Retirees, students, and a teacher are among 19 new CASA volunteers who will be in one of two new classes of volunteers who will advocate for 42 abused and neglected children in the community. On Monday, Oct. 30 at noon, and Monday, Nov. 6 at noon, a class of 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. These children have been through very difficult circumstances and need someone to advocate for their best interests. CASA volunteers fill that role.

“Being a crucial and important voice as a CASA volunteer is a truly rewarding way to make a difference. Almost every CASA Volunteer will say that they get much more back than they ever put into the program,” said Family Court Judge Margaret Pickard, who presides over the Eighth Judicial District Court CASA Program. “Our CASA Volunteers receive a lot of support from the CASA Program team. They support the volunteers with five weeks of training, peer coordinators and guidance along 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. The new group of volunteers have different profiles including: former foster parents, retirees, business executives and a married couple who will share the experience.

“CASA volunteers answer a call to make a difference in a child’s life. We are truly grateful for that,” said Presiding Family Court Judge David Gibson Jr. “We want to get every single child in foster care to have a CASA Volunteer who cares about them and will speak on their behalf.”

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, Nov. 1 (9 – 10 a.m.)

· Wednesday, Nov. 15 (6 – 7 p.m.)

· Wednesday, Dec. 6 (9 – 10 a.m.)

· Friday, Dec. 8 (noon – 1 p.m.)

· Wednesday, Dec. 20 (6 – 7 p.m.)