A MESSAGE FROM JUDGE FRANK SULLIVAN Happy 40th CASA! This year we are celebrating the 40 year anniversary of Clark County’s CASA Program along with my 40th birthday (well, maybe not). By way of background, Clark County’s CASA Program was started in 1980 when Eighth Judicial District Court Judge, John F. Mendoza, got the idea from a Seattle program started in 1977. Judge Mendoza saw the need for the children of Clark County to have advocates in order to ensure that their voices were heard by the court. With the assistance of the Jr. League, and funding approved by the Clark County Commissioners, Clark County’s CASA Program was born. To avoid any possible conflict of interest, the decision was made to operate the CASA Program through the courts. Considering that OUR children needed a loving and permanent home, as well as the fact that Judge Mendoza was Hispanic, he came up with the program’s name of CASA, which was ultimately adopted as the national name of the Program. The children of Clark County will be eternally grateful to Judge Mendoza! Read more.

CASA VOLUNTEER SWEARING IN CEREMONY On Friday, September 18th, twenty-three new CASA volunteers were virtually sworn in by Judge Sullivan. Juvenile Hearing Master Pickard was also in attendance. Eighteen volunteers completed the Flex curriculum that is 6-weeks long and includes 15 hours of independent online work and 16 hours in a (virtual) classroom. The remaining five volunteers completed Guided Learning, that is an independent learning curriculum that allows participants to move at their own pace, and includes one to one coaching with CASA staff. These new volunteers are now assigned to 55 children in foster care and are prepared to advocate for the children's best interest, permanence and well being. Welcome to CASA!

A MESSAGE FROM THE CASA FOUNDATION Shoes! The CASA Foundation, along with some of its incredible community partners, donated over 1,500 new shoes to children in foster care. Over the next few weeks, thanks to DFS staff, CASA volunteers, as well as caregivers, will be able to schedule appointments to pick up shoes, from little kids to full grown teenager sizes. In order to follow the COVID-19 guidelines set forth by the programs, distribution will take place at Peggy’s Attic, by appointments only.    We know the importance of giving our kids every opportunity to have the best and to build their confidence during a difficult situation. Feeling good about oneself is key and having new shoes can provide that boost.   If you have questions about the shoe distribution or to schedule an appointment, please email Denise Parker at Denise.Parker@clarkcountynv.gov.

BECOME A CASA VOLUNTEER! Are you interested in becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer assigned to advocate for the best interest of a child in foster care? We need your help! Click here for more information.

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteers provide advocacy for children who have been abused and neglected so that the children can thrive in safe and permanent homes. 702-455-4306 www.CASALasVegas.org

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