Step Up to Make a Meaningful Difference!
More than 3,000 abused and neglected children are in foster care in Clark County, CASA volunteers advocate for the best interest of approximately 1,200 of those children. The CASA Las Vegas Program is seeking dedicated volunteers who will meet with the children, assess their needs and convey those needs to the Judge. These children need the community’s support.
Whether someone has grown children, never had children or wants to give back, becoming a CASA volunteer can offer an opportunity for someone to make a lasting, life-changing impact for abused and neglected children. A CASA volunteer serves as a consistent, caring presence in a child’s life by offering guidance, advocacy and stability, at a time when it is most needed.
Eighth Judicial District Court Judge Margaret Pickard, the judicial representative for the CASA Las Vegas program, explained that “Children come into foster care for a variety of reasons, often due to drugs, alcohol, mental health issues or domestic violence in the home.”
CASA VOLUNTEERS SHOW UP FOR THE KIDS
The presence of a CASA volunteer can be transformative. Volunteers may attend a child’s extracurricular activity or help enroll them in activities, meet with teachers or just provide encouragement. When CASA volunteers do this, it is sometimes the only time anyone has shown up for them. “I’ve had kids who’ve come to court and said, ‘My CASA came to my class meeting with my teacher. I didn’t know that adults did that.’ That was something that we take for granted. They never had an adult who sat next to them and their teacher, and talked about their struggles and their triumphs,” said Judge Pickard.
In addition, CASA volunteers ensure the child’s voice is being heard by speaking up in meetings, schools, in their homes and in court, always keeping in mind the child’s safety, permanency and well-being.
VOLUNTEERS FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE
CASA volunteers come from all walks of life and different family dynamics. Some have even been through the foster system themselves. CASA volunteers receive free professional training and have the full support of the CASA Program staff. A CASA volunteer is someone who has passion and the desire to represent the best interests of kids. What they also share is compassion and a commitment to helping children thrive. CASA volunteers give children hope and help nurture their dreams. “I have a friend of mine who always stayed home and taught piano. But she is an ace at meeting the requirements for getting a kiddo to graduate from high school. She is a perfect representative as a CASA volunteer,” said Judge Pickard.
Volunteers typically commit two to four hours per week; and often become one of the few consistent figures who remain in a child’s life — sometimes for years.
BUILDING A STRONGER SUPPORT SYSTEM
One standout volunteer, Jenifer Page, helped her assigned youth secure housing upon turning 18. Today, Page serves as president of Champions for CASA, the nonprofit auxiliary of the CASA Las Vegas Program. The group is remodeling a home where CASA volunteers can spend quality time with their assigned children — playing games, mentoring and even teaching life skills, like cooking. “That’ll be really an exciting addition to our community as well,” Judge Pickard said.
The judge has been involved with CASA for more than 10 years. She first served as a Children’s Attorney’s Project (CAP) attorney, before taking the bench. She served five years as a hearing master and then five years as a judge. While Judge Pickard has been involved with the CASA program since she got on the bench, she has served as the official judicial representative for three years.
“I think everybody gets more out of being a CASA volunteer personally than they realize. Nearly every CASA volunteer has said that, ‘they get more from the kids than what they contribute.’ It’s heartening to know that there are people in our community who care about our kids and will volunteer to help those who are in challenging circumstances,” Judge Pickard said.
If your heart is ready and the time is right, consider becoming a CASA volunteer. Visit casalasvegas.org.