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Cheers to the 18 Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers who will be taking an oath to speak up for 40 abused and neglected children on May 14 at noon. Check out this video to see why they are volunteering https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLlpWsIC4uE

The volunteers come from various walks of life including: a retired Metro lieutenant, a school counselor, multiple former foster parents, retired teachers, a Raiders ambassador, a casino worker, a property manager, realtor, event planner, IT professional, auto salesperson, care provider and an accountant. Each are stepping up to fill the big need to speak for children in foster care.

The CASA program, which is part of the Family Division of the Eighth Judicial District Court of Nevada, 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 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 Clark County CASA Program. The CASA mission continues to be fully supported by family court judges. For more information about the CASA program call 702-455-4306, visit www.casalasvegas.org or visit www.facebook.com/#!/CASALasVegas.

Family Court Judge Frank Sullivan, who presides over the program has a mantra: “When you give abused and neglected kids a CASA, you give them a voice. When you give them a voice, you give them hope. When you give them hope, you give them a future.” He tells each class of CASA trainees, “CASA’s are the ears and the eyes for the court. They  provide a voice and offer stability for kids who are in foster care and don’t otherwise have a lot of stability in their lives.”

“Our goal is to have a CASA for every child in foster care. CASA volunteers get deep fulfilment for the very important role they play,” said Presiding Family Court Judge Rebecca Burton “I ask those who want to do something meaningful to help children in our community, to consider volunteering to become a CASA.”

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