Training

CASA Volunteer Training

CASA volunteers receive training in courtroom procedures, social services, the juvenile justice system and the special needs of abused and neglected children.

Training Process

CASA provides the training required in order to be sworn in as a CASA Advocate or Mentor.
The initial CASA volunteer training is 36 hours (some of these hours are completed online). Classes are held in San Luis Obispo and North County.

CASA volunteer advocates are required to complete a minimum of 12 hours per year of continuing education after completing the initial training requirement.

Fees associated with becoming a CASA advocate or mentor include:
Fingerprinting – $20
Administrative fee to help CASA offset the cost of screening and training – $75
DMV Records – $5

Scholarship funding is available to assist in covering these costs.

The training curriculum covers the following topic areas:

  • Child Development and Family Systems
  • Community Resources for Children
  • Roles and Responsibilities of a CASA Advocate
  • Cross-Cultural Issues
  • Dependency Law and Procedure
  • Investigation, Interviewing, Report Writing
  • Dynamics of Child Abuse and Neglect

    • 2019 Training Schedule

    Please view the Training Schedule below for upcoming dates and times.

    January - February

    San Luis Obispo (CASA office)

    In-person training sessions will be held on seven consecutive Thursday nights beginning 1/24/19 thru 3/7/19 from 6 pm to 9 pm.

    March - May

    North County (Morro Road Education Center)

    In-person training sessions will be held on seven consecutive Wednesday nights beginning 3/27/19 thru 5/8/19 from 6 pm to 9 pm.

    June - July

    San Luis Obispo (CASA office)

    In-person training sessions will be held on seven consecutive Tuesday nights beginning 6/4/19 thru 7/16/19 from 6 pm to 9 pm.

    August - September

    San Luis Obispo (CASA office)

    In-person training sessions will be held on seven consecutive Wednesday nights 8/7/19 thru 9/18/19 from 6 pm to 9 pm.

    October - November

    North County (Morro Road Education Center)

    In-person training sessions will be held on seven consecutive Tuesday nights beginning 10/15/19 thru 11/26/19 from 6 pm to 9 pm.