April Continuing Education Newsletter

Continuing Education Opportunities

Don't forget as a CASA you must attend 12 hours of additional training per year. You can record all of your training hours in Optima. Reach out to your supervisor if you are unable to login or access your CE hours.

CE for All CASAs

Confidentiality and Mandatory Reporting Refresher

Wednesday, Apr 10, 6-7:30pm

Location: virtual (Zoom)

Join us in April for a refresher on mandatory reporting and confidentiality - topics that are central to CASA work. Led by our Program and Legal Director, Kristen Lewis, these trainings are required bi-annually for every CASA and will be an easy way to get this requirement taken care of in one evening.

Intro to Optima

Tuesday, Apr 9, 12-1pm

Location: virtual (Zoom)

We have a new database! Optima is used to enter and track our casework, so if you haven't attended an Optima training yet, join us in March where we will provide an overview of what it is and how to use this new tool. After the training, you'll receive your Optima log-in information and some resources to get you started. All CASAs will be using Optima so if you haven't been trained, now is the time to do it!

If you can't make this date, this training will also be provided May 30, and June 17 so mark your calendars and look for more info in our upcoming newsletters.

County Specific Training

MULTNOMAH

Interview with Deputy District Attorney

Friday, Apr 5, 10am-12pm (in-person)

Location: Juvenile Justice Center, 1st Floor, Large Conference Room

Come learn about the role that the District Attorney’s office plays in dependency cases and hearings. Multnomah County DDA Chuck Mickley will share about why certain cases have assigned DDA’s and others may not, trends in child welfare and how CASAs can collaborate with DDA’s as legal parties. Q&A portion as well!

Click below to reserve your place with Becca Lowry at becca.lowry@multco.us.

RSVP

WASHINGTON

QPR training, Question, Persuade, Refer.

Suicide prevention training.

Monday, Apr 1, 12-1pm

Location: virtual (Zoom)

Led by Columbia County Supervisor and Trainer, Paige Diaz, this QPR will teach you how to identify individuals who are showing warning signs of suicide risk and help these individuals get the services they need.

Spots are limited. Up to 35 participants. Please email madi.thomason@multco.us if you've registered and can no longer attend.

COLUMBIA

Advocacy in Columbia County

Updates on advocacy in Columbia County

Tuesday, Apr 16, 5:30-7pm

Location: CASA office in St. Helens

Join the Columbia County group at the CASA office in St. Helens for a potluck and an opportunity to speak with fellow CASAs in the community and catch-up with the supervisors in person! CASA supervisors have recently met with the Judges and with ODHS management and would like to share what we have learned. Hope to see you there!

To RSVP, contact your supervisor.

Presented by our Community Partners:

Citizen Review Board Live Q&A

Tuesday, Apr 30, 10-11pm

Location: virtual

Hosted by the Oregon CASA Network, Tricia Swallow and Kristina C.K. Elliot are offering the opportunity for CASA staff and volunteers to an hour long, live session for questions and building a deeper understanding of CRB.

Learn More

Behaviors at School

Supports, Strategies, Success!

On-Demand (attend anytime)

Location: virtual

Behavior IS communication! During this on-demand training, you’ll learn what behavior is, develop strategies to decrease challenging behavior at home and school, and receive tips and tools to help you partner with your child’s IEP team to develop appropriate behavior services to support your child.

Learn More

Do you know someone interested in CASA?

Our Next CASA training starts April 23rd and there are lots of kids on the waitlist in need of advocates just like you. If you know someone who would be an amazing CASA, feel free to share the link below where they can learn more about our program:

www.casahelpskids.org/infosessions

Thank you for your continued commitment to CASA for Children and to the children that you serve. See you next month!

CASAHELPSKIDS.ORG