LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Kids in Clark County continue to enter the foster care system every day and need someone on their side through what is often a very traumatic time.
“Neglect is usually why children are brought into protective custody. That said, obviously some children experience so much more: physical abuse, sexual abuse, abandonment,” said CASA Volunteer Coordinator Vickie Wilson.
CASA volunteers are court-appointed special advocates for children in foster care and protective custody.
They spend time with the child, building a bond and figuring out what they need.
Then, they write a report and make a recommendation to the judge about whether the child should stay in foster care, move homes, go to a parent or guardian, or be released from the system altogether.
“CASA volunteers don’t just show up in court. Court is important, but they show up at foster parent homes, they show up at school. They are there for good days and bad days, and to figure things out so we don’t have children in foster care any longer than they have to be.”
CASA volunteers spend about 8 hours a month with their cases—one child or a group of siblings—taking them on fun outings to the movies or ice cream, checking in on how they are doing at home, and, most importantly, providing a constant for kids moving through the child welfare system, building a bond that can last a lifetime.
“It is very common for CASAs to continue to have that relationship and for that child to see that CASA volunteer as being someone I can reach out to when I need something.”
For more information on becoming a CASA volunteer, click here.
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