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Advocates

Continuing Education

In order to keep current with issues that relate to the volunteer role, our volunteers are required to complete 12 hours of continuing education per year. For new volunteers, continuing education hours are prorated by the percentage of the year the advocate was a volunteer. The requirement applies to all volunteers who have been sworn and not discharged, regardless of whether they are assigned to a case.


Continuing Education by CASA

Working with LGBTQ+ Youth in the CASA Role

Alison Karimi, a DCF Program Supervisor in the Office of Intimate Partner Violence, Substance Use, and Recovery, will offer a training session describing the practice approach DCF takes regarding Intimate Partner Violence and the service delivery system across the state to which many families are referred. 

When: Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m
Cost: No cost
Location:  Zoom

 

Continuing Education in the Community

The Adolescent Brain, Trauma and Substance Use

Join psychiatrist Tan Ngo, MD, to explore the neurodevelopmental underpinnings of co-occurring trauma and substance use disorders. Dr. Ngo will also discuss the importance of trauma-informed treatment when working with teens and young adults.

When: Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Time: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Cost: No cost
Location: Register Here

Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children

This 2-hour workshop provides a basic overview of commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC), the extent of the problem and the impact this type of trauma has on children. It will also include tips for identifying and engaging victims and discussion of services victims need for healing and reintegration into mainstream society.

When: Friday, June 20, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Cost: No cost
Location:  Register Here

Healthy LGBTQ+ Relationships

This workshop, by One Love, engages participants with material about the challenges and situations LGBTQ+ people may face in the context of healthy and unhealthy relationships.

When: Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Time: 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Cost: No cost
Location:  Register Here

Youth and Child Abuse Advocacy 

As many youth spend more time behind closed doors, it is often difficult to identify child abuse. Additionally, younger victims may experience multiple forms of victimization and have a difficult time identifying and accessing services. This training will focus on identifying types of violence and discuss the complexities of working with youth who are crime victims, which is sometimes a result of familial child abuse. This training will also focus on safety planning, including cross-systems collaboration to serve some of the most vulnerable victims of crime.

When: Thursday, June 26, 2025
Time: 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Cost: No cost
Location: Register Here


Independent Learning

To encourage a diverse learning experience below are independent study options, such as documentary series, films, recorded webinars, or podcasts intended to be educational.

Click here forFilms

Click here forPodcasts

Click here forReadings

Click here forWebinars

CASA By The Numbers

  • Children Served Nationally

    276,000

  • National Volunteers

    96,000

  • Connecticut Children in Foster Care or under Protective Supervision

    7,173

  • Connecticut Children with CASA Advocates

    154

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