A news class of 15 CASA volunteers, including retirees, a business owner, and a teacher, are ready to put their new skills to good use to advocate for 27 abused and neglected children in the community. On Friday, Feb. 2 at 3 p.m., the new volunteers will be sworn in at Family Court 601 N. Pecos Road, courtroom 9. There are more than 3,000 children in foster care in Clark County, Nevada. These children have been through abuse and neglect and need someone to stand with them and advocate for their best interests. The new CASA volunteers will do just that.

“We commend these new volunteers for stepping up for children in our community as a crucial and important voice,” said Family Court Judge Margaret Pickard, who presides over the Eighth Judicial District Court CASA Program. “Our new CASA volunteers are now trained to help children in foster care. Each volunteer will have a peer coordinator from the CASA program to guide them every step of the way.”

The CASA Volunteers have one common goal – to represent the best interest of children in foster care. They are asked to spend approximately two to three hours a week, getting to know the children and others who are involved in their lives, so they can advocate and speak for them in court and in school. CASA Volunteers are a cross-section of our community.

“No child should have to face the uncertainty of removal from their home and foster care on their own,” said Presiding Family Court Judge David Gibson Jr. “Our goal is to ensure that every child in foster care has a CASA volunteer who cares about them and will speak on their behalf. We thank these 15 new volunteers for helping us to get closer to that goal.”

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.  

Upcoming Orientations:

· Wednesday, Feb. 7 (9 – 10 a.m.)

· Friday, Feb. 9 (noon – 1 p.m.)

Wednesday, Feb. 14 (6 – 7