ProKids

Now Playing: Discussions on Media Relating to Child Welfare
2022-03-24 17:30 - 18:30 (America/New_York)
A discussion on media relating to child welfare.

During each one-hour monthly meeting, CASA Volunteers will discuss a relevant series, documentary, or podcast and how we can use it to improve the work that we do. Participants will receive one hour of continuing education credit for each discussion attended plus up to four hours (total for the year) of media CE, as applicable. Please note that a Netflix account is necessary to watch these selections.

March’s selection will be the Netflix series, “The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez.” This heartbreaking docuseries examines the ways that the child protection system failed Gabriel, ultimately leading to his death. Participants should watch the documentary prior to the meeting and come prepared to discuss, learn, and share insights about key takeaways and how we can apply them to our work as CASA Volunteers.

Tough Stuff; Communicating and De-escalation (Online) Week 4 of 6
2022-03-24 12:30 - 13:30 (America/Detroit)
See week one for registration information.

Snapshot
2022-03-23 17:30 - 18:30, 2022-03-08 12:00 - 13:00, 2022-02-22 09:00 - 10:00, 2022-02-10 17:30 - 18:30 (America/New_York)
Join our Virtual Snapshot to learn how you can advocate for a child in need!

Because you will be the problem-solver, the researcher, the one person who can connect the pieces and put an abused and neglected child’s life back together. You will be the one who understands what’s in the best interest of the child you serve and who will call on others to make that a priority.
It all starts with attending this Snapshot. At a Snapshot you will learn about how we can provide training and support for you to become a CASA Volunteer in Hamilton County. Snapshots are free and you will not be asked for a donation.

CASA University Class Two (Online)
2022-03-23 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
The Negative Effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences

All CASA’s in Training must attend class one prior to attending classes two-seven.
In this session, prospective CASA volunteers will learn how abuse and neglect, plus other factors in a child’s life, contribute to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). This trauma that impacts the health, well-being, and development of a young person. Additionally, prospective CASA Volunteers will learn about resiliency and protective factors that promote a child’s ability to deal with stress.
EXPECTATIONS WHILE ATTENDING CASA UNIVERSITY

When you attend CASA University, you’ll be learning alongside other community members preparing to advocate for children experiencing one of, if not the most, chaotic times of their life. We take this work extremely seriously. Because of that, we have the following expectations for every CASA University participant:

• We promote a safe learning environment free of harassment, discrimination, and violence. It is never acceptable to speak or act in a way that intimidates, threatens, or denigrates the humanity of another participant, trainer, or community member.

• It is not appropriate to attend CASA University to explicitly obtain legal or other advice for ongoing or past child protection involvement. ProKids trainers and staff will not comment on or engage in conversation about any specific child protection case.

• The goal of CASA University is to educate the community how to effectively advocate for children while involved in the child protection system. We are unable to answer questions or advise about issues not directly related to this goal.

Failure to follow these expectations will result in removal from and barring of participation in all ProKids education and training indefinitely.

“This training has been partially funded through a contract between Ohio CASA and the Department of Job and Family Services. Ohio CASA supports local CASA/GAL programs throughout Ohio with training, technical assistance, legislative support, and standards implementation so volunteers may advocate for abused, neglected and dependent children in the court system.”

Poverty Simulation
2022-03-22 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York)
This event is subject to cancellation or rescheduling based on COVID-19 precautions and guidance.

This event is open only to graduates of ProKids CASA University.
In this training, hosted by the St. Vincent de Paul Society, participants literally walk in the shoes of a low-income individual in our community. It’s not a game; it’s a moving experience that builds empathy and sensitizes participants to the realities of the choices, challenges and obstacles that low-income families face.
Masks are optional at St. Vincent de Paul.

Framing Futures (Online)
2022-03-21 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
This training will include issues related to ages 6 through 13.

This training will include issues related to this age group including age-appropriate development in all areas of the child’s life and provides an understanding of the options for supporting a child’s elementary and middle school academic experience, focusing on how to best serve the individual child.
CASA Volunteers who work with children in this particular age group are asked to complete this training within a year of taking their case.
Training will be presented by the Framing Futures Program Manager. In addition to presenting training like this, the Program Manager is available to consult on cases involving children ages 6 through 13. Along with your CASA Manager, the Program Manager can assist you in accessing information and resources.
This is a recurring course. If you have already participated, you are welcome to come again – as some of the material has been updated – but you do not need to attend a second time.
EXPECTATIONS WHILE ATTENDING A PROKIDS TRAINING
When you attend a ProKids Training, you’ll be learning alongside other community members preparing to advocate for children experiencing one of, if not the most, chaotic times of their life. We take this work extremely seriously. Because of that, we have the following expectations for every ProKids Training participant:
• We promote a safe learning environment free of harassment, discrimination, and violence. It is never acceptable to speak or act in a way that intimidates, threatens, or denigrates the humanity of another participant, trainer, or community member.
• It is not appropriate to attend a ProKids Training to explicitly obtain legal or other advice for ongoing or past child protection involvement. ProKids trainers and staff will not comment on or engage in conversation about any specific child protection case.
• The goal of ProKids Trainings are to educate the community how to effectively advocate for children while involved in the child protection system. We are unable to answer questions or advise about issues not directly related to this goal.
Failure to follow these expectations will result in removal from and barring of participation in all ProKids education and training indefinitely.
“This training has been partially funded through a contract between Ohio CASA and the Department of Job and Family Services. Ohio CASA supports local CASA/GAL programs throughout Ohio with training, technical assistance, legislative support, and standards implementation so volunteers may advocate for abused, neglected and dependent children in the court system.”

CASA University Class Four (Online)
2022-03-17 17:00 - 20:00, 2022-02-16 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
Working with Diverse Families and Individuals

All CASA’s in Training must attend class one prior to attending classes two-seven.
In this session, prospective CASA Volunteers will learn how to identify strengths in families as well as how to work as a volunteer in an inclusive and equitable manner. CASA Volunteers will explore the bias and expectations they bring to the role and identify future work they want to complete to learn about populations different from themselves.
EXPECTATIONS WHILE ATTENDING CASA UNIVERSITY
When you attend CASA University, you’ll be learning alongside other community members preparing to advocate for children experiencing one of, if not the most, chaotic times of their life. We take this work extremely seriously. Because of that, we have the following expectations for every CASA University participant:
• We promote a safe learning environment free of harassment, discrimination, and violence. It is never acceptable to speak or act in a way that intimidates, threatens, or denigrates the humanity of another participant, trainer, or community member.
• It is not appropriate to attend CASA University to explicitly obtain legal or other advice for ongoing or past child protection involvement. ProKids trainers and staff will not comment on or engage in conversation about any specific child protection case.
• The goal of CASA University is to educate the community how to effectively advocate for children while involved in the child protection system. We are unable to answer questions or advise about issues not directly related to this goal.
Failure to follow these expectations will result in removal from and barring of participation in all ProKids education and training indefinitely.
“This training has been partially funded through a contract between Ohio CASA and the Department of Job and Family Services. Ohio CASA supports local CASA/GAL programs throughout Ohio with training, technical assistance, legislative support, and standards implementation so volunteers may advocate for abused, neglected and dependent children in the court system.”

Tough Stuff; Communicating and De-escalation (Online) Week 3 of 6
2022-03-17 12:30 - 13:30 (America/Detroit)

CASA University Class Seven (Online)
2022-03-16 09:00 - 12:00, 2022-02-22 17:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Gathering and Communicating Information as a CASA Volunteer

All CASA’s in Training must attend class one prior to attending classes two-seven.
In this session, you’ll learn about what information is important to gather as well as who to contact and where to get accurate and meaningful information, how to keep track of this information, what information is important to present to the court, and how to write an effective court report. Additionally, you will learn how to effectively communicate with others who may be in crisis or with whom there may be a conflict.
EXPECTATIONS WHILE ATTENDING CASA UNIVERSITY
When you attend CASA University, you’ll be learning alongside other community members preparing to advocate for children experiencing one of, if not the most, chaotic times of their life. We take this work extremely seriously. Because of that, we have the following expectations for every CASA University participant:
• We promote a safe learning environment free of harassment, discrimination, and violence. It is never acceptable to speak or act in a way that intimidates, threatens, or denigrates the humanity of another participant, trainer, or community member.
• It is not appropriate to attend CASA University to explicitly obtain legal or other advice for ongoing or past child protection involvement. ProKids trainers and staff will not comment on or engage in conversation about any specific child protection case.
• The goal of CASA University is to educate the community how to effectively advocate for children while involved in the child protection system. We are unable to answer questions or advise about issues not directly related to this goal.
Failure to follow these expectations will result in removal from and barring of participation in all ProKids education and training indefinitely.
“This training has been partially funded through a contract between Ohio CASA and the Department of Job and Family Services. Ohio CASA supports local CASA/GAL programs throughout Ohio with training, technical assistance, legislative support, and standards implementation so volunteers may advocate for abused, neglected and dependent children in the court system.”

CASA University Class One (Online)
2022-03-15 09:00 - 12:00, 2022-03-02 09:00 - 12:00, 2022-02-17 17:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
The CASA Volunteer Role in the Child Protection System

All prospective CASA Volunteers must take this class first as part of CASA University. To get signed up, attend a Snapshot session or please contact Zulema Ghohestani at zghohestani@prokids.org.
In this class, you’ll learn about the history of the CASA Volunteer role both nationally and locally, as well as how your role fits into the entire child protection system. Additionally, you will learn more about Hamilton County Job & Family Services (JFS) and how it works to protect children and serve families in our community.
EXPECTATIONS WHILE ATTENDING CASA UNIVERSITY

When you attend CASA University, you’ll be learning alongside other community members preparing to advocate for children experiencing one of, if not the most, chaotic times of their life. We take this work extremely seriously. Because of that, we have the following expectations for every CASA University participant:

• We promote a safe learning environment free of harassment, discrimination, and violence. It is never acceptable to speak or act in a way that intimidates, threatens, or denigrates the humanity of another participant, trainer, or community member.

• It is not appropriate to attend CASA University to explicitly obtain legal or other advice for ongoing or past child protection involvement. ProKids trainers and staff will not comment on or engage in conversation about any specific child protection case.

• The goal of CASA University is to educate the community how to effectively advocate for children while involved in the child protection system. We are unable to answer questions or advise about issues not directly related to this goal.

Failure to follow these expectations will result in removal from and barring of participation in all ProKids education and training indefinitely.

“This training has been partially funded through a contract between Ohio CASA and the Department of Job and Family Services. Ohio CASA supports local CASA/GAL programs throughout Ohio with training, technical assistance, legislative support, and standards implementation so volunteers may advocate for abused, neglected and dependent children in the court system.”

Tough Stuff; Communicating and De-escalation (Online) Week 2 of 6
2022-03-10 12:30 - 13:30 (America/Detroit)

CASA University Class Six (Online)
2022-03-09 17:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Supportive Services for Families and Individuals

All CASA’s in Training must attend class one prior to attending classes two-seven.
In this session, participants will learn about supportive services available to young people and families involved in the child protection system as well.
EXPECTATIONS WHILE ATTENDING CASA UNIVERSITY
When you attend CASA University, you’ll be learning alongside other community members preparing to advocate for children experiencing one of, if not the most, chaotic times of their life. We take this work extremely seriously. Because of that, we have the following expectations for every CASA University participant:
• We promote a safe learning environment free of harassment, discrimination, and violence. It is never acceptable to speak or act in a way that intimidates, threatens, or denigrates the humanity of another participant, trainer, or community member.
• It is not appropriate to attend CASA University to explicitly obtain legal or other advice for ongoing or past child protection involvement. ProKids trainers and staff will not comment on or engage in conversation about any specific child protection case.
• The goal of CASA University is to educate the community how to effectively advocate for children while involved in the child protection system. We are unable to answer questions or advise about issues not directly related to this goal.
Failure to follow these expectations will result in removal from and barring of participation in all ProKids education and training indefinitely.
“This training has been partially funded through a contract between Ohio CASA and the Department of Job and Family Services. Ohio CASA supports local CASA/GAL programs throughout Ohio with training, technical assistance, legislative support, and standards implementation so volunteers may advocate for abused, neglected and dependent children in the court system.”

CASA University Class Three (Online)
2022-03-08 17:00 - 20:00, 2022-02-09 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
Navigating the Child Protection Legal Process

All CASA’s in Training must attend class one prior to attending classes two-seven.
In this session, prospective CASA volunteers will learn the lifecycle of a child protection case and the laws that define that lifecycle. Additionally, prospective CASA volunteers will build on their terminology and expectations to become proficient when working in the legal system.
EXPECTATIONS WHILE ATTENDING CASA UNIVERSITY
When you attend CASA University, you’ll be learning alongside other community members preparing to advocate for children experiencing one of, if not the most, chaotic times of their life. We take this work extremely seriously. Because of that, we have the following expectations for every CASA University participant:
• We promote a safe learning environment free of harassment, discrimination, and violence. It is never acceptable to speak or act in a way that intimidates, threatens, or denigrates the humanity of another participant, trainer, or community member.
• It is not appropriate to attend CASA University to explicitly obtain legal or other advice for ongoing or past child protection involvement. ProKids trainers and staff will not comment on or engage in conversation about any specific child protection case.
• The goal of CASA University is to educate the community how to effectively advocate for children while involved in the child protection system. We are unable to answer questions or advise about issues not directly related to this goal.
Failure to follow these expectations will result in removal from and barring of participation in all ProKids education and training indefinitely.
“This training has been partially funded through a contract between Ohio CASA and the Department of Job and Family Services. Ohio CASA supports local CASA/GAL programs throughout Ohio with training, technical assistance, legislative support, and standards implementation so volunteers may advocate for abused, neglected and dependent children in the court system.”

First Friday – Special Topics in Child Protection
2022-03-04 11:30 - 13:00, 2022-02-04 11:30 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Timely special issue present in the child protection system but tailored for CASA Volunteers

Each month the topic will change to a timely special issue present in the child protection system but tailored for CASA Volunteers. CASAs will have about 30 minutes of material to read prior to each class for total of 2 hrs CE. The topics will be published one month prior to each class.

Tough Stuff; Communicating and De-escalation (Online) Week 1 of 6
2022-03-03 12:30 - 13:30 (America/New_York)
This is a six-week course for virtual communication training.

This class is held over six weeks, meeting an hour per week online. Participants must be able to attend all six weeks to register. All meetings will be held from noon-1pm.
This training will provide CASA Volunteers with a detailed understanding of communication theory and how it applies when you are working on a case. The session will include tips to handle difficult conversations, ways to build rapport, and strategies for de-escalating conflict.
More about our cohort continuing education classes:
You’ll complete the curriculum material within a cohort of other CASA Volunteers over six weeks. Each week, you and the other CASA Volunteers participating will complete materials to read or watch on your own and a homework assignment prior to attending a debrief session. This work on your own should take about an hour to complete. During the one hour debrief session with your cohort, you’ll be able to discuss the materials as well as listen to facilitated materials by a member of the ProKids team.
EXPECTATIONS WHILE ATTENDING A PROKIDS TRAINING
When you attend a ProKids Training, you’ll be learning alongside other community members preparing to advocate for children experiencing one of, if not the most, chaotic times of their life. We take this work extremely seriously. Because of that, we have the following expectations for every ProKids Training participant:
• We promote a safe learning environment free of harassment, discrimination, and violence. It is never acceptable to speak or act in a way that intimidates, threatens, or denigrates the humanity of another participant, trainer, or community member.
• It is not appropriate to attend a ProKids Training to explicitly obtain legal or other advice for ongoing or past child protection involvement. ProKids trainers and staff will not comment on or engage in conversation about any specific child protection case.
• The goal of ProKids Trainings are to educate the community how to effectively advocate for children while involved in the child protection system. We are unable to answer questions or advise about issues not directly related to this goal.
Failure to follow these expectations will result in removal from and barring of participation in all ProKids education and training indefinitely.
“This training has been partially funded through a contract between Ohio CASA and the Department of Job and Family Services. Ohio CASA supports local CASA/GAL programs throughout Ohio with training, technical assistance, legislative support, and standards implementation so volunteers may advocate for abused, neglected and dependent children in the court system.”

Redefining the Center: LGBTQ Youth & Families (Online) Week 6 of 6
2022-03-01 12:30 - 13:30 (America/Detroit)

CASA University Class Five (Online)
2022-02-24 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
The Positive Development of Young People

All CASA’s in Training must attend class one prior to attending classes two-seven.
In this session, participants will learn about the developmental needs of all children, how to identify when those needs are being met and how to provide educational advocacy for children.
EXPECTATIONS WHILE ATTENDING CASA UNIVERSITY
When you attend CASA University, you’ll be learning alongside other community members preparing to advocate for children experiencing one of, if not the most, chaotic times of their life. We take this work extremely seriously. Because of that, we have the following expectations for every CASA University participant:
• We promote a safe learning environment free of harassment, discrimination, and violence. It is never acceptable to speak or act in a way that intimidates, threatens, or denigrates the humanity of another participant, trainer, or community member.
• It is not appropriate to attend CASA University to explicitly obtain legal or other advice for ongoing or past child protection involvement. ProKids trainers and staff will not comment on or engage in conversation about any specific child protection case.
• The goal of CASA University is to educate the community how to effectively advocate for children while involved in the child protection system. We are unable to answer questions or advise about issues not directly related to this goal.
Failure to follow these expectations will result in removal from and barring of participation in all ProKids education and training indefinitely.
“This training has been partially funded through a contract between Ohio CASA and the Department of Job and Family Services. Ohio CASA supports local CASA/GAL programs throughout Ohio with training, technical assistance, legislative support, and standards implementation so volunteers may advocate for abused, neglected and dependent children in the court system.”

Redefining the Center: LGBTQ Youth & Families (Online) Week 5 of 6
2022-02-22 12:30 - 13:30 (America/Detroit)

Now Playing: Discussions on Media Relating to Child Welfare
2022-02-15 17:30 - 18:30 (America/New_York)
A discussion on media relating to child welfare.

During each one-hour monthly meeting, CASA Volunteers will discuss a relevant series, documentary, or podcast and how we can use it to improve the work that we do. Participants will receive one hour of continuing education credit for each discussion attended plus up to four hours (total for the year) of media CE, as applicable. Please note that a Netflix account is necessary to watch these selections.

February’s selection will be the Netflix series “Amend- The Fight for America.” This series explores the fourteenth amendment as the most enduring hallmark on democracy in the United States. Participants should watch the documentary prior to the meeting and come prepared to discuss, learn, and share insights about key takeaways and way that the subject matter applies to our work as CASA Volunteers.

Redefining the Center: LGBTQ Youth & Families (Online) Week 4 of 6
2022-02-15 12:30 - 13:30 (America/Detroit)

Redefining the Center: LGBTQ Youth & Families (Online) Week 3 of 6
2022-02-08 12:30 - 13:30 (America/Detroit)
