Pinwheels will be planted by the hundreds at the CASA Program Pinwheels for Prevention Palooza on April 12 at noon, at 601 N. Pecos Road, near the Family Court flagpole to raise awareness for Child Abuse Prevention Month and to help grow the number of Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers. Volunteers, court staff, judges, and child welfare partners will come together at Family Court to create the spectacle.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. It is a mission to which CASA volunteers commit their time and attention. The CASA Program will be ready to take applications from those who want to get involved to help as CASA volunteers to speak on behalf of children in the foster care system. The pinwheels also symbolize the uplifting childhoods and bright futures that all children deserve, including the many children in our community who face abuse and neglect, and receive services under the supervision of Family Court.

“There are so many kids who will stand before us and say, I just need somebody to care about me,” said Judge Margaret Pickard who presides over the CASA Program. “And there are so many stories of CASA volunteers changing their lives. That’s what we want our community to know; that they can step up and make a difference for a child that has been through abuse and neglect and help them be what they can be.”

The Eighth Judicial District Court 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, child and family team meetings, and in court. Volunteering for the program involves about two hours a week, a two-year commitment and a willingness to spend quality time with the children to advocate for them. For more information about the CASA program call 702-455-CASA, or visit www.casalasvegas.org.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, but it is a year-round problem,” said Presiding Family Court Judge David Gibson Jr. “An effective way for people in the community to prevent child abuse is to give abused children a voice as a CASA volunteer.”