CONTINUING EDUCATION
To stay updated on topics relevant to your advocacy, CASA volunteers are required to complete 12 hours of continuing education annually. For new volunteers, this requirement is prorated based on the portion of the year they have served. This applies to all sworn volunteers, regardless of whether they are currently assigned to a case.
To promote a well-rounded learning experience, volunteers may complete up to four (4) hours of continuing education by reading books, articles, or watching scripted TV series or films that offer relevant insights or perspectives. There are no limits on other independent study options, such as documentary series, educational films, recorded webinars, or podcasts.
Below, you’ll find some of our top recommendations for advocacy materials. Click the drop-down in each section to learn more.
MASLOW’S HIERARCHY OF NEEDS
Presenter: Dr. Brandon Bretl
Recorded On: July 2022
CE Credits: 1.5 hours
Description: Detailed introduction to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs presented by UT Tyler professor and CASA board member, Dr. Brandon Bretl.
Special Investigations & Forensic Interviews
Presenter: Wayne Cleere
Recorded On: August 2022
CE Credits: 1.5 hours
Description: Former DFPS Investigator discusses some of his previous experiences involving interviews and interrogations of suspects, victims, and witnesses.
Helping Children Cope with Grief, Loss, and Separation During the Holidays
Presenter: Amanda Schmidt & Erika Robinson-Freeman
Recorded On: November 2022
CE Credits: 1.5 hours
Description: An in-depth perspective of the thoughts, feelings, and confusion our children face when they are away from their families during the holidays.
The Whole Child and the Holistic Perspective
Presenter: Ellie Perez
Recorded On: February 2023
CE Credits: 1.5 hours
Description: This CE offers ways that we can engage the entirety of a child. Perez discussed ways that we can build partnership with children’s educations and the relationship for effective communication. Perez also discussed how supportive environments promote healthy attachments and relationships.
Educational Advocacy: Barriers in Communication
Presenter: April Munoz
Recorded On: April 2023
CE Credits: 1.5 hours
Description: This presentation shows us how we can effectively advocate for children in an educational setting and ensure equitable access. This includes identifying support for children and families as an advocate, which includes language program services and linguistic accommodations.
Interpreting People
Presenter: Tim McDonald
Recorded On: June 2023
CE Credits: 1.5 hours
Description: Tim McDonald is a seasoned Smith County Detective. He has a history of interviewing suspects and working criminal cases involving children and owns Aspis Consulting Inc, a nonprofit that educated parents on safe internet practices. He discussed scenarios that include reading non-verbal communication, such as body language.
The Importance of Multiculturalism in Foster Care
Presenter: Dr. Cregler
Recorded On: November 2023
CE Credits: 1.5 hours
Description: Dr. Cregler discusses the importance of advocating for cultural connection and offers understanding and sensitivity toward the advocacy process. This presentation also gives examples of real-world challenges in advocating for a diverse group of children.
Ethical Advocacy
Presenter: Dr. Helfers
Recorded On: January 2024
CE Credits: 1.5 hours
Description: In this CE you will learn about the appropriate timing of discussions involving ethical decisions and behavior. Gain valuable insights into applying ethical mindsets and reflection. Hear examples of ethical accountability.
Effective Advocacy with Foster Families
Presenter: Tiffany Davault
Recorded On: April 2024
CE Credits: 1.5 hours
Description: In this CE you will learn how advocates can overcome barriers when working with placements. Gain valuable insights into collaboration with foster and adoptive families. Hear how the Fostering Collective and CASA can unanimously advocate for the best interest of children.
Collaborative Family Engagement
Presenter: Amy McDonald
Recorded On: May 2024
CE Credits: 1.5 hours
Description: In this CE you will learn how to help establish support systems that will last after CASA involvement ends. Gain valuable insights into the importance of children’s connection to family, community, culture, and identity. Hear examples of how to utilize these new tools and strategies in your advocacy.
Adverse Childhood Experiences
Presenter: Dr. Brandon Bretl
Recorded On: July 2024
CE Credits: 1.5 hours
Description: Discussion on how adverse childhood experiences have lifelong ramifications. Dr. Bretl discussed gaining valuable insights into the importance of knowing about ACE scores. He also provided examples of how CASA volunteers can lessen the negative consequences of adverse experiences.
The Effects of Domestic Violence on Children & Families
Presenter: Susan McBride
Recorded On: September 2024
CE Credits: 1.5 hours
Description: Susan McBride Walden from the East Texas Crisis Center joins us to discuss the ways that DV negatively influences the children and families that we are working with. This CE covers topics surrounding cultural implications of families and DV, the different types of DV, and how CASA’s can help advocate for children and families.
Brain Matters Documentary – Early Childhood Development
CE Credits: 1 hour
Description: Discover why it is that some children thrive while others do not. Is it a matter of genetics, IQ, socioeconomic background, or education?
Advocating for Children With Sensory Processing Differences
CE Credits: 2 hours
Description: CASA of Lexington invited Rebecca Duvall Scott, author of Sensational Kids Sensational Families: Hope for Sensory Processing Differences, to speak about advocating for children with sensory processing differences.
Encouraging Kids Through the Tough Times
CE Credits: .5 hours
Description: Cathy Thompson, founder of Beyond the Classroom, speaks with her guests about growth mindset and easy ways families and educators can incorporate this into everyday conversations.
Empowering Single Parents
Description: Discover the unique needs of single-parent-families and how to help them become more confident parents and maintain healthy relationships with children.
the connected child
Description: As much as the adoption of a child is always a joyous moment in the life of a family, some adoptions present unique challenges. Welcoming these children into a family–and addressing their unique needs–requires care, consideration, and compassion.
delivered from distraction
Description: Drug therapies, our understanding of the role of diet and exercise, and even how we define the disorder–are all changing radically. And doctors realize that millions suffer from this condition, though the vast majority remain undiagnosed and untreated.
beautiful boy
Description: A teenager’s addiction from the parent’s point of view, a real-time chronicle of the shocking descent into substance abuse and the gradual emergence into hope.
ghost girl
Description: In class, “Jadie might as well have been a ghost”–no one spoke to her, nor did she engage anyone else. Her trauma appeared to have resulted from sexual abuse or satanic cult practices. A police case ensued; Jadie and her siblings were placed in foster care, but evidence to indict the parents remained inconclusive. Hayden describes the difficulties of believing a child with a history of bizarre psychological behavior.
what to expect the first year
Description: With the trademark month-by-month format, this book help illustrate what to expect during the first year and toddler years – one step at a time. This book is packed with practical tips, realistic advice,
and relatable, accessible information.
Strengthening Core Advocacy Webinar Recording
CE Credits: 1.5 hours
Description: The Sharpening Skills webinar held on September 25, 2024, was designed to help volunteer advocates strengthen their skills in supporting individuals with diverse needs, including those experiencing poverty and disparities due to race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and gender.
Making hope possible
CE Credits: 1 hour
Description: Have you ever advocated for a youth in a Residential Treatment Center (RTC) or in a specialized placement that seems like they have no one? What about a youth in juvenile detention or a youth without an authorized placement? The connection work with these youth can be daunting and frustrating as you try to engage a network of support for them. During this webinar, you will hear from local CASA programs and youth with lived experience on the advocacy work they are doing to turn “no one” into a network of hope for these youth.
advocacy for commercially sexually exploited children (csec) Course
CE Credits: 2.5 hours
Description: This free course was created to equip you to identify victims of trafficking, understand the unique needs of exploited youth, and provide them with the highest level of advocacy. The course is 9 modules and takes approximately 2.5 hours in CASA College.
Trauma-informed advocacy for children & youth in foster care
CE Credits: 1 hour
Description: The presentation includes strategies for advocating for children in courtrooms, schools and placements to meet each child’s unique needs. There is also discussion about how trauma influences a child’s ability to communicate about the case, and how to appropriately respond to trauma-related behaviors.
advocacy for Deaf & hard-of-hearing children
CE Credits: 1 hour
Description: This hour-long continuing education training was recorded on May 22, 2019 and features speakers Dr. Jon Bergeron and Shelly Bergeron discussing best practices in advocacy for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing children and family members involved in the child welfare system.
prenatal drug and alcohol exposure – what casa should know & do
CE Credits: 1 hour
Description: Many of the children and families that CASA’s are assigned to have mental health and substance abuse disorders. Both have implications for effective advocacy. This webinar will provide participants critical information about not only the effects of prenatal drug and alcohol exposure, but screening, assessment, treatment and interventions that can promote better outcomes for children.
GIRLS INCARCERATED: YOUNG & LOCKED UP
Where to Watch: Netflix
Run Time: 45 min/episode
CE Credits: .75 per episode
Rated: MA
Description: Follows a group of teens in the juvenile system.
THE TRIALS OF GABRIEL FERNANDEZ
Where to Watch: Netflix
Run Time: 45-60 min/episode
CE Credits: .75-1 per episode (based on episode length)
Rated: MA
Description: Follows the death of a young boy and the criminal proceedings for both the parents and the CPS workers who failed to protect him.
SAFETY
Where to Watch: Disney+
Run Time: 2 hours
CE Credits: 2
Rated: PG
Description: Inspired by a true story of a Clemson football player who has to raise his 11year old brother to keep him out of foster care while their mom completes rehab.
ChrisTMAS PRINCESS
Where to Watch: Netflix
Run Time: 1 hour and 26 minutes
CE Credits: 1.5 hours
Rated: G
Description: Inspired by true events about a high school girl who overcomes her complicated past (neglect/abuse of her and her siblings before adoption) to become one of the elite Rose Parade Princesses.
losing isaiah
Where to Watch: YouTube
Run Time: 1 hour and 46 minutes
CE Credits: 2 hours
Rated: R
Description: A drug-addicted single mother, accidentally leaves her baby in a dumpster while high and returns the next day in a panic to find he is missing. In reality, the baby has been adopted by a warm-hearted social worker and her husband. Years later, mom comes back to challenge Margaret for the custody.
you are my home
Where to Watch: Netflix
Run Time: 1 hour and 32 minutes
CE Credits: 1.5 hours
Rated: PG
Description: Separated from her family due to immigration laws, a young girl finds herself in the care of a heartbroken woman who faces her struggles.
the fosters
Where to Watch: Prime Video
Run Time: 45 minutes/episode
CE Credits: .75 per episode
Rated: TV-14
Description: Follows the lives of the Foster family members led by lesbian couple Stef and Lena, a cop and school vice-principal, respectively. They raise one biological and four adopted children in San Diego, California.
Growing up poor in america
Where to Watch: PBS Frontline
Run Time: 1 hour
CE Credits: 1 hour
Rated: PG
Description: Follows three children and their families in the battleground state of Ohio as the COVID-19 pandemic amplifies their struggle to stay afloat. As the country also reckons with issues of race and racism, the children share their worries and hopes about their futures.
Aged out: finding home
Where to Watch: PBS
Run Time: 1 hour
CE Credits: 1 hour
Rated: PG
Description: Take a peek into the lives of youth in The Possibilities Project, a privately funded program for 18-25-year-olds who have “aged out” of the traditional foster care system. Learn about the collaborative efforts of advocacy groups and families as they try to change the system to improve the lives of youth aging out of foster care and possibly onto the streets.
I am Somebody’s Child; The Regina Louise Story
Where to Watch: Prime Video
Run Time: 1 hour and 27 minutes
CE Credits: 1.5 hours
Rated: TV-14
Description: A woman tries to adopt an African-American girl, but due to a racially motivated ruling, the two are forced apart. The woman does not give up on the girl and continues to be her lifeline until they can be reunited.
Foster
Where to Watch: PBS Frontline
Run Time: 1 hour and 53 minutes
CE Credits: 2 hours
Rated: TV-14
Description: After years of trying for a baby and failing, the prayers of a despairing couple are answered when a wise young boy miraculously arrives on their doorstep.
Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot
Where to Watch: Prime Video
Run Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
CE Credits: 2.25 hours
Rated: PG-13
Description: Donna and Reverend Martin ignite a movement of compassion in their East Texas church for 22 families to adopt 77 of the most difficult-to-place kids in the foster system.
CHILDHOOD DISRUPTED: HOW YOUR BIOGRAPHY BECOMES YOUR BIOLOGY, AND HOW YOU CAN HEAL
Author: Donna Jackson Nakazawa
Description: Shows the link between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and adult illnesses such as heart disease, autoimmune disease, and cancer—Childhood Disrupted also explains how to cope and heal from these emotional traumas.
The power of moments
Author: Chip Heath and Dan Heath
Description: This book delves into some fascinating mysteries of experience: Why we tend to remember the best or worst moment of an experience and the last moment and forget the rest. Why “we feel most comfortable when things are certain, but we feel most alive when they’re not.” And why our most cherished memories are clustered into a brief period during our youth.
SPILLED MILK: BASED ON A TRUE STORE
Author: K.L. Randis
Description: Brooke Nolan is a battered child who makes an anonymous phone call to social services about the escalating brutality in her home. In her pursuit of safety and justice, Brooke battles a broken system that pushes to keep her father in the home, and she risks losing the support of her family, coming to the realization that some people simply do not want to be saved. Spilled Milk is a novel of shocking narrative, triumph, and resiliency.
Losing Isaiah
Author: Seth Margolis
Description: A social worker adopts an abandoned baby, but years later, the formerly drug-addicted birth mother returns and goes to court to regain custody of her son.
Childhood Disrupted: How Your Biography Becomes Your Biology, and How You Can Heal
Author: Donna Jackson Nakazawa
Description: Shows the link between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and adult illnesses such as heart disease, autoimmune disease, and cancer—Childhood Disrupted also explains how to cope and heal from these emotional traumas.
to the end of june
Author: Cris Beam
Description: Beam shows us the intricacies of growing up in the system—the back-and-forth with agencies, the rootless shuffling between homes, the emotionally charged tug between foster and birth parents, the terrifying push out of foster care and into adulthood. Humanizing and challenging a broken system, To the End of June offers a tribute to resiliency and hope for real change.
CASA ON THE GO
Host: Texas CASA
CE Credits: Time listened = CE credits
Description: This continuing education podcast connects CASA volunteers with engaging and relevant training designed to help strengthen advocacy for children and families. Each short, dynamic episode features informative discussions with subject matter experts exploring topics connected to child welfare and practical tips for informed CASA advocacy.
NATIONAL CASA PODCAST
Host: National CASA
CE Credits: Time listened = CE credits
Description: In this series of interviews, we update you on National CASA, alert you to legislative action, share experiences from program staff and volunteers in the network, and direct first-person accounts from the youth we serve. In addition, you will learn essential staff and volunteer skills to help you advocate for abused and neglected kids.
CASEYCAST
Host: Lisa Hamilton, President & CEO, Annie E. Casey Foundation
CE Credits: Time listened = CE credits
Description: Welcome to the Annie E. Casey Foundation podcast. A monthly conversation focuses on how we can work together to build a brighter future for kids, families, and communities
The forgotten podcast
Host: The Forgotten Initiative
CE Credits: Time listened = CE credits
Description: Whether you are a part of the foster care community, passionate about serving, or simply interested in learning more, we are here for you!
child welfare information gateway
Host: A Service of the Children’s Bureau
CE Credits: Time listened = CE credits
Description: The Child Welfare Information Gateway Podcast shares the innovations, lessons, and perspectives of those working to improve the child welfare system. Our mission is to help adoption, foster care, and child safety caseworkers by exploring new ideas and practices making a difference in the lives of children, youth, and families. Child Welfare Information Gateway is a service of the Children’s Bureau, Administration for Children and Families, US Department of Health and Human Services.
One in ten national children’s alliance
Host: National Children’s Alliance
CE Credits: Time listened = CE credits
Description: Engaging the brightest minds working to solve one of the world’s toughest challenges—child abuse. Join us for conversations with leading experts on science, law, medicine, morality, and messaging. This podcast is brought to you by the National Children’s Alliance, the largest network of care centers in the US serving child abuse victims. Visit us on-line at nationalchildrensalliance.org.
Doin’ the work
Host: Shimon Cohen
CE Credits: Podcast highlighting people working for social change. Interviews with social workers and those in related fields, educators, and activists about their work and personal stories of how they got into this work. Hosted by Shimon Cohen, LCSW.
trauma-informed lens podcast
Host: Matthew Bennett
CE Credits: Time listened = CE credits
Description: The trauma-informed paradigm challenges traditional views and approaches in various areas of education, social work, psychology, and public health. Each week the Trauma-Informed Lens Podcasters Curt Mower, Jerry Yager, and Matthew Bennett explore aspects of the trauma-informed paradigm and how it challenges traditional views of service delivery and current events. Join the revolution!
unlocking us with brene brown
Host: Brene Brown
CE Credits: I’ve spent over 20 years studying the emotions and experiences that bring meaning and purpose to our lives, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: We are hardwired for connection, and connecting requires courage, vulnerability, and conversation. I want this to be an actual, unpolished, honest podcast that reflects both the magic and the messiness of what it means to be human.
Armchair Expert with Dax shephard
Host: Dax Shephard
CE Credits: Hi, I’m Dax Shepard, and I love talking to people. I am endlessly fascinated by the messiness of being human, and I find people who are vulnerable and honest about their struggles and shortcomings to be incredibly sexy. I invite you to join me as I explore other people’s stories. We will celebrate, above all, the challenges and setbacks that ultimately lead to growth and betterment.
Hidden Brain
Host: Hidden Brain
CE Credits: Time listened = CE credits
Description: Shankar Vedantam uses science and storytelling to reveal the unconscious patterns that drive human behavior, shape our choices and direct our relationships.
do no harm
Host: Melissa Bright
CE Credits: Melissa Bright thinks she’s living every parent’s worst nightmare when her five-month-old baby tumbles from a lawn chair and hits his head on the driveway. But after she rushes him to the hospital, a new nightmare begins. The Brights are thrust into a medical and legal system so focused on protecting children from the abuse it has targeted innocent parents. With exclusive audio captured as the events unfolded, this harrowing six-episode series takes you inside the Brights’ fight to hold their family together against a system that can sometimes do more harm than good.
Topic specific continuing education
Disability Advocacy by Diane Smith Howard
Description: A litigator with more than 26 years of experience in juvenile and education law, Diane Smith Howard’s work at the National Disability Rights Network focuses on conditions for children, youth and adults with disabilities in institutional systems.
Trauma Informed Advocacy for Children and Youth in Foster Care
Description: Following the Trauma-Informed Care survey and report issued in 2018, Texas CASA, the Texas Children’s Commission and the Shield Ayers Foundation partnered to create this 1-hour session to help Attorneys ad Litem, Guardians ad Litem and CASA volunteers advocate for children in a trauma-informed way.
Collaborative Family Engagement
Description: Throughout this e-learning, you will receive an overview of the CFE process, concepts and tools; and foundational information.
Normalcy Matters
Description: A Guide to Supporting Children & Youth in Texas Foster Care with the hope that it will inform understanding of what normalcy is, why it matters, and the important role each of us plays in supporting and promoting normalcy for young people in the Texas child welfare system.
Advocating for older youth in foster care
Description: In 2022, there were 5,600 youth aged 14-17 in foster care in Texas, facing difficult questions about their transition to adulthood. Of those youth, 1,087 aged out of care with no network available, leaving them vulnerable to homelessness, trafficking, and poor life prospects. Learn how to help the older youth navigate their transition into adulthood.
Description: A Guide for CASA Volunteers & Staff in Texas is a new resource and guidebook for CASA volunteers and staff on best advocacy practices for young people impacted by sex trafficking.
important: log continuing education hours in optima
Make sure to log all CE hours into Optima to ensure your efforts are properly documented. Refer to the instructions below for guidance on how to record your CE hours. If you need further assistance, please reach out to your case supervisor.
optima Instructions:
- Log in to your Optima account. Locate the ‘Training‘ tab. From there, you can add a training under ‘In-Service Training‘.
- Schedule Date & Complete Date should reflect the day you started the training and the day you completed the training.
- Training Topic should reflect the type of material you learned about.
- Training Format reflects how you obtained the information.
- Trainer indicates whether or not this was a person facilitating or if it was media.
- Hours should be entered in quarter hour increments (.15, .5, .75, 1.5, etc.)
- Mileage documents how far you traveled for a CE opportunity.
- Notes can be as short as three sentences that explain the type of information you learned about. How did this relate to your advocacy? What are your major take-aways? If it was a class or workshop, who offered it? Please allow time for CASA staff to review and approve your submissions.
Continuing education Calendar
January 29th, 2025
12 – 1:30pm
Topic: Foster Youth Stigmatization
Speaker: Dr. Danielle Bailey