Volunteer Advocate pre-service training is offered several times per year (see CASA Calendar), providing a solid foundation for the role. Pre-service training:
- Completed over a two-week period, including some weeknight evening and day-long Saturday sessions.
- Follows a formal curriculum, enhanced with interactive exercises that help CASA trainees understand cultural differences, foster care, the child welfare system and much more.
- Features testimonials from current CASAs who share insights on what to expect, challenges and support resources.
- Includes a presentation from a Juvenile Court Judge.
- Covers guidance on Optima, the data management software used for CASA case management.
Training concludes with a swearing-in ceremony at the courthouse by the Juvenile Court Judge, who appoints each an official “CASA.” Soon after, the Judge will assign each CASA his or her first case/child.
Questions? Contact CASA@PeoriaCounty.org.