CASA Volunteer Training

Every new CASA volunteer completes a 30-hour training class that prepares them to advocate for abused and neglected children. CASA of Lexington uses the newest curriculum available from the National CASA association for in-person and virtual training classes.

Our own Volunteer Managers lead our training classes. That means the same people who guide you through training will also be supporting you when you are assigned to your first child.

Training Formats

You can choose between in-person or online training classes. All classes are free to take.

In-person training classes typically take place over one to two months, with classes on evenings and weekends. We also offer a condensed training every summer, allowing you to complete an in-person training class in a single week, with classes during the day.

Online training classes include seven live Zoom sessions with your instructor and the other new volunteers in your class. The majority of your training time is spent completing course assignments on your own time. Schedules for online trainings are determined by the availability of the instructor and the participants.

Upcoming In-Person Trainings

Click on a training below to see the dates and times for each session. If you are unable to attend one of the dates, it is possible to make up the class at a later date.

  • This training is open to new volunteers who want to serve in any CASA of Lexington county (Bourbon, Fayette, Garrard, Jessamine, Lincoln, Scott or Woodford). Classes will be held at the CASA of Lexington office, 3245 Loch Ness Dr. in Lexington.

    Jan, 9, 5:30-8:30 p.m.: Introducing the CASA Volunteer Role

    Jan. 16, 5:30-8:30 p.m.: The Well-Being of the Child

    Jan. 25, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.: Trauma Resilience, and Communication Skills; Mental Health, Poverty, and Professional Communication

    Jan. 30, 5:30-8:30 p.m.: Substance Abuse and Cultural Competence

    Feb. 8, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.: Domestic Violence and Diversity; Educational Advocacy, Older Youth and LGBTQ+ Youth

    Feb. 13, 5:30-8:30 p.m.: Working a Case and Court Reporting

    Feb. 20, 5:30-8:30 p.m.: Wrap-Up and Volunteer Panel

    March 6, 5:30-6:30 p.m.: Swearing In Ceremony

  • This training is intended for new volunteers who want to serve in Garrard or Lincoln counties. Trainings will be held at the Garrard Education Center, 324 W. Maple Ave. in Lancaster.

    Jan. 21 (Tuesday), 5:30-8:30 p.m.:Introducing the CASA Volunteer Role

    Jan. 28 (Tuesday), 5:30-8:30 p.m.:The Well-Being of the Child

    Feb. 4 (Tuesday), 5:30-8:30 p.m.:Trauma, Resilience and Communication Skills

    Feb. 8 (Saturday), 9 a.m.-4 p.m.:Mental Health, Poverty and Professional Communication; Substance Abuse and Cultural Competence

    Feb. 11 (Tuesday), 5:30-8:30 p.m.:Domestic Violence and Diversity

    Feb. 18 (Tuesday), 5:30-8:30 p.m..:Educational Advocacy, Older Youth and LGBTQ+ Youth

    Feb. 22 (Saturday), 9 a.m.-4 p.m.:Working a Case, Court Reporting, Volunteer Panel and Wrap-Up

    Two Thursday nights, Feb. 6 and 20, will be used as make-up dates for weather cancelations.

If you would like to join an upcoming training class (in-person or online), the first step is to fill out a CASA volunteer application. Once you have applied, we will send you a background check form to fill out and schedule an initial interview. At your initial interview, we will add you to the training class you wish to attend.

If you want to complete an in-person training but none of the announced schedules work for you, you can email info@casaoflexington.org to be added to our list to be notified when new training schedules are announced. You can also join this list if you would simply like to keep CASA volunteering on your radar for the future.

Online Training Classes

If you would like to participate in an online training class, you can email info@casaoflexington.org or call (859) 246-4313 after you fill out your application to let us know. You can also tell us you’re interested in an online class at your initial interview. You cannot mix and match online and in-person training classes; you must complete all 30 hours in one format or the other.

After Training

After completing training, you will be sworn in by a family court judge. Then, we will work to match you with a child who needs a CASA volunteer. You have the choice to say “yes” or “no” to any case we present to you. If you say no to a case, we will look for another child who matches with your preferences and background.

 

Once you say yes to a case, you will receive a court order appointing you as the child’s CASA volunteer. Your CASA Volunteer Manager will go with you on your first home visit and help guide you each step of the way as you begin to learn about your CASA child’s case.