A new class of  19 CASA volunteers is trained-up and ready to swear an oath on June 24 at noon to speak for 40 abused and neglected children in foster care. The ceremony will take place at Family Court 601 N. Pecos Road, courtroom 9. The volunteers will share the inspiring reason why they decided to volunteer. There are more than 3,000 children in foster care in Clark County. Children in foster care are unable to speak for themselves and need someone to hear them and advocate for their best interests.

The new volunteers come from different walks of life including: an author with two adopted children, a military veteran who ran a mental health department in Japan prior to retirement, a single mother who works at H.E.L.P. of Southern Nevada, a volunteer with a local non-profit specializing in human trafficking, and a single father who runs two businesses.

“The insight CASA volunteers provide is very important to judges handling cases involving abused and neglected children,” said Family Court Judge Margaret Pickard, who presides over the Eighth Judicial District Court CASA Program. “CASA volunteers represent the best interests of the children for whom they advocate. They distil the information on what the child really needs. Their work to help the children creates a positive ripple in the community.”

The new CASA Volunteers will 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.

“CASA volunteers are exceptional people doing exceptional things for children in our community,” said Presiding Family Division Judge David Gibson Jr. “We need more people in our community to become CASA volunteers so we can have an advocate for every abused and neglected child in our community.”

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 28 (noon – 1 p.m.)

· Wednesday, July 3 (9 – 10 a.m.)

· Friday, July 12 (noon – 1 p.m.)

· Wednesday, July 17 (6 – 7 p.m.)