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A diverse cross-section of 29 newly trained Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers will be sworn in on Feb. 18 at noon via BlueJeans to advocate for the best interests for 62 children in foster care. Judge Frank Sullivan will swear in a former foster youth, students, former foster parents, healthcare workers, teachers, resort employees, legal professionals, former law enforcement, former media talent, a pastor and a married couple. These new volunteers will bring the number of those speaking on behalf of the best interests of children in foster care to 368 volunteers. The goal is to have 1,000 volunteers to meet the advocacy needs of abused and neglected children in Clark County. There is an urgent need for volunteers to meet that goal.

Those interested can learn more at one of the many monthly online orientations. Potential volunteers for the CASA program can call 702-455-4306 or visit www.casalasvegas.org to sign up for an orientation.

u00b7 Friday, Feb.25 (noon – 1 p.m.)

u00b7 Wednesday, March 2 (noon – 1 p.m.)

u00b7 Friday, March 11(9 – 10 a.m.)

u00b7 Wednesday, March 16 (6 – 7 p.m.)

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. The CASA Program has been working on behalf of children in our community since 1980, when Judge John Mendoza led the creation of the CASA Program in Clark County.

“CASA volunteers are the ears and eyes of the court. They help ensure the safety and wellbeing of children in foster care and help those children achieve permanency,” said Judge Sullivan, who presides over the program. “Our CASA volunteers always say that they get much more back from the kids than they ever put into the program.”

“This is the largest class of volunteers in our CASA Program’s history,” said Presiding Family Court Judge Rebecca Burton “These volunteers will make a huge difference in the lives of children who have faced abuse and neglect. But there is an urgent need for many more CASA volunteers to advocate for the best interests of kids in foster care. Being a CASA volunteer is a truly impactful way to give a voice to children and give back to our community.”

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