunction with our virtual pre-service training sessions.  Use by other parties is prohibited.  For more information please contact coordinator@casaeo.org.

Class 1: Introducing the CASA Volunteer Role

Class 1 PowerPoint

Pre-Work Instructions

Read the Volunteer Advocate Job Description through the end of the Bleux Case File in Chapter 1, and complete the following:

• Review and think about the Developing Competencies for CASA Volunteers assessment. 

• Watch The Stranger Who Cared: Mary Ellen's Story and be prepared to share thoughts.

• Write down any questions you have about the Child Welfare History material.

• Read the Advocates Roles and Responsibilities, the Role Comparison Chart, and Contact with Children in Appendix 3: Program Policies.

• Watch CASA for Children: Christopher's Story clip.

Videos

Christopher's Story  5 Minutes -  Video Below

The Stranger Who Cared. 9 Minutes - Video Below

PDF Documents

• Developing Competencies for CASA Volunteers

• Class 1 Dilemmas - In Class Activity 

Additional Resources

• Supporting Native Children 

• ICWA Intent 

• A Practical Guide to Juvenile Dependency Hearings 

• Safety Threat Description Guide 

• Life of a Case 

• Confirming Safe Environments 

• In Home Criteria and Conditions for Return 

Class 2: The Well-Being of a Child

Class 2 PowerPoint

Pre-Work Instructions

Read How Children Grow and Develop through Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse in Chapter 2, and complete the following:

• Using the Bleux Case File from Chapter 1, imagine that you are appointed as the volunteer. Prepare at least 3 questions that you would ask this family and/or anyone currently involved with this case.

• Read the Sample Court Report: Bleux Case in the Online Resources below. 

• Watch the Mandatory Reporting Video here: DHS Mandatory Reporting Video 

PDF Documents

• Strength in Families Worksheet

• Asking the Right Questions and Planning Your Next Steps Supplemental Materials

• Maslow's Expanded  

Online Resource

• Maslow's Pyramid 

Class 3: Trauma, Resilience and Communication Skills

Class 3 PowerPoint

Pre-Work Instructions

Read Understanding Child Trauma through Assignment: Prep for Interviewing a Child in Chapter 3, and complete the following:

• Watch the First Impressions: Exposure to Violence and a Child’s Developing Brain video below. 14:43 Minutes.

• Watch The Judge Video for your Respective County below.  2-3 Minutes.  If your county isn't listed, please watch any or all. 

• Watch the Ted Talk video How Childhood Trauma Affects Health Across a Lifetime below. 16:00 Minutes

• Complete the assignment Prep for Interviewing a Child.

PDF Documents

• Finding Your Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) Score

• Assignment: Prep for Interviewing a Child

• Building the 7 Cs of Resilience 

Other Resources

• PCEs and ACEs-Two Sides of the Same Childhood Experience Coin

• We Shall Remain - Historical/Collective Trauma 

Videos

Class 5: Substance Abuse and Cultural Competence

Class 5 PowerPoint

Pre-Work Instructions

Read Substance Abuse through the Case Notes for the Lavender Case in Chapter 5, and complete the following:

• Read about Drug Addiction through Opioid Painkillers at Drug Addiction Symptoms - Mayo Clinic

• Watch the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder video below or here. 

Lavender Case (Required reading before class)

• Questioner List

• CPS Caseworker: Lisa Kelly

• Attorney and Program Supervisor

• Child: Lavender Bass, and Foster Mother: Bonnie Matthews

• Father: John Bass

• Maternal Aunt: Leah Mailer, and Grandmother: Rebecca Mailer

• Maternal Aunt: Leah Mailer (Second Contact)

• Mother: Susan Mailer

Class 6: Domestic Violence and Cultural Competence

Class 6 PowerPoint

Pre-Work Instructions

Read Understanding Domestic Violence through the Case Notes for the Amarillo Case in Chapter 6, and complete the following:

• Write down any questions you have after reading the Understanding Domestic Violence section.

• Read this article Why People of Colour are Misidentified so Often. 

• Complete the Exploring Culture and Perceptions Activity in the chapter.

• Complete the Culturally Competent Child Advocacy Activity in the chapter.

Amarillo Case (Required reading before class)

• Questioner List

• Medical History—Maria Amarillo

• CPS Caseworker: Alberta Gillis 

• Child: Maria Amarillo 

• School Guidance Counselor: Julia Mansfield

• Foster Parents: Stanley and Karen Becker

• Maternal Aunt: Consuela Amarillo

• Kinship Relatives: Pedro and Anna Valdez

• Child: Maria Amarillo (Second Contact)

• Program Attorney

Class 7: Educational Advocacy, Older Youth and LGBTQ Youth

Class 7 PowerPoint

Pre-Work Instructions

Read Statistics on Youth Aging Out of Foster Care through the Case Notes for the Brown Case in Chapter 7, and complete the following:

• Watch the In Brief: How Resilience is Built video below, and think about relationships you had as a youth that helped you build resilience. 2:17 Minutes.

• Listen to the “Childhood Reflections” audio clip below. 6:45 Minutes.

• Complete the Questions Based on K–12 Experiences activity in the manual.

PDF Documents

• Educational Advocacy Quick Assessment Form

Additional Resources (not required reading)

• SOGIE: A Guide for Foster Caregivers 

• Ensuring Safety, Permanency, and Well-Being for Transgender Youth

• National SOGIE Center Resources  

• Center of Excellence LGBTQ Equity 

Video

SOGIE 101