ProKids CASA volunteers are trained in our CASA University, where they learn how to make a difference in a child’s life. CASA University consists of 30 hours of classroom instruction, two hours of court observation, and one-on-one field training with a child. While the volunteer completes the training requirements, extensive background checks, reference checks, and a personal interview are conducted.
ProKids was the first of 900 national CASA volunteer organizations to develop and launch the concept of a year-round training program.
CASA University was awarded the 2003 Ohio Attorney General Promising Practice Award, which recognizes the outstanding services of an Ohio organization that empowers victims of crime.
The flexible schedule allows potential CASA volunteers to start training immediately. CASA volunteers are provided with a comprehensive training manual, which corresponds to the 15 training classes. There are two training classes offered each week at rotating times and days, with speakers from both outside organizations and ProKids management staff.
The classes, which may be taken in any order, consist of the following:
The CASA Role
HCJFS: the Child Protective System
The Law and the Court Process
Understanding Families
Understanding Poverty and Family Violence
Communicating As a CASA
Substance Abuse in Families
Exploring Cultural Awareness
Child Abuse and Neglect
Understanding Children
Education Advocacy
Placement Options and Safety
Practicing the CASA Role: Gathering Information
Pulling It All Together / Court Expectations
Court Report Writing Workshop
Because CASA University is continuous, there is no starting or stopping point, allowing volunteers to encounter a large circle of people. In any given class, volunteers can be close to graduation or just beginning the training process. Volunteers can start training immediately and can complete training in as few as seven weeks or take up to six months, as their schedules permit.
