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The Eighth Judicial District Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program staff has received the Nevada Governor’s 2020 Bronze Points of Light Ceremony Award in the business/corporate volunteer program category. The nomination for the Points of Light states, “Due to the unique role a CASA volunteer plays in the life of a child in care, often times the CASA volunteer remains the trusted adult in the child’s life even when they exit the foster care system thereby improving the chances of that child, now young adult succeeding as a productive member of society.”
CASA has been working to be a voice for children in foster care in Clark County for 40 years. “The award is a tribute to the commitment to the CASA staff and volunteers as they celebrate CASA’s 40th Anniversary of being a voice for children in Clark County, NV,” said Judge Frank Sullivan who presides over the CASA program. His mantra is “When you give abused and neglected kids a CASA, you give them a voice. When you give them a voice, you give them hope. When you give them hope, you give them a future.”
“It’s an honor to receive recognition from the governor for the CASA staff and volunteers who are the ears and the eyes for the court and bring stability for children. CASA is a point of light in what can be dark times for a child in foster care.”
Before the coronavirus hit, a special event was planned that would pay tribute to the many people who started and built the program and recognize the many volunteers who have been a voice for kids whose needs would otherwise not be heard. It’s disappointing that the big recognition event will not be held, but the volunteers don’t do it for recognition. They will tell you how fulfilling it is to make a difference in the life of a child.
CASA volunteers are very special people. They enjoy helping others. They don’t mind dedicating time to ensuring that a child is safe and secure. For 40 years hundreds and hundreds of volunteers have been paying it forward and speaking on behalf of vulnerable children, some of whom have been through unimaginable trauma.
CASA’s mission is to support and promote court appointed volunteer advocacy for abused and neglected children, so they can thrive in safe, permanent homes. Since its’ inception in August 1980, the CASA Program has trained and sworn-in more than 1,500 CASA volunteers, and they have represented more than 5,800 children. CASA volunteers are the strength of the program, as their unique role in being the trusted adult in a child’s life leaves a lasting impact. In 2019, CASA volunteers donated more than 15,000 hours and drove more than 115,000 miles.
The goal of the CASA Program is to continue enhancing its volunteer supported efforts. Special thanks are extended to court administration, county management and the county commissioners for their ongoing support and the approval of the two full-time staff in 2018. The CASA Program staff continues developing strategies to retain more CASA volunteers, so that every child of the approximately 3,200 children in foster care has their own advocate. Training and swearing in ceremonies are held remotely during the coronavirus pandemic. For those interested in volunteering with the CASA program visit http://casalasvegas.org/volunteer/#Orientation
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