This pre-service training will equip you with the solid base of knowledge you need to powerfully and compassionately advocate for a child that has been abused or neglected. In addition to gaining an understanding of child protection system and the CASA volunteer role, you will also learn about trauma and resilience, efforts at improving our systems and much more.
On this page you will find the required online Pre-Work (including videos and other activities) for each session. There are two options to complete your Pre-Work:
- Option A: Access session materials directly.
- Option B: Complete Pre-Work online in the Texas CASA Learning Center (CASA College).
Table of Contents
Click on one of the eight sessions below to jump to the pre-work, materials and online module for that session.
Session 1: The CASA/GAL Volunteer Role
Session 2: The Well-Being of the Child
Session 3: Trauma, Resilience and Communication Skills
Session 4: Mental Health, Poverty and Confidentiality
Session 5: Substance Abuse, Different Backgrounds and Experiences
Session 6: Domestic Violence
Session 7: Educational Advocacy, Older Youth
Session 8: Moving Forward as an Advocate
ADDITIONAL MATERIALS
Download the Complete Volunteer Manual
The full version is currently unavailable. Please check back on 2/28/25. We are sorry for the inconvenience.
SESSION 1: THE CASA/GAL VOLUNTEER ROLE
Pre-Work Instructions
Please complete the following Pre-Work prior to Session 1. There are two options for completing Pre-Work listed below. Option A includes a downloadable PDF if you would prefer to print the chapter and make notes. Option B is an all online, one-stop shop for the materials required for Session 1 Pre-Work.
OPTION A FOR SESSION 1 PREWORK:
DOWNLOAD MATERIALS
- Read pages 7–46, “The CASA Role” through the end of the “Bleux Case File.”
- Review and think about the Developing Competencies for CASA/GAL Volunteers assessment.
- Write down any questions you have about the “Child Welfare History” material.
- Using the Bleux Case File, write a case history in one or two paragraphs.
- Write down any questions you have about the case.
OPTION B FOR SESSION 1 PREWORK:
COMPLETE ONLINE
All steps outlined in Option A can be found in the online pre-work course below. Follow the link to complete the pre-work.
SESSION 2: THE WELL-BEING OF THE CHILD
Pre-Work Instructions
Please complete the following Pre-Work prior to Session 2. There are two options for completing Pre-Work listed below. Option A includes a downloadable PDF if you would prefer to print the chapter and make notes. Option B is an all online, one-stop shop for the materials required for Session 2 Pre-Work.
OPTION A FOR SESSION 2 PREWORK:
DOWNLOAD MATERIALS
- Read pages 66-98, “How Children Grow and Develop” through “The Importance of Family Engagement.”
- Read the “Bleux Case Court Report” provided by your facilitator.
- Read your program’s policies provided by your facilitator.
OPTION B FOR SESSION 2 PREWORK:
COMPLETE ONLINE
All steps outlined in Option A can be found in the online pre-work course below. Follow the link to complete the pre-work.
Important Note
If your program is following the blended curriculum, you must first complete the pre-work (either Option A or Option B) and then the blended curriculum online course below.
For Programs Using the Blended Curriculum
If your program follows the Texas CASA blended curriculum, please click on the course button to complete Session 2 in full online. Please make sure you have completed the Pre-Work above (either Option A or Option B) prior to starting the course below.
If your program offers all eight sessions of training in person, you do not need to complete this session online from the button below. Check with your training facilitator if you are unsure whether or not to complete the session online or in person. You must still complete the Pre-Work above (either Option A or Option B) prior to your in person training session.
SESSION 3: TRAUMA, RESILIENCE AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Pre-Work Instructions
Please complete the following Pre-Work before attending Session 3. There are two options for completing Pre-Work listed below. Option A includes a downloadable PDF if you would prefer to print the chapter and make notes along with the links to required videos. Option B is an all online, one-stop shop for the materials required for Session 3 Pre-Work.
OPTION A FOR SESSION 3 PREWORK:
DOWNLOAD MATERIALS
- Read pages 126-141, “Understanding Child Trauma” through “Initial Case Notes for the Black-Smith Case.”
- Watch “Shane’s Digital Story” video.
- Watch “CASA/GAL Sample Interview: 4-Year-Old Child Part 1” video and take notes as instructed.
- Watch “First Impressions: Exposure to Violence and a Child’s Developing Brain” video.
- Complete the assignment “Preparation for Interviewing a Child.
OPTION B FOR SESSION 3 PREWORK:
COMPLETE ONLINE
All steps outlined in Option A can be found in the online pre-work course below. Follow the link to complete the pre-work.
SESSION 4: MENTAL HEALTH, POVERTY AND CONFIDENTIALITY
Pre-Work Instructions
Please complete the following Pre-Work prior to Session 4. There are two options for completing Pre-Work listed below. Option A includes a downloadable PDF if you would prefer to print the chapter and make notes. Option B is an all online, one-stop shop for the materials required for Session 4 Pre-Work.
OPTION A FOR SESSION 4 PREWORK:
DOWNLOAD MATERIALS
- Read pages 152-171, “Mental Illness in Families” through “Initial Case Notes for the Greene Case.”
- Complete the “Examining Poverty vs. Neglect Scenarios” activity.
- Play the online game Spent to learn more about the challenges of poverty. Find the link at www.playspent.org.
OPTION B FOR SESSION 4 PREWORK:
COMPLETE ONLINE
All steps outlined in Option A can be found in the online pre-work course below. Follow the link to complete the pre-work.
Important Note
If your program is following the blended curriculum, you must first complete the pre-work (either Option A or Option B) and then the blended curriculum online course below.
For Programs Using the Blended Curriculum
If your program follows the Texas CASA blended curriculum, please click on the course button to complete Session 4 in full online. Please make sure you have completed the Pre-Work above (either Option A or Option B) prior to starting the course below.
If your program offers all eight sessions of training in person, you do not need to complete this session online from the button below. Check with your training facilitator if you are unsure whether or not to complete the session online or in person. You must still complete the Pre-Work above (either Option A or Option B) prior to your in person training session.
SESSION 5: SUBSTANCE ABUSE, DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS AND EXPERIENCES
Pre-Work Instructions
Please complete the following Pre-Work prior to Session 5. There are two options for completing Pre-Work listed below. Option A includes a downloadable PDF if you would prefer to print the chapter and make notes. Option B is an all online, one stop shop for the materials required for Session 5 Pre-Work.
OPTION A FOR SESSION 5 PREWORK:
DOWNLOAD MATERIALS
- Read pages 176–191, “What is Substance Abuse?” through “Initial Case Notes for the Bass Case.”
OPTION B FOR SESSION 5 PREWORK:
COMPLETE ONLINE
All steps outlined in Option A can be found in the online pre-work course below. Follow the link to complete the pre-work.
SESSION 6: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Pre-Work Instructions
Please complete the following Pre-Work prior to Session 6. There are two options for completing Pre-Work listed below. Option A includes a downloadable PDF if you would prefer to print the chapter and make notes. Option B is an all online, one-stop shop for the materials required for Session 6 Pre-Work.
OPTION A FOR SESSION 6 PREWORK:
DOWNLOAD MATERIALS
- Read pages 193–212, “Understanding Domestic Violence through Initial Case Notes for the Amarillo Case,” and complete the following:
- Write down any questions you have after reading the “Understanding Domestic Violence” section.
- Complete the “Exploring Backgrounds and Perceptions” activity.
- Complete the “Advocacy for All” activity.
- Build an Individual Action Plan.
OPTION B FOR SESSION 6 PREWORK:
COMPLETE ONLINE
All steps outlined in Option A can be found in the online pre-work course below. Follow the link to complete the pre-work.
SESSION 7: EDUCATIONAL ADVOCACY, OLDER YOUTH
Pre-Work Instructions
Please complete the following Pre-Work prior to Session 7. There are two options for completing Pre-Work listed below. Option A includes a downloadable PDF if you would prefer to print the chapter and make notes. Option B is an all online, one-stop shop for the materials required for Session 7 Pre-Work.
OPTION A FOR SESSION 7 PREWORK:
DOWNLOAD MATERIALS
- Read pages 216–246, “Youth Aging Out of Foster Care” through “Initial Case Notes for the Brown Case.”
- Watch the “In Brief: How Resilience is Built” video and think about relationships you had as a youth that helped you build resilience.
- Listen to the “Childhood Reflections” audio clip.
- Complete the “Connecting With Your K–12 Experiences” activity.
OPTION B FOR SESSION 7 PREWORK:
COMPLETE ONLINE
All steps outlined in Option A can be found in the online pre-work course below. Follow the link to complete the pre-work.
SESSION 8: MOVING FORWARD AS AN ADVOCATE
Pre-Work Instructions
Please complete the following Pre-Work prior to Session 8. There are two options for completing Pre-Work listed below. Option A includes a downloadable PDF if you would prefer to print the chapter and make notes. Option B is an all online, one-stop shop for the materials required for Session 8 Pre-Work.
OPTION A FOR SESSION 8 PREWORK:
DOWNLOAD MATERIALS
- Read pages 251-278, “Initial Notes for the Redd Case” through “CASA/GAL Volunteer Competencies Review Activity.”
- Using the Redd Case Notes and your program’s court report guide, complete the “Writing Your Court Report Activity” per your facilitator’s instructions.
- Complete the “CASA/GAL Volunteer Competencies Review Activity.
OPTION B FOR SESSION 8 PREWORK:
COMPLETE ONLINE
All steps outlined in Option A can be found in the online pre-work course below. Follow the link to complete the pre-work.
