CASA advocacy services are guided by three principals: increase safety, respect autonomy and hold the batterer accountable

Professional Training

CASA staff train community members who have a strong desire to be advocates for victims and survivors of domestic abuse. CASA’s training for professionals include the following:

• Addiction professionals
• Domestic violence professionals
• Hair stylists
• Human resource professionals
• Lawyers and paralegals
• Medical professionals
• Religious leaders
• Social workers
• Therapists

Training includes an overview of the most recent sexual abuse laws, information to help professionals better recognize the warning signs related to domestic abuse, and discussions to encourage sensitivity to the needs of victims.

CASA staff advocates provide training to professionals who are legally and ethically bound to report suspected child abuse.

Call CASA Outreach Department for details 727-895-4912.

Prevention/Education

High School Sexual Assault Prevention
A specially trained CASA staff advocate is available upon request to visit high school students in traditional school settings as well as students in the juvenile justice system, including Pinellas County Juvenile Detention Center and Pinellas County Boot Camp. Students receive the most up-to-date information about their personal rights and responsibilities, and public information about laws to protect them from sexual abuse. Teachers can schedule a visit by calling CASA Outreach Department 727-895-4912. Please call six months in advance, due to popularity of program.

Pre-School & Middle School Peacemakers
Students receive holistic peace education nurturing a sense of peace and justice using school-approved curriculum. Parents are encouraged to take an active role in nurturing and supporting lessons learned in the classroom. For more details click here. 

CASA Speakers’ Bureau and Tours – Citizens of all ages are encouraged to call CASA Development Department 727-895-4912 to schedule a speaker and/or take a tour of CASA facilities.  (Note: tours are restricted to areas in which participant safety will not be compromised).  Please call at least two weeks in advance.

Community Partnerships

CASA has close working relationships with numerous organizations in the community including the following:

• Clerk of Courts
• Community Alliance
• Faith House
• Family Service Centers
• Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence
• Florida Department of Children and Families
• Help A Child
• Interagency Network
• Juvenile Welfare Board Council of Executives
• National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
• Operation PAR
• PEMHS, (Pinellas Enrichment through Mental Health Services)
• Pinellas Cares 211 Helpline
• Pinellas County Domestic Violence Task Force
• Pinellas County Health Department
• Pinellas County Homeless Coalition
• Pinellas County Jail
• Pinellas County Sheriff's Office
• Pinellas Village
• Safe Children Coalition of Pinellas
• Safestart Collaborative
• St. Anthony's Healthcare
• St. Petersburg Area Black Chamber of Commerce
• St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce
• State Attorney's Office
• Suncoast Center for Community Mental Health
• The Haven of Religious Community Services
• United Way Council of Executives
• Urban League Black on Black Crime Committee
• Victim's Rights Coalition
• Weed and Seed
• West Care of Florida

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