Pre-Service Training
CASA Volunteer Pre-Service Training Schedule 2022
Please be aware you must complete an entire 30 hour training session and have all background checks returned favorable to be sworn in as an advocate. You must be at least 21 years of age and be able to pass an extensive reference, Child Protective Services, sex offender registry and criminal background checks before becoming a CASA volunteer. You may not be a current foster parent or be in the process of adopting a child from Child Protective Services. If an attorney, you may not concurrently be appointed to any cases involving Child Protective Services in El Paso County.
The pre-service training classes are a part of the screening process, and that acceptance to participate in training does not guarantee that you will be sworn in as a CASA volunteer or that you will be assigned a case.
The training is a combination of in-person and online on your own training for a total of 30 hours. All training classes will take place virtually until further notice. You will need to attend all training classes during the same month.
* Please note there is a $25 fee associated with the background checks for becoming an Advocate. This fee will be collected after your pre-screening interview.
All prospective CASA Volunteers must attend orientation, submit application, attend pre-screening and complete background check and references before starting any training session with CASA of El Paso.
CLICK HERE TO ATTEND A CASA 101: VOLUNTEER INFORMATION SESSION
CLICK HERE TO APPLY TO BECOME A CASA VOLUNTEER
May 2022
Pre-Service Training Class (Morning Session - AM)
(Each prospective Advocate must attend and complete each virtual session listed below)
| DATE | DAY | FORMAT | TIME |
| May 12 | Thursday | In-Person w/Trainer | 9:30AM–1:00PM |
| May 16 | Monday | Online E-Learning | On your own |
| May 17 | Tuesday | In-Person w/Trainer | 9:30AM-1:00PM |
| May 18 | Wednesday | Online E-Learning | On your own |
| May 19 | Thursday | In-Person w/Trainer | 9:30AM-1:00PM |
| May 23-25 | Mon/Tue/Wed | Online E-Learning | On your own |
| May 26 | Thursday | In-Person w/Trainer | 9:30AM-1:00PM |
Advocate In-Service Sessions via Zoom (Mandatory)
| DATE | DAY | TOPIC | TIME |
| May 24 | Tuesday | In-Service TBD | 5:00-7:00PM |
| May 25 | Wednesday | In-Service TBD | 5:00-7:00PM |
Pre-Service Training Class (Evening Session - PM)
(Each prospective Advocate must attend and complete each virtual session listed below)
| DATE | DAY | FORMAT | TIME |
| May 12 | Thursday | Zoom w/Trainer | 5:00-8:30PM |
| May 16 | Monday | Online E-Learning | On your own |
| May 17 | Tuesday | Zoom w/Trainer | 5:00-8:30PM |
| May 18 | Wednesday | Online E-Learning | On your own |
| May 19 | Thursday | Zoom w/Trainer | 5:00-8:30PM |
| May 23-25 | Mon/Tue/Wed | Online E-Learning | On your own |
| May 26 | Thursday | Zoom w/Trainer | 5:00-8:30PM |
***Zoom sessions subject to change to in-person***
Advocate In-Service Sessions via Zoom (Mandatory)
| DATE | DAY | TOPIC | TIME |
| May 24 | Tuesday | In-Service TBD | 5:00-7:00PM |
| May 25 | Wednesday | In-Service TBD | 5:00-7:00PM |
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JUNE 2022
Pre-Service Training Class (Morning Session - AM)
(Each prospective Advocate must attend and complete each virtual session listed below)
| DATE | DAY | FORMAT | TIME |
| June 9 | Thursday | In-Person w/Trainer | 9:30AM–1:00PM |
| June 13 | Monday | Online E-Learning | On your own |
| June 14 | Tuesday | In-Person w/Trainer | 9:30AM-1:00PM |
| June 15 | Wednesday | Online E-Learning | On your own |
| June 16 | Thursday | In-Person w/Trainer | 9:30AM-1:00PM |
| June 20-22 | Mon/Tue/Wed | Online E-Learning | On your own |
| June 23 | Thursday | In-Person w/Trainer | 9:30AM-1:00PM |
Advocate In-Service Sessions via Zoom (Mandatory)
| DATE | DAY | TOPIC | TIME |
| June 22 | Wednesday | In-Service TBD | 5:00-7:30PM |
| June 27 | Monday | In-Service TBD | 5:00-7:00PM |
Pre-Service Training Class (Evening Session - PM)
| DATE | DAY | FORMAT | TIME |
| June 9 | Thursday | Zoom w/Trainer | 5:00–8:30PM |
| June 13 | Monday | Online E-Learning | On your own |
| June 14 | Tuesday | Zoom w/Trainer | 5:00–8:30PM |
| June 15 | Wednesday | Online E-Learning | On your own |
| June 16 | Thursday | Zoom w/Trainer | 5:00–8:30PM |
| June 20-22 | Mon/Tue/Wed | Online E-Learning | On your own |
| June 23 | Thursday | Zoom w/Trainer | 5:00–8:30PM |
***Zoom sessions subject to change to in-person***
Advocate In-Service Sessions via Zoom (Mandatory)
| DATE | DAY | TOPIC | TIME |
| June 22 | Wednesday | In-Service TBD | 5:00-7:30PM |
| June 27 | Monday | In-Service TBD | 5:00-7:00PM |
CLICK HERE TO ATTEND A CASA 101: VOLUNTEER INFORMATION SESSION
CLICK HERE TO APPY TO BECOME A CASA
To Become a CASA Volunteer Means You Are:
- Willing to commit at least 18 months of your time (on average, volunteers spend 10-15 hours a month on their case);
- Able to effectively communicate orally and in writing;
- Willing to participate in an in-depth training program;
- Able to pass criminal and CPS history background checks; and
- Over age 21
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A CASA is a Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteer who works with abused and neglected children in the court system.
When children are removed from their home due to abuse or neglect, the judge will appoint one of our volunteers, CASAs, to be that child’s advocate and help determine what is in the best interest of the child. As an objective party, the CASA functions as the child’s voice as they go through the court system.
CASA volunteers get to know the child and offer a consistent, stable presence in the child’s life during a difficult time. They speak to everyone involved in the child’s life, including their families, teachers, attorneys, social workers, therapist, psychiatrists and others. Among other things, CASA volunteers research thecase, create a plan for advocacy and make recommendations to the court. All of this information helps the court make informed decisions as to what is in the best interest of the child.
Being a CASA volunteer does not require any special education or background. It requires participation in our training program and the desire to help abused and neglected children find safe, permanent homes.
After completing a 30-hour training class provided by CASA of El Paso and being assigned to a case, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) begin visiting the child regularly. Volunteer Advocates work closely with, but independent of, Child Protective Services (CPS) and attorneys.
The volunteer Advocate talks with the child, parents, family members, school officials, health providers and others who are knowledgeable about the child’s history. The volunteer Advocate then provides the judge with a carefully researched background of the child to help the court make a sound decision about the child’s future.
The volunteer Advocate makes a recommendation to the court for permanent placement, stating whether it is in the best interest of the child to live with the parent(s), live with relatives, remain in foster care, or be available for permanent adoption.