ProKids

CASA University Class Four (Online)
2021-04-13 17:00 - 20:00, 2021-03-04 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.
“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.”

Snapshot
2021-04-08 09:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York)
Join us at 9 a.m. Thursday, April 8!

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)
2021-04-07 17:00 - 20:00, 2021-02-09 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.
“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.”

Framing Futures (Online)
2021-04-07 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.
“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)
2021-04-05 09:00 - 12:00, 2021-02-23 17:00 - 20:00 (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.
“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)
2021-03-31 17:00 - 20:00, 2021-03-16 09:00 - 12:00, 2021-03-01 09:00 - 12:00, 2021-02-18 17:00 - 20:00, 2021-02-03 09:00 - 12:00 (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.
“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 Seven (Online)
2021-03-26 09:00 - 12:00, 2021-03-24 17:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Gathering and Communicating Information

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.
“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)
2021-03-25 17:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Virtual Communication Training

This training will provide CASA Volunteers with a basic 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.
“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.”

Snapshot
2021-03-24 17:30 - 18:30 (America/New_York)
Join us at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 24!

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.

ProKids closed
2021-03-19 00:00 - 23:59 (America/Detroit)

CASA University Class Six (Online)
2021-03-18 17:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Supportive Services for Children and Families

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.
“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 Five (Online)
2021-03-09 17:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
The Positive Development of Children

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.
“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.”

Snapshot
2021-03-09 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Join us at noon on Tuesday, March 9!

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.

Launch (Online)
2021-03-08 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
This program is designed to help with one of the toughest, yet most rewarding CASA Volunteer positions: serving youth ages 14 to 18.

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 Launch Program Manager. In addition to presenting training like this, the Launch Program Manager is available to consult on cases involving youth 14 and up. Along with your CASA Manager, the Launch 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.
“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.”

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Foundational Training
2021-02-22 17:30 - 19:00 (America/New_York)
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Foundational Training

In this class, CASA Volunteers will explore how their identities and the identities of others impact the interactions in everyday life. The class will explore topics of power, privilege, and oppression as well as give participants actionable strategies to explore and combat bias.
Please note: CASAs who have taken CASA University Class 4 in 2020, this class will be a repeat.
“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.”

Snapshot
2021-02-22 09:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York)
Join us at 9 a.m. Monday, February 22!

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.

Stewards of Children (Online)
2021-02-16 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York)
ProKids is proud to partner with the non-profit, Darkness to Light, to offer their two hour Stewards of Children Training.

This training features compelling and engaging content to motivate participants and is designed for parents, concerned individuals, and any adult that works with youth. By participating in this training, CASA Volunteers will gain an increased awareness of the prevalence, consequences, and circumstances of child sexual abuse and learn new skills and actionable ways to help prevent, recognize, and make a difference.
“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.”

President's Day – ProKids closed
2021-02-15 00:00 - 23:59 (America/Detroit)

Building Blocks (Online)
2021-02-11 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
The ProKids Building Blocks program provides specialized training for CASA volunteers who work with children ages birth through 5 years old.

Building Blocks CASA Volunteers receive additional training in assessment of child development, caregiver/child interaction, trauma, medical care, the law, resources and services.
CASA volunteers are asked to complete the required training within a year of being assigned a Building Blocks case.
Training will be presented by the ProKids Building Blocks Program Manager. In addition to presenting training like this, the Program Manager is available to consult on cases involving children ages birth through 5 years old. 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.
“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.”

Children of Chaos: Family Violence and Children (Online)
2021-02-09 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
This six-week curriculum is designed to help you understand family violence and children in your work as an advocate.

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.
CASA Volunteers will learn how family violence/domestic violence/intimate partner violence and the resulting trauma and toxic stress impacts the health and well-being of the children and families involved. Additionally, CASA Volunteers will learn how to use behavioral observation tools to gather information and determine potential resources in order to make recommendations to the Court on appropriate interventions and services. Safety for the CASA, mandated reporting, and self-care will also be discussed.
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.
“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)
2021-02-03 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
This six-week curriculum is designed to help you begin centering LGBTQ youth in your work as an advocate.

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.
As a result of completing this class, we expect you’ll:
-have a thorough understanding of the concepts of sexual orientation and gender identity and be able to understand common LGBTQ terminology,
-understand and have empathy for common issues LGBTQ youth and families experience as well as be able to recognize the resilience of LGBTQ people,
-understand how systems of oppression have been created at the societal and institutional level to purposefully disenfranchise LGBTQ people,
-have actionable strategies to advocate for LGBTQ people both individually and within systems.
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.
More about the Redefining the Center series:
As mentioned previously, this curriculum is designed to help you begin your journey centering LGBTQ youth in your work as an advocate. We hope that by completing this curriculum, you become inspired to explore more about the topics discussed and continuously learn how you can better show up for the LGBTQ community in your life.
Minority communities are over represented in the child protection system. LGBTQ youth are represented in foster care at rates 3-5 times higher than in the general public.
When we center minority communities, it means solving problems from their perspective, and considering them first in every potential solution. We need to move beyond asking whether a strategy will serve everyone to focusing first on whether it will effectively address the needs of those most likely to be in need.
“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.”

Snapshot
2021-01-27 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Join us at noon on Wednesday, January 27!

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.
