Nevada faces a severe shortage of volunteer court-appointed special advocates for foster children at a time when child abuse could be on the rise, the Nevada CASA Association announced today.
The association is calling for more volunteers, who are trained to advocate for children in the foster care system. With the COVID-19 pandemic leaving many Nevadans out of work, the association worries child abuse and neglect cases could increase with economic hardships.
“Already, we have a backlog of cases awaiting assignment of a CASA volunteer,” said Jane Saint, executive director of the association. “When we emerge from the pandemic restrictions, we anticipate the need will be even greater.”
CASA volunteers are assigned to a specific child’s case by a Family Court judge.
The advocates conduct research to learn about the child’s life and history, spending about eight to 10 hours a month on the case. They also serve as a stable person in the child’s life, remaining with them until the child moves to a safe permanent home.
“When I found out about the enormous need for advocates to be a voice for children in foster care, I had to volunteer,” said advocate Lisa Coruzzi. “The experience is not always easy, but it ranks among the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. As a CASA, you have substantial opportunities to positively affect the outcome of a child’s case, ensuring they thrive in a safe, permanent home.”
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