About Washington State CASA

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Education and CASA Volunteers: Advocating for "ample provision for the education" of children in dependency in Washington State

by Washington State CASA

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All children in Washington State, regardless of ability or disability, have legal rights to an education that will prepare them to participate in and contribute to society. This guidebook begins with a look at the unique educational needs of children from birth through age eighteen who are dependent on the state. The focus then shifts to actions that Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) programs and volunteers can take to make sure the educational needs of individual children are met.

This guidebook is specifically designed for CASA program staff to use in making sure all children
referred to their program are getting “ample provision for education” as guaranteed in the Washington State
Constitution.

The Stuart Foundation provided grants to the Washington State Association of CASA/GAL Programs for the Education Advocacy Project. Washington State CASA administered the project and produced this manual with the assistance of the local CASA/GAL programs in Benton/Franklin, Chelan/Douglas, Cowlitz, Island, Okanogan, Snohomish, and Walla Walla counties.

Four Keys for CASA: Unlocking doors to permanent homes for abused and neglected children

by Washington State CASA

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After 4 years and countless experiences of volunteers and children, best practices from the Achieving Permanence Project sites are collected and organized for publication. The Four Keys for CASA include 1) Collaboration and Community Commitment; 2) Training Volunteer Advocates for Legally Free Children; 3) Supervising and Nurturing the Process; 4) Resources and tools to use along the way. The Four Keys manual is designed for use by program managers and volunteer coordinators to help in preparation, training and supervision of volunteers working with children who are legally free for adoption. Forms and checklists that programs have found useful as children move through the system toward permanence are included in the resource section.

The Stuart Foundation provided grants to the Washington State Association of CASA/GAL Programs for the Achieving Permanence Project. Washington State CASA administered the project and produced this manual with the assistance of the local CASA/GAL programs in Benton/Franklin, Chelan/Douglas, Cowlitz, Island, Okanogan, Pierce, Snohomish, Walla Walla, and Yakima counties.

Make a Difference in a Child's Life:
A Manual for Helping Children and Youth Get What They Need in School
Education Advocacy Manual

by TeamChild

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This 201 page manual is an invaluable resource for anyone who wishes to advocate for a child in the Washington State education system. Included are chapters covering basic education rights, special education services, discipline, and resources for 18-21 year-olds. Also included is an extensive resource guide and Washington State Administrative Code and Revised Code of Washington education specific references.

National CASA/GAL Volunteer Training Curriculum & Volunteer Manual, 2nd ed

by National CASA;
customized for Washington State by Washington State CASA

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The 632 page Volunteer Manual is organized into ten chapters and is the companion piece for CASA core trainings. Designed specifically for the adult learner and those new to the idea of CASA, it can still be condsidered an excellent resource for experienced volunteers. Chapters include "Understanding Families", "Exploring Cultural Awareness", "Understanding Children", "Introducing the Law and Child Protection System."