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Advocates

Continuing Education

In order to keep current with issues that relate to the volunteer role, our volunteers are required to complete 12 hours of continuing education per year. For new volunteers, continuing education hours are prorated by the percentage of the year the advocate was a volunteer. The requirement applies to all volunteers who have been sworn and not discharged, regardless of whether they are assigned to a case.

 

CASA Discussion Group

Teen Topics 

Join CASA to discuss Teen Topics: Stress, Anxiety, Depression and Eating Disorders.:

When: Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Time: 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. EST 
Cost: No cost
Location: Register Here

 

Continuing Education in the Community

One Pill Can Kill

This training equips caseworkers with the essential knowledge and practical strategies to effectively support families as they navigate complex behavioral health (BH) systems. This session focuses on empowering professionals and volunteers to act as confident, informed advocates for the children and families they serve, ultimately improving service outcomes and stability within the child welfare system.

When: Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. EST 
Cost: No cost
Location: Register Here

Beyond the Bars
This training provides an overview of the education rights of students with disabilities who are involved in, or at risk of involvement in, the juvenile or criminal justice system. Participants will learn how unidentified or inadequately supported disabilities can contribute to academic failure, chronic absenteeism, behavioral challenges, school exclusion, and justice-system involvement. The training will introduce the protections available under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and related education laws, with particular attention to Child Find obligations and the early identification of students who may need disability-related services and supports. Participants will learn to recognize circumstances that may indicate a student should be referred for an evaluation, including repeated disciplinary incidents, truancy, failing grades, behavioral concerns, and difficulty accessing instruction.

When: Thursday, October 15, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. EST 
Cost: No cost
Location: Register Here

Stronger Together: Collaborative Strategies for Strengthening Families

True systemic change requires all hands on deck. This workshop brings together child welfare professionals, community partners, healthcare providers, and advocates to co-create sustainable support networks. Objectives include: Define the core principles of collective impact and how cross-sector community partnerships directly improve outcomes for children and families involved in the welfare system, Identify key community stakeholders, grassroots organizations, and informal support networks critical to building a comprehensive safety net for vulnerable families, and apply trauma-informed and culturally responsive communication strategies to foster trust and shared goals among diverse multidisciplinary partners.

When: Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Time: 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. EST 
Cost: No cost
Location: Register Here

Children and Traumatic Stress 
This workshop is a trauma‑informed training from Kristi House for non‑clinical staff who work with children and families. The session explains what child traumatic stress is, how different types of trauma affect children’s development, behavior, and health, and introduces the Essential Elements of Trauma Informed Care to help participants support safety, healing, and resilience for children, their caregivers, and professionals across child‑serving systems.

When: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. EST
Cost: No cost
Location: Register Here

 


Independent Learning

To encourage a diverse learning experience below are independent study options, such as documentary series, films, recorded webinars, or podcasts intended to be educational.

Click here for: Films

Click here for: Podcasts

Click here for: Readings

Click here for: Webinars

CASA By The Numbers

  • Children Served Nationally

    201,000

  • National Volunteers

    79,000

  • Connecticut Children in Foster Care or under Protective Supervision

    7,777

  • Connecticut Children with CASA Advocates

    219

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