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June 8, 2022 Local Superstar Selected From 93,000 CASA Volunteers Nationally To Take Home Prestigious National CASA/GAL 2022 Child Advocate Of The Year Award
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.
Tags: Carolyn Muscari, CASA program Las Vegas, CASA volunteer, CASA; Las Vegas; Family Court; kids; Foster kids;, Judge Anthony Capizzi, Judge Anthony Capizzi Montgomery County Court in Ohio, Judge Bell, Judge Frank Sullivan, Judge Linda Marie Bell, Judge Rebecca Burton, Montgomery County Court in Ohio, National CASA/GAL Association’s 2022 G.F. Bettineski Child Advocate of the Year Award, Rebecca Burton, Volunteer in Las Vegas
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June 7, 2022 District Court Administrative Order 22-09 outlines case reassignments
District Court Chief Judge Linda Marie Bell issued Administrative Order 22-09 that outlines changes made to case assignments in juvenile delinquency and dependency, and changes in assignments in the civil/criminal division.
View/download Administrative Order 22-09
Tags: Administrative Order 22 - 09, Clark County court case reassignment, Eighth Judicial District Court, EJDC case reassignment, Judge Linda Bell, Las Vegas Court, Las vegas court case Reassignment, Las Vegas courts, Linda Marie Bell, Nevada Court, Nevada Eighth Judicial District Court, Nevada Eighth Judicial District Court Case reassignment
May 17, 2022 Local 40-Year CASA Volunteer Selected As National CASA/GAL Association’s 2022 G.F. Bettineski Child Advocate of the Year Award
She calls herself a “CASA for life;” that’s one of the reasons local CASA Volunteer Carolyn Muscari was selected for the prestigious National CASA/GAL Association’s 2022 G.F. Bettineski Child Advocate of the Year Award. The announcement came in a letter to Carolyn that states: “The CASA/GAL movement is only possible through committed volunteer advocates like you, and we are pleased to recognize your commitment and dedication.”
The 40-year CASA volunteer will be presented with the award at the National CASA/GAL Awards of Excellence ceremony during the National CASA/GAL Association’s 40th anniversary conference. In addition, a $20,000 grant award will be provided to Eighth Judicial District Court-CASA Program for program-wide professional development for the benefit of all staff and volunteers of the program.
“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!”
“The National CASA/GAL Association for Children is celebrating its 40 Year Anniversary and I can’t think of a more appropriate way to celebrate than with the recognition of our own Carolyn Muscari as the National CASA/GAL Volunteer of the Year,” said Family Court Judge Frank Sullivan, who presides over the CASA program. “National CASA/GAL has over 93,000 dedicated volunteers and none more deserving of the Volunteer of the Year Award than Carolyn, who has served as a Clark County CASA for over 40 years. Over the past 40 years, Carolyn has improved the well-being of countless children in the Child Welfare System by helping them reach permanent homes through her tireless “best-interest” advocacy on their behalf. As promoted in the CASA/GAL National Campaign to Change a Child’s Story, Carolyn has truly changed her CASA children’s stories by making a life-changing difference in each child’s life by providing brighter futures for them, which in turn, has made our Clark County community stronger. Carolyn is the epitome of what a CASA is and what a CASA should be, and I’m truly professionally and personally honored and privileged to have served with Carolyn in her capacity as a CASA for over the past 20 years. Congratulations Carolyn on your well-deserved “40 on 40” recognition as National CASA/GAL Volunteer of the Year!”
For more information about the CASA program call 702-455-CASA, or visit www.casalasvegas.org.
Tags: Carolyn Muscari, CASA ClarkCounty, CASA Las Vegas, CASA volunteer, CASA; Las Vegas; Family Court; kids; Foster kids;, Frank Sullivan, Judge Frank Sullivan, Judge Linda Marie Bell, Judge Rebecca Burton, Linda Marie Bell, National CASA/GAL Association’s 2022 G.F. Bettineski Child Advocate of the Year Award, Rebecca Burton, Volunteer Las Vegas
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May 13, 2022 Judge William Voy announces his retirement after 24 years serving in the Family Division of District Court
Judge William Voy has committed his career to serving the youth of Clark County. He was appointed by the governor of the State of Nevada to the Eighth Judicial District Court in 1998. For the first five years, Judge Voy heard domestic matters related primarily to divorce, custody and child-support. He also presided over the Adult Mental Health Civil Commitment Court. In 2003, he was selected to preside over the juvenile delinquency court. His communications style and life-experiences made the assignment a perfect fit. In 2005, Judge Voy established the nation’s first specialty court for sexually exploited youth. In addition, he implemented the state’s first juvenile diversion court and mental health court, as well as oversaw the implementation of Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) that reduced average daily population in detention by 50 percent. As a result, Judge Voy developed the first Probation 24/7 Intensive Supervision Unit in the country.
Judge Voy has been a key figure in Keeping Kids in School Summits hosted by the Eighth Judicial District Court, the Nevada State Public Charter School Authority and the Clark County School District. The summits have been held over many years to bring those involved in education, justice and youth services together to cover techniques to improve student success and graduation rates. Judge William Voy also oversaw the Truancy Diversion Program (TDP) an effective, non-punitive, incentive-based approach to re-engage at-risk students with truancy problems to prevent and reduce youth crime.
“Judge Voy has dedicated many years to turning the lives around of youth facing the justice system in our community,” said District Court Chief Judge Linda Marie Bell. “We wish Judge Voy well in all his future endeavors.” In a letter to the governor and chief justice of the Nevada Supreme Court announcing his retirement, Judge Voy wrote, “For the last twenty-four years, it has been my great privilege and honor to serve the families and citizens of Clark County and the State of Nevada. I look forward to being able to continue to serve the families and citizens of Nevada in the future.” His retirement is effective May 31 of this year.
“Striving to find good in the youth who appeared before him, Judge Voy has been an innovative leader in creating programs to provide structure and help, rather than punishment, where appropriate to guide children to better choices and a better life. Judge Voy will be greatly missed by his colleagues, community partners and the families he has assisted,” said Presiding Family Division Judge Rebecca Burton. “As the judicial officer who married my husband and I, Judge Voy holds an extra special place in my heart.”
Prior to being appointed to the District Court bench, Judge Voy spent 10 years in private practice in Las Vegas and also served as a captain in the U.S. Army’s Judge Advocate General’s Office, stationed at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Judge Voy received his law degree from Willamette University in Salem Oregon in 1986.
Tags: Clark County Courts, Eighth Judicial District Court, Judge William Voy, juvenile justice in Las Vegas, Las Vegas Court, Nevada Court, Nevada Eighth Judicial District Court, Truancy Diversion Program Clark County, truancy prevention, William Voy
May 10, 2022 New District Court Administrative Order 22-08 Covers Deposition Behavior
New District Court Administrative Order 22-08 gives attorneys clear information on Deposition Behavior: http://www.clarkcountycourts.us/general/court-rules-and-administrative-orders/#Administrative%20Orders
The 23-page Order also includes information on what is not acceptable in Discovery including gamesmanship: “There is no room for gamesmanship in the discovery process. It is antithetical to the purpose of discovery and unethical. Manipulation of the discovery rules frustrates the entire process, “because one of ‘[t]he purpose[s] of discovery is to remove surprise from trial preparation so the parties can obtain evidence necessary to evaluate and resolve their dispute.”
Attorneys should read the entire administrative order to be ready to ace disposition behavior http://www.clarkcountycourts.us/general/court-rules-and-administrative-orders/#Administrative%20Orders
Tags: Administrative Order 22-08, EJDC AO 22-08, Judge Linda Bell, Judge Linda Marie Bell, New Eighth Judicial District Court of Nevada Administrative Orders
May 2, 2022 District Court Administrative Order 22-07 updates court operations related to COVID 19
New Eighth Judicial District Court of Nevada Administrative Order 22-07 updates court operations related to COVID 19. The Oder is posted on the court website:
Court Rules and Administrative Orders
Tags: Administrative Order 22-07, Court Coronavirus response, Court response to COVID-19, Judge Linda Bell
April 15, 2022 Amendments to rules of practice coming to the Eighth
ADKT 0590 and 0591 amend the rules of practice in the Eighth Judicial District Court of Nevada.
The Supreme Court of Nevada issued ADKT 0590 on April 11, 2022. It amends the Eighth Judicial District Court rules on organization of the court and court administration, Family Division matters and guardianship.
ADKT 0591 amends the Eighth Judicial District court rules regarding criminal practice and general provisions.
Below is Supreme Court of Nevada Order 0591.
Tags: Eighth Judicial District Court, Eighth Judicial District Court of Nevada, Nevada courts, Nevada legal education, Nevada supreme court orders, Rules of practice
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April 15, 2022 Applications being accepted for judicial seat in District Court Department IX
Applications are being accepted for judicial seat in department IX of the District Court, after Governor Steve Sisolak officially declared the vacancy. The seat in the Eighth Judicial District Court of Nevada became available after the United States Senate approved the appointment of Jurist Cristina D. Silva to the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada on March 23.
The Commission on Judicial Selection is now accepting applications for the open seat https://nvcourts.gov/AOC/Templates/documents.aspx?folderID=8938. The commission will review the applications and conduct interviews, before recommending three applicants to Governor Sisolak, who will make the appointment.
Since the judicial vacancy was announced after the March 18, 2022 filing deadline for the November 8, 2022 general election, NRS 293.165(2) applies. Therefore, to continue serving in the Eighth Judicial District Court, department IX, the successful appointee must file as a candidate for the next proceeding general election.
According to the Nevada Supreme Court website, the deadline for applicants to request FTP server access and background check paperwork from the Administrative Office of the Court is May 2, 2022 at noon. The application deadline is May 9, 2022 at noon. Applicant interviews are scheduled to be conducted June 9 and 10, according to the Nevada Supreme Court website.
For more information on the application process or to apply visit https://nvcourts.gov/AOC/Templates/documents.aspx?folderID=8938.
Tags: Clark County Courts, Cristina D. Silva, department IX, Eighth Judicial District Court, judicial openings in Nevada, judicial seat, Las Vegas Court, Las Vegas courts, Nevada Court, Nevada Eighth Judicial District Court
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April 13, 2022 Tonight 23 new CASA Volunteers to swear oath in a live ceremony to speak for best interests of abused and neglected children
A diverse cross-section of 23 newly trained Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers will be sworn in Tonight April 13 at 6 p.m. at the Clark County Government Center, ODC 3 to advocate for the best interests for 59 children in foster care. It is the first in-person oath ceremony since the pandemic ad it fall on the final night of a five-week training program. Judge Frank Sullivan will swear in a married couple, CCSD staff, UNLV students, moms, City of Henderson staff, non-profit founder/director, realtors and casino employees . The CASA Program needs more volunteers to meet the goal of 1,000 volunteers to meet the advocacy needs of abused and neglected children in Clark County. Those interested can learn more at one of the many monthly online orientations. Potential volunteers for the CASA program can call 702-455-4306 or visit www.casalasvegas.org to sign up for one of the upcoming online orientations.
· Wednesday, Apr. 20 (6 – 7 p.m.)
· Friday, Apr. 22 (noon – 1 p.m.)
· Wednesday, May 4 (noon – 1 p.m.)
· Friday, May 13 (9 a.m. – 10 a.m.)
· Wednesday, May 18 (6 – 7 p.m.)
· Friday, May 27 (noon – 1 p.m.)
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. Volunteering for the program involves a two-year commitment and a willingness to spend quality time with the children to advocate for them. In 1980, Judge John Mendoza led the creation of the CASA Program in Clark County.
“When you give abused and neglected kids a CASA, you give them a voice. When you give them a voice, you give them hope. When you give them hope, you give them a future,” said Family Court Judge Frank Sullivan, who presides over the program. “CASA’s are the eyes and ears for the court. They provide a voice and offer stability for kids who are in foster care and don’t otherwise have a lot of stability in their lives.”
“Everyday, CASA volunteers are advocating for and changing the stories of abused and neglected children,” said Presiding Family Court Judge Rebecca Burton “We invite those who really want to make a difference in our community to visit casalasvegas.org to learn more and sign up for one of the online orientations.”
The ceremony will be live-streamed at https://www.facebook.com/CASALasVegas at 6 p.m.
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April 1, 2022 Hundreds of pinwheels to be planted during child abuse prevention month to promote the big need for CASA volunteers
Hundreds of pinwheels will be planted by CASA volunteers, court staff, judges, and child welfare partners at Family Court on April 8 at noon, at 601 N. Pecos Road near the Family Court flagpole, to bring attention to April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. The Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program is planting the pinwheels to raise awareness about the need for more CASA volunteers to speak on behalf of children in the foster care system. The pinwheels also serve as a reminder of the uplifting childhoods and bright futures that all children deserve, including the many children in our community who face abuse and neglect, and receive services under the supervision of Family Court.
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 hundreds of foster children annually. The advocates represent the children in school, child and family team meetings, and in court. Volunteering for the program involves a two-year commitment and a willingness to spend quality time with the children to advocate for them. For more information about the CASA program call 702-455-CASA, or visit www.casalasvegas.org.
“When you give abused and neglected kids a CASA, you give them a voice. When you give them a voice, you give them hope. When you give them hope, you give them a future,” said Family Court Judge Frank Sullivan, who presides over the program. “CASA’s are the eyes and ears for the court. They provide a voice and offer stability for kids who are in foster care and don’t otherwise have a lot of stability in their lives.”
“Everyday, CASA volunteers are advocating for and changing the stories of abused and neglected children,” said Presiding Family Court Judge Rebecca Burton “We invite those who really want to make a difference in our community to visit casalasvegas.org to learn more and sign up for one of the online orientations.”
Tags: CASA, CASA Las Vegas, CASA volunteer, CASA; Las Vegas; Family Court; kids; Foster kids;, change a child's story, Clark County Courts, Clark County volunteer opportunity, Eighth Judicial District Court, Judge Frank Sullivan, Judge Rebecca Burton, Las Vegas Court, Las Vegas courts, Las Vegas Volunteers, legal volunteer, Nevada Court, Nevada Eighth Judicial District Court, volunteer for kids, volunteer for kids in Las Vegas, Volunteer in Clark County, Volunteer in Las Vegas, Volunteer Las Vegas, volunteer opportunity Las Vegas, volunteer to help kids
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