Continuing Education

In order to keep current with issues that relate to the volunteer role, our volunteers are required to complete 12 hours of continuing education per year. For new volunteers, continuing education hours are prorated by the percentage of the year the advocate was a volunteer. The requirement applies to all volunteers who have been sworn and not discharged, regardless of whether they are assigned to a case.

To encourage a varied learning experience, no more than four (4) hours of continuing education credit should be completed by (1) reading books or articles or (2) for scripted tv series or films that provide relevant insight or perspective. There is no limitation on other independent study options, such as documentary series or films, recorded webinars, or podcasts intended to be educational.

Dallas CASA Live Training

Dallas CASA Advocate Summit

Our keynote speaker will be Ryan North who is the co-founder of One Big Happy Home, an author, and creator of The Empowered Parent Podcast, a popular resource for practical strategies on raising children with trauma and attachment issues. He is a recognized expert on childhood trauma, a TBRI Practitioner, and develops training materials for parents, schools, churches, and private and public agencies. He is a sought-after speaker known for his engaging and practical approach and his ability to communicate complex issues in a clear and relatable way.

Summit Schedule:
8:30 to 9 a.m.: Check-in and Light Breakfast
9 to 9:15 a.m.: Welcoming Remarks
9:15 to 10:15 a.m.: Keynote Address
10:30 to 11:45 a.m.: Workshop A (3 breakout session choices)
noon to 12:45 p.m.: Lunch Provided
12:45 to 2 p.m.: Workshop B (3 breakout session choices)
2:15 to 3:30 p.m.: Workshop C (3 breakout session choices)

When: Saturday, September 26, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Where: Irving Bible Church, 2435 Kinwest Pkwy, Irving
Cost: No cost
Registration: Register here

Check back for additional Dallas CASA in-person trainings

Continuing Education in the Community

Internet Safety & Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) Webinar

The GAI Presentation is a prevention awareness session, designed by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, to help participants understand the risks children face with generative AI technology, gain preventive conversation strategies and skills to reduce the likelihood of victimization and learn about resources available if children experience victimization involving generative AI.

When: Thursday, October 8, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Cost: No cost
Registration: Register here

One Pill Can Kill

This training equips caseworkers with the essential knowledge and practical strategies to effectively support families as they navigate complex behavioral health (BH) systems. This session focuses on empowering professionals and volunteers to act as confident, informed advocates for the children and families they serve, ultimately improving service outcomes and stability within the child welfare system.

When: Tuesday, October 13, 11:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m.
Cost: No cost
Registration: Register here

Beyond the Bars: Bridging Educational Gaps for Justice Involved Youth

This training provides an overview of the education rights of students with disabilities who are involved in, or at risk of involvement in, the juvenile or criminal justice system. Participants will learn how unidentified or inadequately supported disabilities can contribute to academic failure, chronic absenteeism, behavioral challenges, school exclusion, and justice-system involvement. The training will introduce the protections available under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and related education laws, with particular attention to Child Find obligations and the early identification of students who may need disability-related services and supports. Participants will learn to recognize circumstances that may indicate a student should be referred for an evaluation, including repeated disciplinary incidents, truancy, failing grades, behavioral concerns, and difficulty accessing instruction.

When: Thursday, October 15, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Cost: No cost
Registration: Register here

Stronger Together: Collaborative Strategies for Strengthening Families

True systemic change requires all hands on deck. This workshop brings together child welfare professionals, community partners, healthcare providers, and advocates to co-create sustainable support networks. Objectives include: Define the core principles of collective impact and how cross-sector community partnerships directly improve outcomes for children and families involved in the welfare system, Identify key community stakeholders, grassroots organizations, and informal support networks critical to building a comprehensive safety net for vulnerable families, and apply trauma-informed and culturally responsive communication strategies to foster trust and shared goals among diverse multidisciplinary partners.

When: Tuesday, October 20, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Cost: No cost
Registration: Register here

Texas Child Find & The Age of 3 Transition: A Shared Responsibility Across Early Childhood Systems

In Texas, the transition at age three is a critical turning point in how children access support, yet many families experience delays, confusion, or gaps in services during this time. This training explores Child Find as a shared responsibility across early childhood systems, helping professionals understand their role in recognizing concerns and making timely referrals.
Designed for a multidisciplinary audience, the session focuses on functional observation, the differences between medical and educational eligibility, and how to communicate concerns with families in a clear, supportive way. Participants will leave with greater confidence in knowing when and how to refer, without needing to diagnose, and a deeper understanding of how early action can protect access to services for young children and their families.

When: Friday, October 23, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Cost: $15
Registration: Register here

Children and Traumatic Stress Webinar

The session explains what child traumatic stress is, how different types of trauma affect children’s development, behavior, and health, and introduces the Essential Elements of Trauma Informed Care to help participants support safety, healing, and resilience for children, their caregivers, and professionals across child serving systems.

When: Wednesday, October 28, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Cost: No cost
Registration: Register here

Dallas CASA Recorded Webinars

Recent Dallas CASA continuing education courses online have been posted to YouTube and are available for viewing at any time.