Family Services
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program Overview
Contact
Phone: (775) 328-3298
Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m
Location
75 Court StreetSecond Floor, Suite 214
Reno, NV 89501

Program Description
Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) programs provide critical support for abused and neglected children who are under the protection of the juvenile court. The CASA Program in the Second Judicial District Court supports trained CASA volunteers who advocate for the best interest of the child, working to move the child out of the system and into a safe, permanent home as quickly as possible. CASA volunteers undergo a training and development program that consists of 40 hours of pre-service training and 12 annual in-service training. The core responsibilities of the CASA are to advocate for the child’s best interests in the courtroom, act as a watchdog for the child during the duration of the case, serve as a fact finder for the judge and ensure the court has all the relevant facts and up to date information about the child. CASA volunteers are typically appointed to one case at a time. Low caseloads for CASA volunteers mean the courts can make better decisions for children and each child has the benefit of a consistent and caring adult presence in his or her life.
Accessible Services and Support
Two full-time case managers provide training and support to CASA volunteers, manage the program’s day-to-day operations and work collaboratively with judicial officers to ensure the program meets the needs of the court.
Summary of Services
Background
CASA or Court Appointed Special Advocates is a nationwide program that trains community volunteers to speak for the best interests of abused and neglected children involved in juvenile court. Appointed by the Court, a CASA volunteer represents the child's interests in the court process, ensuring the court has all the information needed to make the best decision for the child and ensuring their right to a safe and secure home.
CASA volunteers must undergo extensive screening and training prior to their service. Once appointed by the Court, CASA's become an official part of the judicial proceedings, working alongside attorneys and social workers as an appointed officer of the court. Unlike attorneys and social workers, however, the CASA volunteer speaks exclusively for the child's best interests. In Washoe County, the CASA program has helped hundreds of children find their way to a safe home. A division of Family Court, CASA volunteers are appointed in a wide range of Family Court cases including abuse and neglect proceedings, cases involving domestic abuse, contested child custody battles and disputes over parental access and visitation.
Over the course of a CASA' involvement, volunteers work closely with the child and family to bring an independent assessment of a child's needs to the court. Volunteers spend several hours a week working directly with the child, talking to teachers, counselors and social workers and writing reports to the court. CASA's also attend court sessions involving the child. The focus of the CASA's investigation is to identify the child(ren)'s needs, not to gather information for criminal prosecution. Then volunteers make recommendations to the judge regarding what, in their judgment, is in the child's best interest.
CASA has served over 3400 children in Washoe County since its inception. By providing the most complete up-to-date information on a case, a well trained CASA becomes a partner with the court and other child serving agencies in providing effective advocacy for children who need it the most.
Volunteering
One of CASA's strengths is that it is a community based solution to a problem. Though it is a challenging commitment, no particular background is required. Washoe County CASA has volunteers who are teachers, stockbrokers, casino employees and stay-at-home moms. Nationally only 25% of the children who need a voice in court have one. Here in Washoe County over 500 children are being helped by CASA each year but more could be served with additional volunteers. Someone like you can make a difference!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can anyone volunteer to be a CASA?
What training does a CASA volunteer receive?
For specific information on training or to obtain a copy of the training schedule please contact (775) 328-3298.
What is the CASA volunteer's role?
How does a CASA volunteer investigate a case?
How does a CASA volunteer differ from a social service caseworker?
How does the CASA volunteer relate to the child he or she represents?
Is there a "typical" CASA volunteer?
How much time does it require?
How long does a CASA volunteer remain with a case?
How effective have CASA programs been?
What is the first step to becoming a CASA volunteer?
To provide a powerful voice for abused and neglected children under the jurisdiction of the Second Judicial District Court.