This Friday, 12 individuals will swear oath as Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers to speak for abused and neglected children. The 12 volunteers have successfully completed five weeks of training. They will spend between two to three hours a week, getting to know the children for whom they will advocate and speaking for them in court and in school based on what they learn. The volunteers come from different countries and different walks of life including realtors, retirees and educators, an HR specialist and a hospice nurse.
The new CASA volunteers will be sworn in Dec. 16 at 3 p.m., at Family Court 601 N. Pecos Road, in courtroom 9. The volunteers will advocate for the best interests of 30 children, but, many more are needed to fill the need for CASA volunteers for more than 3,000 children in foster care.
“CASA volunteers bring the human element to their cases,” said Family Court Judge Frank Sullivan, who presides over the Eighth Judicial District Court CASA Program. “CASA volunteers look out for the safety and well being of the children they advocate for and they help judges to know if a child’s educational, emotional and physical needs are being met.”
“We truly appreciate this new group of volunteers who are stepping up to speak for children in our community,” said Presiding Family Court Judge Rebecca Burton. “They will have a tremendous impact on the children for whom they advocate. My hope is that more wonderful volunteers will step forward to help the many more kids who need someone to advocate for them.”
The CASA program, which is part of the Family Division of the Eighth Judicial District Court, recruits, screens, trains and supports volunteers to represent the best interests of foster children in Clark County. The advocates represent the children in school, child and 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 CASA Program in Clark County. Those who are interested can learn more at one of the many monthly online orientations by visiting www.casalasvegas.org and signing up to attend. Potential volunteers can also call the CASA program at 702-455-CASA for more information.
· Wednesday, Dec. 21 (6 – 7 p.m.)
· Wednesday, Jan. 4 (9 –10 a.m.)
· Friday, Jan. 13 (noon – 1 p.m.)
· Wednesday, Jan. 18 (6 – 7 p.m.)
The CASA Program is a 2022 Review Journal Best of Las Vegas bronze winner for best place to volunteer. Fifty-eight judges preside over nearly 100,000 criminal, civil and family cases that are filed each year in the Eighth Judicial District Court of Nevada.