THE JUDGE'S CORNER:  Welcome Hearing Master White
by Judge Frank Sullivan

Sullivan smiling
As you may be aware, the Juvenile Dependency Bench welcomed two new Hearing Masters earlier this year. You've already been introduced to Hearing Master Margaret Pickard and now it is my privilege to officially introduce you to Hearing Master Adriana White. Hearing Master White was raised in Southern California; however, I won't hold that against her too much. J She attended San Diego State University where she earned a degree in Criminal Justice Administration. Hearing Master White then pursued her law degree at California Western School of Law. Shortly after graduation, she moved to Las Vegas and has been a member of the Nevada State Bar since 2008.

Hearing Master White's law practice was solely devoted to Family Law and I had the honor and privilege to have her appear before me on several occasions. She was always well-prepared, articulate, respectful to the court and all parties, and well versed on the rule of law applicable to the case at hand. Hearing Master White is married to Gary, a school teacher, and they have two lovely children, Bryce (6) and Briana (3). She has already proven to be a valuable addition to the Juvenile Dependency Bench, but, more importantly, a true asset to OUR children and their families. Join me in welcoming Hearing Master White!                  

Remembering & Honoring a Community Leader & Child Advocate: 
Patrick Smith

Patrick Smith served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer since May 2012. As a CASA volunteer, he advocated on behalf of six abused and neglected children, in four separate cases.  In addition to represented children, Patrick assisted the CASA Program by sitting on interview panels to screen potential CASA volunteers.  Patrick was a great child advocate and his passion for children in the foster care system was quite evident. In addition to his advocacy, Patrick was a dedicated foster and an adoptive parent. Patrick will truly be missed in this community. 



EVERYDAY HEROES: 
CASA of the Month: June 2019
 

A NOTE FROM THE CASA FOUNDATION:  Reaching for the Stars!
by Wendy Smith-Thomas
 
The CASA Foundation, The Department of Family Services and The Children's Advocacy Alliance hosted the annual Foster Youth Graduation Celebration on May 29, 2019 at Fabrizio Banquet Hall. It was very exciting to have many dignitaries in attendance to celebrate the accomplishment of "our children" who have achieved high school graduation! It is always a blessing to have the Honorable Judge Frank Sullivan to not only give his heartfelt words of encouragement and personally distribute certificates to each youth, but to join the youth on the dance floor. We were also thankful to have Madison Alvarez-Means and Cedric Tillman, from the Denver Broncos, as guest speakers. They both gave very meaningful and touching speeches to the youth. With the desire and dedication of the committee, as well as the numerous in-kind and monetary donations from many wonderful community supporters/sponsors, it is not unnoticed that this milestone for the youth remains very important to celebrate.  Read more.

       
  

NATIONAL CASA CONFERENCE, Atlanta, Georgia


Once again, the 8th Judicial District Court CASA Program and its CASA volunteers were well represented at the 2019 National CASA Conference in Atlanta, GA., held June 1-4, 2019. This year's theme was " Better Together: Building Stronger Families to Change Children's Lives. " Special thanks to the CASA Foundation, who sponsored five CASA volunteers, one CASA staff and one board member to attend the conference.Others in attendance included: the Honorable Frank Sullivan, Dependency Judge, Shelia Parks, CASA Program Administrator, Jane Saint, Executive Director of Nevada CASA Association, three CASA staff from Nye and Douglas County and one additional CASA volunteer.   Read more.


      


BECOME A CASA VOLUNTEER! 
 
Are you interested in becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer assigned to advocate for the best interest of a child in foster care? We need your help! Join us for an orientation to learn more about this important role.
 

The CASA Program has 3 orientations every month: 

  • 2nd Saturday of the month at 11:30 AM, at Child Haven, 701 North Pecos, Las Vegas, NV 89101 MAP
  • 3rd Wednesday of the month at 6 PM, at Clark County Government Center, 500 S. Grand Central Parkway, Las Vegas NV 89155. MAP
  • 4th Saturday of the month at 11:30 AM, at Child Haven, 701 North Pecos, Las Vegas, NV 89101 MAP
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteers provide advocacy for children who have been abused and neglected so that children can thrive in safe and permanent homes.