NEW CASA VOLUNTEERS SWORN IN

Thirteen new CASA volunteers were recently sworn in by Judge Pickard after completing the 5-week training series. These child advocates are now assigned to 33 children in foster care. Also present at the swearing in ceremony were Chief Judge Wiess, Judge Gordon and Judge McConnell.

THE PASSING OF JUDGE DAVID W. SOUKUP,

FOUNDER OF THE CASA/GAL MOVEMENT

Judge David W. Soukup, the founder of the court-appointed special advocate/volunteer guardian ad litem (CASA/GAL) movement, passed away on December 28, 2023. Judge Soukup was a giant of a man in the CASA/GAL network and around court and child welfare innovation. When he started the first CASA program in King County (Seattle), Washington in 1977, the number of children in foster care topped half a million nationally and a new phrase, foster care drift, became a way to describe the increasingly long time many children spent in foster care.


Concerned over making decisions about abused and neglected children’s lives without sufficient information, Judge Soukup conceived the idea of using carefully screened and trained community volunteers to speak for the best interests of children in court. In 1977, he created a legacy that continues to flourish today throughout the country and with the dedicated efforts of almost 100,000 volunteers, serving nearly a quarter of a million children annually. Over the years, when talking about conceiving the vision for the CASA program, Judge Soukup shared, “While sitting at juvenile court, I never got a night’s sleep without waking to wonder if at least one decision I made that day had been the best for a child. It struck me that it might be possible to recruit and train volunteers to investigate a child’s case so they could provide a voice for the child in those proceedings, proceedings which could affect their whole lives."


His legacy is alive and well through the work of our network of over 900 CASA/GAL state organizations and local programs in 49 states and the District of Columbia. Our collective commitment to children and youth is stronger than ever. The world is immeasurably better because of Judge Soukup. We look forward to honoring Judge Soukup’s incredible work and legacy.

LAS VEGAS ACES AMAZING ON AND OFF THE COURT!

The back to back, WNBA Champions/Las Vegas Aces, hosted CASA volunteers and their CASA children to a private holiday event in December 2023. 


Approximately 80 children and 25 CASA volunteers attended this event. This fun-filled evening is one that the children, CASA volunteers and players will not soon forget. It was filled with gifts, games, and on the court game play. Aces Head Coach, Becky Hammon, along with several players, and Aces staff came and supported the event, making this a true team effort. Gratitude is extended to Aces Director of Marketing, Carley Sisolak, for leading the planning efforts and the entire Aces organization for supporting this opportunity for CASA volunteers and children in foster care. 


Photo credits @lvaces & Mary Ann Price, Court Information Officer

MY CAUSE MY CLEATS

Three NFL players, Nick Gates (Washington Commanders), Daniel Carlson (Las Vegas Raiders) and Miles Killebrew (Pittsburgh Steelers) all participated in My Cause My Cleats featuring our local CASA Program of the Eighth Judicial District Court. These cleats help bring awareness about CASA’s mission to the viewers and fans. The player's support is very appreciated.


CHAMPIONS FOR CASA, Inc.

Champions for CASA, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit and is the 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. 


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
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CASA Program of the Eighth Judicial District Court | 702.455.CASA (2272)

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