Upcoming Trainings:
Human Trafficking of youth in Colorado - Three sessions HT 101, 201 and 301
Tuesdays June 15th, 22nd and 29th, 2021
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Join the Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking in partnership with Colorado CASA for an important training on how human trafficking is impacting our state and region. Learn how the experiences of your in the child welfare system may intersect with the trafficking experience and how service providers like CASA volunteers can be involved in the response. Click this link to view the training flyer: Human Trafficking Trainings 2021. This training will not be recorded, be sure to join us live!
RSVP separately for each offering:
Juvenile Justice for CASA Volunteers
Wednesday, July 21st, 2021
12:00 pm - 1:15 pm
Please join us for a juvenile justice centered lunch and learn facilitated by Laura Arentsen, Program Director at Boulder Voices for Children. Laura will discuss the Colorado juvenile justice system, BVFC's Juvenile Justice Reform Project, crossover case advocacy, and provide examples of how CASAs are supporting youth going through juvenile delinquency court. This training will not be recorded, be sure to join in real time!
Prior Trainings:
Infant Mental Health:
In partnership with Mental Health Center of Denver, this training provided an overview of infant and early childhood mental health, the importance of relationships during the first five years, the impacts of trauma on development and the role of a CASA as an advocate for infant and early childhood mental health. This training was not recorded in accordance with grant guidelines. Click this link to view: Presenter Bios.
Resource links mentioned in the training:
Michelle and Heidi’s PowerPoint
Colorado Office of Early Childhood | Oec_families | Family
CSEFEL: Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (vanderbilt.edu)
Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network | (nctsn.org)
Early Intervention Colorado | Ei_home (force.com)
Elevate your Educational Advocacy:
Children who are involved in the child welfare system often need more support than their peers to succeed in and complete school. Our October Wellbeing Assessment data showed a higher percentage of children in virtual and hybrid learning environments with unmet needs in academics, work completion and attendance, and more CASA volunteers unsure about their children's educational needs than prior assessment periods. In response, we've gathered a knowledgeable and inspiring panel of experts to share information so we collectively step-up our educational advocacy game for children. In the United States, every child has the right to an appropriate education and as CASA volunteers we are here to help ensure that happens. Click this link to view: Panelist Bios Click this link to view: Training Recording
Winter Ideas to Support Children:
CASA service has looked different during COVID-19. We have been inspired by all the ways CASA volunteers and staff have adapted to changing policies and procedures and continued to creatively connect and advocate for their assigned children. As the days get darker and colder, we gather to shed light and share inspiration from our collective experiences. The session included a panel discussion, input from attendees and Q&A. Click this link to view: Panelist Bios. Click this link to view: Training Recording
Mindset Coaching for the CASA Advocate:
CASA volunteers find themselves enmeshed in the child welfare system by choice. These brave and caring individuals are determined to ensure the children they are privileged to stand up for have their voice heard and best interests represented. But what happens when the case takes longer than necessary? Or when it seems like caseworkers, the judge and everyone else doesn't have the same sense of urgency as you? What happens when a case closes and the outcome is not what you hoped? In this webinar, learn what self-coaching is and how using it can get you from frustrated and sad to accepting your next case. Presented by Lisa Drake, the Executive Director of CASA of DuPage County for the past 10 years. She is also a Life and Level 2 Nutrition Coach. She has extensive experience managing volunteers and believes mindset coaching is the key to helping staff and volunteers care for themselves while doing this critical, yet often mentally and emotionally painful work. Click this link to view: Training Recording
Spring CASA Volunteer Advocacy Panel:
A panel discussion that included six CASA volunteers who are exemplars of dedication and creativity during COVID-19. An opportunity to hear ideas for engaging with children virtually, ask questions and connect with CASA volunteers and staff around the state. Click this link to view: Panelist Bios. Click this link to view: Training Recording