eighthjdcourt

Out of 49 states, 950 programs and more than 93,000 volunteers nationwide, local Eighth Judicial District Court superstar CASA volunteer Carolyn Muscari brings home to Las Vegas the prestigious National CASA/GAL Association’s 2022 G.F. Bettineski Child Advocate of the Year Award.

“For a very special award celebrating the heart of the CASA/Gal network a volunteer advocate. This year’s volunteer has served children in Las Vegas for 40 – for 40 – for 40 and a half years! This is the 40th anniversary of CASA/Gal nationally. So, she’s been serving as long as the organization has been actively serving children and families,” said Judge Anthony Capizzi, when presenting the award on behalf of the National CASA/Gal program.   

“When I became a CASA Volunteer in September of 1981, I was motivated by Michael Lee that the only important thing in the world is people, and the most vulnerable people are children. One day I heard about CASA on the radio; and I immediately knew that was my calling, so I signed up. And as I’ve seen the difference a CASA volunteer can make in a child’s life over the last 40 years, I am committed to being a CASA volunteer for the rest of my life,” said Carolyn Muscari. “Saving even one child is better than none.” Her insight inspired a room full of people committed to serving the best interests of abused and neglected children. “One day, I had an awakening and realized that a lot of people feel bad for these children; and they don’t need me to just feel bad for them, they need me to help them.”

In a letter of support for Carolyn’s nomination, Judge Frank Sullivan wrote, “It is my sincere pleasure and honor to submit this letter in support of Carolyn Muscari’s nomination for the 2022 Child Advocate of the Year. In my 23 years of judicial experience, more than 18 of those years exclusively presiding over cases involving abused and neglected children, I can honestly state that I’ve never had an individual contribute more to promoting the best interests of children than Ms. Muscari. As such, I can’t imagine anyone who could be more deserving of this most prestigious award than Ms. Muscari. Not only does Ms. Muscari give every child a voice, she ensures that each child’s voice is heard loud and clear.” Judge Sullivan also noted her candor, “She is not hesitant to pulse and respectfully question the court to ensure that every child achieves a safe, loving, nurturing and permanent home in a timely manner. Suffice is to say, Ms. Muscari makes sure that every child’s voice is heard in a meaningful manner as that voice gives them hope for a safe and loving future.”

Carolyn, advocacy has changed the lives of more than 160 children as a CASA volunteer since August 1981. She tirelessly promotes the mission of CASA as a volunteer peer coordinator, interview panels, swearing in ceremonies and with the CASA program speakers’ bureau to help recruit more CASA volunteers. Carolyn’s longest case lasted nine years and she was the only constant person on the case.    

“We are incredibly proud to have our District Court CASA program volunteer Carolyn Muscari selected for this prestigious award,” said District Court Chief Judge Linda Marie Bell. “During her 40 years of advocacy, she has had a tremendous positive impact on the lives of so many children. She also inspires others and strengthens the CASA program through her work as a peer coordinator and efforts to bring in new volunteers.”

The CASA program, which is part of the Family Division of the Eighth Judicial District Court, recruits, screens, trains and supports volunteers to represent the best interests of foster children in Clark County. The advocates represent the children in school, child and family team meetings and in court.  

“Carolyn is truly Nevada’s treasure, a heroine of four decades to the children who need to be heard by those deciding their best interests,” said Presiding Family Court Judge Rebecca Burton. “With great admiration, we offer congratulations to Carolyn!” 

For more information about the CASA program call 702-455-CASA, or visit www.casalasvegas.org.

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