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Hundreds of pinwheels will be planted by CASA volunteers, court staff, judges, and child welfare partners at Family Court on April 8 at noon, at 601 N. Pecos Road near the Family Court flagpole, to bring attention to April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. The Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program is planting the pinwheels to raise awareness about the need for more CASA volunteers to speak on behalf of children in the foster care system. The pinwheels also serve as a reminder of the uplifting childhoods and bright futures that all children deserve, including the many children in our community who face abuse and neglect, and receive services under the supervision of Family Court.

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 hundreds of foster children annually. 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. For more information about the CASA program call 702-455-CASA, or visit www.casalasvegas.org.

“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,” said Family Court Judge Frank Sullivan, who presides over the program. “CASA’s are the eyes and ears for the court. They  provide a voice and offer stability for kids who are in foster care and don’t otherwise have a lot of stability in their lives.”

“Everyday, CASA volunteers are advocating for and changing the stories of abused and neglected children,” said Presiding Family Court Judge Rebecca Burton “We invite those who really want to make a difference in our community to visit casalasvegas.org to learn more and sign up for one of the online orientations.”

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