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A new group of CASA volunteers will take an oath to speak on behalf of abused and neglected kids on Monday, May 8 at noon, at Family Court, Courtroom 9, 601 N. Pecos Road. Approximately 3,200 children in the community are receiving services under supervision of Family Court. Many of them are in foster care. They are scared, lonely and intimidated by the system that they have been thrown into, through no fault of their own. CASA volunteers bring hope and stability to these children. This new class of 19 will advocate for 40 children.

There is a big need for CASAs in Clark County. Several opportunities are upcoming for people who want to have a positive impact on the life of a child. Those who want to help abused and neglected children are invited to one of the upcoming CASA orientations at the Government Center, 500 S. Grand Central Pkwy. For more information about the program please call 702-455-4306, visit www.casalasvegas.org or Facebook at www.facebook.com/#!/CASALasVegas.

“CASA volunteers have really have a significant impact on the lives of children for whom they advocate. We thank them for their commitment and invite those in our community who want to make a difference, to consider becoming a CASA.” said Presiding Family Court Judge Charles Hoskin.

There are 305 CASA volunteers serving as a voice for nearly 700 children in care, under the supervision of Family Court.   However, many more volunteers are needed to advocate for the remainder of the children in care. Last year, nearly one thousand children had a CASA volunteer to help them navigate through the system, and deal with school challenges and home life.

“When children have a CASA, they have a voice. That voice helps to ensure they get the opportunities that every child deserves. When children have opportunity they have a shot at a bright future, which is good for the entire community,” said Family Court Judge Frank Sullivan, who will administer the oath to the CASA volunteers. “Our goal is to have a CASA for every child in foster care. I invite the community to step forward and experience the fulfillment of speaking up for a child.”

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. For those interested in volunteering with CASA, monthly orientations are held on the third Wednesday of each month to provide more information about the program.

 

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