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Big Need Continues For CASA Volunteers To Advocate For 3,500 Children in Foster Care
Twenty new Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers will be sworn in at a ceremony at the Eighth Judicial District Family Court on Friday, Feb. 13 at noon, at Family Court, Courtroom 9, 601 N. Pecos Road. The newly trained volunteers will help fill a very big need for advocates to speak on behalf of foster children in our community. Many more volunteers are needed to advocate for the nearly 3,500 children receiving services under supervision of Family Court. Last year, more than 900 children had a CASA volunteer to help them navigate through the system, and deal with school challenges and home life. The goal is to get a volunteer to be a voice for every foster child.
“Children in foster care have already endured more than their share of difficult times. CASA volunteers can help ensure that these kids get proper care,” said Family Court Judge Frank Sullivan, who oversees the CASA program. “Volunteers are desperately needed. I urge members of the community to volunteer as a CASA. It is an incredibly rewarding experience.”
The CASA program recruits, screens, trains and supports volunteers to represent the best interests of hundreds of foster children annually. The advocates represent the children in school, family team meetings, and in court. Volunteering for the program involves a two-year commitment and a willingness to spend quality time with the children to advocate for them. In 1980, Judge John Mendoza led the creation of the Clark County CASA Program. The CASA mission continues to be fully supported by Family Court judges.
tFor those interested in volunteering with CASA, monthly orientations are held on the third Wednesday of each month to provide more information about the program. Upcoming orientations will be held at the Government Center, 500 S. Grand Central Pkwy. For more information about the program please call 702-455-4306, visit http://www.casalasvegas.org or Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/CASALasVegas.
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