THE JUDGE'S CORNER: Education, the Great Equalizer By Judge Frank Sullivan   Based upon my own personal experience, it is my firm belief that “education is the great equalizer”. With that in mind and a new school year beginning, it is imperative that we address the educational needs of OUR youth in the child welfare system. In order to help ensure that youth in the foster care system are provided with the same educational services and opportunities as all other youth, Nevada law requires that the court appoint an Educational Decisional Maker (EDM) for all youth in foster care. While it is presumed to be in the best interest of the child for the court to appoint the parent/caregiver as the EDM, the court may appoint someone other than a parent/caregiver if the court finds it’s not in the best interest of the child for the parent/caregiver to serve as the EDM.   READ MORE Introducing the CASA Programs New Auxiliary: CHAMPIONS FOR CASA, Inc. Who we are? Champions for CASA, Inc. is the new Auxiliary of the Eighth Judicial District Court’s CASA Program effective June 16, 2022. Our Mission:  Promote and support the work of the CASA Las Vegas program through recruitment, training, recognition of, and retention of CASA Las Vegas volunteers, so that every child in foster care in Clark County, NV can be represented. How Can You Help? Consider becoming a CASA volunteer or help us recruit through your business. Consider sponsoring or hosting Lunch & Learns, Coffee with CASA and/or CASA Night Out. Include CASA recruitment materials in your company’s distribution lists, etc. Allow us to come speak to your social group, organization, employees, or group of friends about CASA. You can also make financial donations to help with recruitment, retention and recognition of the volunteers. In-kind donations of event tickets, gift cards, or other items are also welcomed as these are used as incentives for CASA volunteers.   VISIT CHAMPIONS FOR CASA WEBSITE CASA Volunteers Swearing In Ceremony On Friday, August 19th, thirteen new CASA volunteers were sworn in by Judge Sullivan after completing 5-weeks of online/in-person training. These volunteers are now assigned to advocate for the best interest of 25 children in foster care. In attendance were Chief Judge Jerry Wiese, Family Court Presiding Judge Rebecca Burton, Judge Soonhee Bailey, Judge Dee Butler, Judge Rhonda Forsberg, Judge Vincent Ochoa and Former NV Supreme Court Justice Michael Cherry. Also in attendance were the Courts Chief Executive Officer, Steve Grierson, Assistant Family Court Administrator DeNeese Parker and State CASA Program Executive Director, Jane Saint.

Become a CASA Volunteer! Are you interested in becoming a CASA volunteer? Maybe you know someone who would be a terrific child advocate. Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers are assigned by the Judge to advocate for the best interest of a child in foster care. Free informational meetings are scheduled (virtually) four times every month.

ORIENTATION DATES

VIDEO

CASA Program of the Eighth Judicial District Court | 702.455.CASA 601 North Pecos Road, Las Vegas, NV 89101 www.CASALasVegas.org

‌ ‌ ‌

VISIT OUR WEBSITE