Judge Frank Sullivan takes Oath from CASA volunteers

A life coach is one of 18 exceptional volunteers who will be taking an oath to be a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) this Friday, October 14 at 3 p.m., at Family Court 601 N. Pecos Road, in courtroom 9. The volunteers represent a cross-section of our community including a therapist, a law enforcement officer, realtors, retirees, students, a surgical nurse and others. Through their advocacy the volunteers will be changing the stories of many children.

Family Court Judge Frank Sullivan will administer the oath ceremony. He refers to CASA volunteers as the eyes and ears of the court. Judge Sullivan 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.”

There are more than 3,000 children in foster care who need a Court Appointed Special Advocate to volunteer a few hours a week to speak on their behalf in court and in school.

“CASA volunteers are the heroes of the children. We desperately need more CASA volunteers,” said presiding Family Court Judge Rebecca Burton. “We are truly grateful for these new volunteers and the other CASAs who have been changing the stories of children 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.  

· Wednesday, Oct. 19 (6 – 7 p.m.)

· Friday, October 28 (noon – 1 p.m.)

· Wednesday, Nov. 2 (noon – 1 p.m.)

· Thursday, Nov. 10 (9– 10 a.m.)