What's New: The 4/4/4 CE Structure
As we enter 2026, we are updating our Continuing Education (CE) program. These changes are the result of a comprehensive review of advocate feedback, surveys, focus groups, and internal data, all aimed at making CE clearer, more accessible, and more meaningful for you.
To provide clarity, flexibility, and accountability, we are introducing a structured 4/4/4 CE model, which requires advocates to complete:
- 4 in-person hours (e.g., workshops, conferences, discussion groups)
- 4 virtual hours (e.g., live webinars or virtual trainings)
- 4 independent study hours (e.g., approved self-paced learning, articles, or recorded trainings)
This structure is designed to accommodate diverse schedules and learning preferences while ensuring a balanced training experience. The 4 in-person hour requirement is also designed to help advocates build community and relationships with others who have the same dedication and commitment to the CASA mission. An important note is that these CE hours are to be completed on a rolling 12-month basis beginning with the quarter in which you were originally sworn in.
Training Opportunities and Resources
Colorado CASA Lunch & Learn – The Family First 2.0
May 12th, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
1.5 hours of virtual CE credit
Join this lunch & learn to hear from Division of Child Welfare staff about the current state of practices and lessons learned. This is a high-level overview of Family First implementation in the state of Colorado.
Presenters:
CDHS Division of Child Welfare staff
Nate Winegar, Permanency – Nate Winegar is a highly experienced and dedicated professional with over two decades of experience in child welfare and human services. He served as the Permanency Admin at Arapahoe County DHS as well as Program Director for the University of Colorado Health and Sciences adolescent residential treatment facility with A.R.T.S. and Jon Steinmetz, Youth Services Specialist – Jon has served as the Division of Child Welfare Family First Project Manager for the Colorado Department of Human Services as Colorado continued to implement the Family First Prevention Services Act.
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TBRI Overview
Upcoming Dates: May 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th (Thursdays) 6:00pm-7:30pm
6 hours of virtual CE credit
This training will be led and coordinated by CASA of Larimer County.
The 6-hour Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®️) Overview provides the basis of attachment and research upon which TBRI®️ builds. Training is free of charge. Participants must attend the full six hours consecutively and complete two post-training surveys.
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CASA Book Club – The Body Keeps the Score
Thursday May 21st 6:00pm – 8:00pm @ Jefferson County Courthouse
2 hours of in-person CE credit
We will read and discuss the book, The Body Keeps the Score, by Bessel Van Der Kolk. The book combines neuroscience and clinical experience to explain how trauma physically reshapes the brain and body, leading to issues like anxiety, depression, and disconnection. The book not only makes inferences on causes but also explores body-based treatments, offering hope for recovery.
Read the book and come prepared to discuss how the book impacts your current or past cases and how we might apply concepts to our mission. The book club qualifies for continuing education credit.
Contact Larry Varys with questions at larryvarys@aol.com.
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CASAs Connect: Support, Share and Learn
May 27th 10:00am – 11:30am
1.5 hours of in-person CE credit
May Topic: TBD
CASAs Connect is a monthly gathering for CASA Volunteers to come together, share experiences, and discuss their cases in a supportive environment. It’s a chance to ask questions, offer advice, and connect with fellow advocates. This year, CASAs Connect is also hosting a Speaker Series, bringing valuable insights and expert perspectives to enhance your advocacy. Join us to stay engaged, informed, and inspired!
Always the last Wednesday of the month from 10:00 am – 11:30 am at the Jefferson County Courthouse, Bear Creek Room.
Check back later for more links to independent study resources!
