Abused and neglected children in the community will have 24 new CASA volunteers on their side on Thursday, June 15 at 3:30 p.m.,  The new CASA volunteers will be sworn in at Family Court 601 N. Pecos Road, courtroom 9. The volunteers will advocate for the best interests of 52 children. Many more volunteers are needed to fill the need for more than 3,000 children in foster care. 

The 24 new 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 represent a cross-section of our community with one common goal to represent the best interest of children in foster care. 

“We are so grateful for these volunteers stepping forward and speaking for abused and neglected children,” said Family Court Judge Margaret Pickard, who presides over the Eighth Judicial District Court CASA Program. “We hope that more community members will be inspired by our new volunteers and commit just a couple hours a week to be a CASA volunteer.”

“It great to see an increasing number of people in the community learn about and get involved with the CASA program,” said Presiding Family Court Judge David Gibson Jr. “When someone volunteers with the CASA program, they end up getting a tremendously rewarding experience.”

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:

· Friday, June 23 (noon – 1 p.m.)

· Wednesday, July 5 (9 a.m.– 10 a.m.)

· Friday, July 14 (noon – 1 p.m.)

· Wednesday, July 19 (6 – 7 p.m.)

· Friday, July 28 (noon – 1 p.m.)