CASA Training

Training to become a Maine CASA volunteer is by invitation only and is based on successful completion of a written application, reference and background checks, and a personal interview. Acceptance to the CASA roster also requires completion of the three day training conference and a satisfactory post-training interview.

To apply to become a Maine CASA volunteer, please contact the CASA Office at: casamaine@maine.gov, telephone: 207-287-5403 or fax: 207-287-7553. The mailing address is: CASA, Administrative Office of the Courts, Family Division, 171 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0171.

CASA training is offered three times per year. Applicants who have been invited to the four day training conference, who live more than 50 miles from the training site, are eligible for free overnight accommodations during the training period on a double occupancy basis. Continental breakfast and lunch are also provided during the CASA training program.

Next CASA Training Conference

The next Maine CASA training will be October 19, 20, 22 & 23, 2009. This training will be held at Maple Hill Farm Bed & Breakfast in Hallowell, Maine. To be invited to our training, you must first complete an application which can be downloaded from this site. After receiving your application and performing the necessary background checks, one of our Volunteer Coordinators may be in touch with you to schedule a pre-training interview. If both feel that CASA would be a good fit, you would then be invited to training.

Topics covered during training include: The role of the CASA/Guardian as litem, Understanding the Law, Case Preparation, Child Development, Domestice Violence, Substance Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Mental Health Issues, Report Writing, The Court Process; Personal, Cultural and Socioeconomic Bias, and Visit to Court/Meeting with Judge.

In-Service Training

All active CASA volunteers in Maine are required to attend a minimum of 12 hours of in-service training each year.

Please contact the CASA office for information about in-service training program times and locations.

Other Training Opportunities

See the State of Maine staff education and training page.

Maine.gov | Maine Judicial Branch | Site Policies