Your Voice is Requested
Training scheduled to begin
January 25, 2010
"CASA guardians ad litems are the most effective representation from the community that our country has come up with yet."
Parents typically decide what is in a child's best interest and provide that the best way they can. They are their children’s best advocates. When parents cannot or will not protect, promote, and provide for their children’s basic needs the court intervenes; a CASA volunteer becomes the advocate when the parents cannot – or will not – fulfill this role.
Judges use the “best interest of the child” standard when making decisions in child abuse and neglect cases. During Pre-Service training, volunteers will learn how to effectively speak in a child's best interests.
Contact us today for an application and to sign up for classes 406.454.6738 or lgoffcasa@gtfalls.com
Steps to becoming a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) guardian ad litem:
.Complete a written application
.Provide four personal and/or professional references
.Complete a criminal records background check
.Participate in a personal interview
.Complete 30 hours of required training
.Participate in a mock trial and swearing in before the 8th Judicial District Court
.Agree toparticipate in 12 hoursannual ongoing training
Once you are sworn in as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) support and supervision is just a phone call or email away at the CASA office. Staff is available to mentor, offer additional training and opportunities for the support of other volunteers. We are in this together.
Pre-Service Training
Session I: Introducing the CASA/GAL role
Session 11: Introducing the Law, Child Protection & the Courts
Session III: Exploring Cultural Awareness
Session IV: Understanding Families Part I
Session V: Understanding Families Part II
Session VI: Understanding Children
Session VII & VIII: Communicating as a CASA & Gathering Information
Session IX: Practicing CASA Role/Reporting & Monitoring
Session X: The Role of the Department of Health & Human Services & Putting it all Together
Mock Trial, Eighth Judicial District Court Judge Swears in 'Court Appointed Special Advocates'
406.454.6738 325 2 Avenue North, Great Falls MT 59401