Continuing Education
In-Service Training Opportunities​
To maintain eligibility to work on a case as a CASA Volunteer, you must complete a minimum of 12 in-service hours of ongoing training per calendar year.
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Below you will find a list of past training videos, as well as book and docu-series recommendations that you may utilize for Continued Education/In-Service credit.
Please remember to enter your training hours into Optima.
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NM Kids Matter
Description:
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Domestic violence is a complex and often misunderstood issue. We will explore the dynamics of domestic violence, including barriers that can make leaving an abusive relationship difficult and the increased risks that may arise when a survivor attempts to leave. We will also explore the potential long-term effects on the children who witness violence in the home, and how it can influence a child's sense of safety, relationships, coping skills, and overall well-being. We will also discuss the resources offered by the Domestic Violence Resource Center for the Bernalillo County area.
Training Dates:
​Wednesday, October 21, 2026
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Virtual ​
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National CASA/GAL Association
Description:
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Infants and toddlers involved in child welfare court cases have unique developmental, emotional, and physical needs that can change rapidly during their first few years. In this View From the Bench session, a panel of judges will discuss what they want CASA/GAL advocates to know and the questions they should ask when gathering information and making recommendations about the best interests of these youngest children. The discussion will explore advocacy for infants and toddlers living at home or in out-of-home placements, including information related to developmental milestones, medical and treatment needs, visitation, and permanency decisions.
Participants will also learn about Zero to Three Courts (Baby Courts), the role of CASA/GAL advocates in these specialized courts and in other specialty courts that include infants and toddlers, such as family treatment courts, and tools and resources that can support effective advocacy.
Attendees will earn 1 hour of in-service credit.
Training Dates:
​Friday, October 23, 2026
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MST
Virtual ​
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Center of Innovation
Description:
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The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) was signed and became federal law on November 8, 1978. This year we honor the anniversary of this monumental achievement. When child welfare professionals and others connect Native American children with tribal culture, we nourish minds and souls and promote resilience and purpose in life. We celebrate the strengths and unique perspectives of our Nations, Pueblos, and Tribes. We support the revitalization and preservation of cultural and unique tribal practices and traditions. The Summit is your opportunity to build skills, increase knowledge and recommit to ICWA values we embrace as child welfare professionals.
“Let us put our minds together and see what kind of life we can build for our children.”
-Sitting Bull, Hunkpapa Sioux
In-person Training Dates:
​Monday, November 9, 2026: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Isleta Resort & Casino, Albuquerque, NM
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Youth Heartline will reimburse the cost & fees of the conference. Please reach out to the CASA Supervisor for more information.
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NM Kids Matter/Albuquerque Public Schools
Description:
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This training provides community members with a practical, child/youth-centered understanding of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and its application within Albuquerque Public Schools. Participants will learn how to recognize housing situations that may qualify a student for McKinney-Vento protections, including living in shelters, hotels or motels, cars, transitional housing, run-away status, doubled-up arrangements, or other temporary or inadequate housing situations.
The training emphasizes early identification, educational stability, immediate enrollment, access to transportation, school of origin rights, and connection to appropriate school and community supports. Participants will explore their role in supporting the identification of children/youth experiencing homelessness while maintaining dignity, confidentiality, and an asset-based approach.
Through practical examples and APS-specific processes, participants will strengthen their ability to identify potential referrals, respond appropriately to child/youth needs, and connect with the APS McKinney-Vento team. The goal is to ensure every student experiencing homelessness is known, supported, and connected to the educational opportunities and resources they need to thrive.
Training Dates:
​Thursday, November 19, 2026
11:00 am - 12:15 pm
Virtual ​
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Description:
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A darkly comic and warm-hearted novel about an old man on a cross-country mission to reunite with his high school crush—bringing together his adult daughter, two orphaned kids, and a cat who can predict death
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In-Person Book Club Meeting:
Location: The Espresso Bar
Date TBD: Between November 18th-24th ​
Law and Mental Health
UNM Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences
Description:
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Consultation with criminal justice stakeholders in New Mexico--as well as with New Mexico's Behavioral Health Services Division--have consistently revealed concerns regarding the quality of forensic mental health evaluations in both criminal and civil cases. This maps onto nationwide concerns regarding the same issue, particularly as regards public sector forensic mental health evaluations.
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Training Dates: Self-paced
Webinar materials:​
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188 videos on various topics regarding Law & Mental Health. ​
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Inclusive, Trauma-Informed Practices with Immigrants
The Center of Immigration and Child Welfare
Training Description:​
This is a 5-module online asynchronous, self-paced course that explores how service organizations and practitioners can implement policies and practices to increase inclusivity of immigrant families, and how trauma-informed practice can be tailored to address the unique experiences of immigrant families. It also includes discussion of a model for implementing immigrant specialist navigators within organizations. This course is intended for leaders, frontline practitioners, and other professionals in organizations that serve immigrant families across a variety of community settings. It is available in English and in Spanish.​
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Training Dates: Self-paced
The Modules:
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Module 1: Migration & Trauma
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Module 2: Historical & Political Contexts
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Module 3: Trauma-Informed Practices & Interventions with Immigrants
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Module 4: Immigrant-Inclusive Organizational Policies & Practices
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Module 5: Secondary Trauma Among Practitioners Working with Immigrant Populations
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Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council
Training Description:​
This course takes about 75 minutes to complete.
You can use the Guidelines for Implementing the Indian Child Welfare Act as a resource as you complete this course.
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Training Dates: Self-Paced
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A View from the Bench: A View from the Bench: Advocating for Medically Fragile/Special Needs Children
National CASA/GAL Association
A View from the Bench: Improving Communication and Partnerships with the Court, Child Welfare, and the Bar.
National CASA/GAL Association
A View from the Bench: Advocating for Older Youth
National CASA/GAL Association
A View from the Bench: Parents Struggling with Mental Health Issues
National CASA/GAL Association
Description:
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Parents struggling with mental health issues are significantly more likely to become involved with the child welfare system, often facing a higher risk of having their children removed from their home due to concerns about their ability to adequately care for them. In addition to providing support to these children and youth, CASA/GAL volunteers can provide information to the court about the potential impact of a parent’s mental illness on parenting capabilities, and resources that are necessary to support parents, including support from relatives and fictive kin.
Webinar materials:​
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Judge's Perspective: Preparing to Verbally Answer Questions in Court
National CASA/GAL Association
Judge's Perspective: Writing An Effective Court Report
National CASA/GAL Association
A View from the Bench: The Importance of Best Interest Advocacy
National CASA/GAL Association