Tag Archives: Clark County Family Court
October 25, 2016 Judge to transform to fairy godmother to make adoptions magical experience
Being adopted and having a forever family is a dream come true for many children in our community who have suffered abuse and neglect. Each year around Halloween, District Court Family Judge Cynthia Giuliani transforms to a fairy godmother to makes kids’ adoptions wishes a reality in court. On Monday, Oct. 31 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Family Court, 601 N. Pecos Road, in courtroom 22 the special adoption event will take place. The children are invited to come in costume and are given treats.
This is the fifth year Judge Giuliani will create the special adoptions experience around Halloween. “This is a life-changing experience for these families. Granting adoptions and making them special and memorable is the best part of my job,” said Judge Giuliani. “Seeing the happiness of the children who know they will be loved and cared for is so uplifting and hopefully inspiring for others to consider adoption or foster care.”
The District Court Family Division is involved in other special adoption events, including an annual adoption day marathon which is scheduled this year for November 17. For more information about adoption, call the Clark County Department of Family Services at 702-455-0800 or e-mail DFSAdoptions@ClarkCountyNV.gov.
“There is a significant need for caring families who will adopt, foster or even volunteer as court advocates for abused and neglected children. This adoption event is a unique way to make it special for the families and get the word out on the need,” said Family Division Presiding Judge Charles Hoskin.
Tags: Clark County Adoptions, Clark County Family Court, Fairy Godmother Judge, Halloween adoptions, Judge Charles Hoskin, Judge Cynthia Giuliani, Las Vegas Adoptions, Las Vegas FAmily Court, Las Vegas Halloween
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October 20, 2016 CASA volunteers will enter holiday season with a new purpose after they swear to take action for abused and neglected children
A fresh group of Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers will gain a new sense of purpose in time for the holiday season after they are sworn in at a ceremony at the Eighth Judicial District Family Court on Monday, Oct. 24 at noon, at Family Court, Courtroom 9, 601 N. Pecos Road. They will join the ranks of other CASAs who helped to give kids who have faced abusive situations a voice. There is a big need for CASAs in Clark County. Several opportunities are upcoming for people who want to have a positive impact on the life of a child. Those who want to help abused and neglected children are invited to one of the upcoming CASA orientations: Nov. 16 and Dec. 21 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Government Center, 500 S. Grand Central Pkwy. For more information about the program please call 702-455-4306, visit www.casalasvegas.org or Facebook at www.facebook.com/#!/CASALasVegas.
“Around the holidays people look for ways to give back. Volunteering to help abused and neglect children is fulfilling, rewarding and much needed,” said Family Court Judge Frank Sullivan, who will administer the oath to the CASA volunteers. “When children have a CASA, they have a voice. When they have a voice, they have hope. When they have hope, they have a future. I encourage anyone who is looking to make a difference in our community to consider volunteering as a CASA.”
There are 351 CASA volunteers serving as a voice for foster children in our community. Many more volunteers are needed to advocate for the nearly 3,500 children receiving services under supervision of Family Court. Last year, more than 900 children had a CASA volunteer to help them navigate through the system, and deal with school challenges and home life. The goal is to get a CASA volunteer for every child in foster care.
“Those who volunteer as a CASA have a profound impact on the lives of children who have suffered abuse and neglect.” said Presiding Family Court Judge Charles Hoskin. “CASA volunteers can take pride in knowing that they help ensure that foster children are given proper treatment, the care they deserve and a voice in court.”
The CASA program recruits, screens, trains and supports volunteers to represent the best interests of hundreds of foster children annually. The advocates represent the children in school, 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 Clark County CASA Program. The CASA mission continues to be fully supported by Family Court judges. For those interested in volunteering with CASA, monthly orientations are held on the third Wednesday of each month to provide more information about the program.
Tags: CASA, Clark County Family Court, Clark County Foster care, Help kids, Judge Charles Hoskin, Judge Frank Sullivan
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- Posted under Uncategorized, Volunteer in Las Vegas
May 16, 2016 17 everyday people take oath that makes them exceptionally special to abused and neglected children
Seventeen everyday people became exceptionally special to abused and neglected children on May 16, when they took an oath to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). They swore to be an effective voice for children in foster care and to give them a say on what happens with their life. The volunteers successfully completed training so they would have the skills needed to speak up for foster kids. The CASA volunteers serve a very important role to provide information to judges in court on abuse and neglect cases.
The CASA program recruits, screens, trains and supports volunteers to represent the best interests of hundreds of foster children annually. The advocates represent the children in school, 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 Clark County CASA Program. The CASA mission continues to be fully supported by Family Court judges.
For those interested in volunteering with CASA, monthly orientations are held on the third Wednesday of each month to provide more information about the program. Upcoming orientations will be held at the Government Center, 500 S. Grand Central Pkwy. For more information about the program please call 702-455-4306, visit www.casalasvegas.org or Facebook at www.facebook.com/#!/CASALasVegas.
Tags: CASA, CASA; Las Vegas; Family Court; kids; Foster kids;, Clark County Family Court, Eighth Judicial District Court, Family Court, Judge Charles Hoskin, Judge Frank Sullivan, Judge Rena Hughes, Judge Robert Teuton, Las Vegas Court, Las Vegas Volunteers, Nevada Court, Volunteer Las Vegas, volunteer opportunity Las Vegas
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April 4, 2016 Light Of Hope Ceremony to be held to ignite interest in helping abused and neglected children
Children who are in foster care face daunting challenges. They are generally traumatized by abuse and neglect and have to face their day-to-day lives with constant uncertainty. A Light of Hope Ceremony will be held at the Eighth Judicial District Family Court on Monday, Apr. 11 at noon, in courtroom 9, 601 N. Pecos Road that will offer enlightening information on many ways that individuals can impact the life of an abused and neglected child. The special candle-lighting ceremony will illuminate the need for volunteers to advocate for the nearly 3,500 abused and neglected children who are receiving services under the supervision of Family Court. April is Child Abuse Prevention And Awareness Month and a great time to consider volunteering as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) to help the abused and neglected childdren in our community.
The focus this year is to make a difference in the lives of children in foster care. “I would like to call on college students, retirees, those who want to make a difference and have a little time to spare to attend one of the CASA information session and learn how they can really have a positive impact on a young life,” said Family Court Judge Frank Sullivan, who oversees the CASA program. “By volunteering a just a few hours a week to serve as a CASA, volunteers can really make a positive impact on the life of a child.”
The CASA program 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. In 1980, Judge John Mendoza led the creation of the Clark County CASA Program. The CASA mission continues to be fully supported by Family Court judges.
“Each time we swear in new CASA volunteers, we are grateful that they are willing to speak up for abused and neglected children. We are also reminded of how many more volunteers are needed to provide a voice for every child in foster care,” said Presiding Family Court Judge Charles Hoskin.
For those interested in volunteering with CASA, monthly orientations are held on the third Wednesday of each month to provide more information about the program. Upcoming orientations will be held at the Government Center, 500 S. Grand Central Pkwy. For more information about the program please call 702-455-4306, visit www.casalasvegas.org or Facebook at www.facebook.com/#!/CASALasVegas.
Tags: abuse and neglect, Clark County Family Court, Court Appointed Special Advocate, Eighth Judicial District Court, foster care, Judge Charles Hoskin, Judge Frank Sullivan, Las Vegas Volunteers, Nevada Court, volunteer opportunity Las Vegas
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March 25, 2016 District Court CASA Program Passes Rigorous National Certification With Flying Colors
The Eighth Judicial District Court Appointed Special Advocate Program (CASA) has been awarded certification by the National CASA Association, and passed the national organization’s high standards for quality child advocacy with flying colors.
The CASA program recruits, screens, trains and supports volunteers to represent the best interests of hundreds of foster children annually. The advocates represent the children in school, 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 Clark County CASA Program. The CASA mission continues to be fully supported by Family Court judges.
“Receiving national certification with such high marks for our CASA program is an affirmation of the commitment of our volunteers and staff,” said Family Court Judge Frank Sullivan, who oversees the CASA program. “Hundreds of children receiving services under the supervision of Family Court benefit from the objective adult voice that CASA volunteers bring. We currently have around 3,500 children who are in foster care under the supervision of Family Court and 353 CASA volunteers. Our goal is to have a CASA for every child in foster care.”
For those who want to volunteer with CASA, monthly orientations are held on the third Wednesday of each month to provide more information about the program. Upcoming orientations will be held at the Government Center, 500 S. Grand Central Pkwy. For more information about the program please call 702-455-4306, visit www.casalasvegas.org or Facebook at www.facebook.com/#!/CASALasVegas.
“CASA volunteers help traumatized children convey important information in court, at school and in meetings that impact their circumstances,” said Family Division Presiding Judge Charles Hoskin. “Without CASA volunteers, children are often left without a voice in court. I am extremely pleased that our CASA program has been nationally certified with such high marks as they work to voice the concerns of young people who face tremendous challenges.”
According to Tara Perry, Interim CEO/Chief Operating Officer of the National CASA Association, “The National CASA quality assurance process is very rigorous, and reflects our commitment to ensure every child served has a powerful volunteer advocate working on their behalf and a strong program supporting their work. This certification says the Eighth Judicial District CASA program has demonstrated
Tags: CASA, CASA; Las Vegas; Family Court; kids; Foster kids;, Clark County Family Court, Eighth Judicial District Court, Judge Charles Hoskin, Judge Frank Sullivan, Las Vegas Court
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February 4, 2016 Join the movement to improve graduation rates in Clark County
Attorneys, mental health professionals, law enforcement officers, retired teachers and other qualified applicants are invited to join the movement to improve graduation rates in Clark County. The Truancy Diversion Program (TDP) is looking to expand its successful program and needs volunteers to serve as school judges to meet with kids, guide them toward available resources and motivate the students.
The TDP was established by Judge Gerald Hardcastle in 2002. Since 2007, the program has been overseen by District Court Judge Jennifer Elliott in collaboration with the Clark County School District (CCSD).
“I invite attorneys, mental health professionals, law enforcement officers and retired teachers to be part of the solution to the significant problem of truancy in our schools,” said Judge Elliott. “The volunteer judges are guiding struggling students toward solutions and motivating them to graduate so they have future opportunities for college or a career.”
Clark County reported over 240,000 truant children for school-year 2014-2015.Those without a high school diploma face higher prospects of unemployment and the associated negative consequences. This collaborative effort between the CCSD has been structured to prevent and reduce youth crime, re-engage students in learning, and ultimately, reduce potential costs to our welfare and justice systems. It is a non-punitive, incentive-based approach to at-risk school students with truancy problems. A team (judge, family advocate, school personnel) works with the students and their families.
Judges, attorneys and other qualified applicants volunteer approximately two hours each week and hold truancy court sessions at schools where they meet individually with students and their parents. They review the students’ attendance, school work, and progress to ensure that students have the resources they need to be successful. The TDP judges promote and support academic achievement using a team effort and an individual student success plan. Since 2007, the TDP has expanded from six to over 80 schools including elementary, middle schools and high schools. The goal of the Eighth Judicial District Court Family Division is to continue to expand until all 336 Clark County schools have a TDP program. In 2014, the TDP was one of four programs in the nation to receive a $600,000 grant from the Department of Justice designed to keep kids in school and out of court.
“I encourage those in the legal profession who are looking to do something meaningful in the community to consider being a truancy diversion judge,” said Presiding Family Court Judge Charles Hoskin. “Those who have volunteered report being very gratified at the positive influence they have had on struggling youth.”
If you are a licensed attorney, mental health professional, law enforcement officer, retired teacher or other qualified applicant and are interested in volunteering as a TDP judge for this Specialty Court program, please contact DeNeese Parker at 702-321-2410 or Deneesep@gmail.com and/or Kimberly Alexander at 702-455-1755 or Alexanderk@clarkcountycourts.us.
Tags: Clark County Courts, Clark County Family Court, Clark County Graduation, Clark County Graduation rates, Clark County truancy, Eighth Judicial District Court, Judge Jennifer Elliot, Las Vegas Court, Las Vegas FAmily Court, Truancy, truancy diversion
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November 17, 2015 Family Court Judges to tell all at upcoming Bench Bar
The Family Division judges will spill the beans on what they’re really looking for at the Family Bench Bar meeting this Thursday, Nov. 19 at noon in courtroom 9 at the Family Court, 601 N. Pecos. Discovery is also on the agenda. Attending family lawyers may pick up some information on how to make their lives easier and their practice more effective.
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May 13, 2015 District Court takes action to implement national best practices for guardianship cases – Hotline and email link established to communicate issues
The Eighth Judicial District Court is taking action to implement best practices for guardianship cases as established by the National Association for Court Management. District Court Chief Judge David Barker recently attended an open hearing regarding guardianship at the Clark County Commission. As the chief judge, he is entrusted with the responsibility to handle matters of concern with the court. “Our fundamental responsibility to is to promote citizens trust and confidence in the guardianship process.” said Judge Barker. “I told the County Commission that I wanted to listen and I did. I continue to listen and I have also taken immediate action including establishing a guardianship hotline at 702-671-4614 and an email link guardianshipcompliance@clarkcountycourts.us for those who have concerns. “ Judge Barker sat in on guardianship cases to get a firsthand look as court officers worked. “Sitting in on guardianship cases provided valuable insight,” said Judge Barker. “As part of the fact-finding, I also spoke with those who handle these cases.”
Other action has been taken including:
• Contacting the Second Judicial District Court Chief Judge David Hardy and Nevada Supreme Court Chief Justice James Hardesty to form a high-level Guardianship Commission to review the issues and concerns expressed by the Clark County Commission.
• Contacting nationally recognized experts in guardianship for their expertise, insight and possible involvement with the commission.
• Review of significant correspondence regarding guardianship.
• Meeting with law enforcement and others in the executive branch with an eye toward cooperation that would be consistent with the judicial canons and responsive to community concerns.
• Requesting a guardianship compliance administrator and an investigator as steps to a wider strategy to address a number of important areas including:Formalizing a process for bringing complaints or concerns to the attention of the court. Implementation of a guardianship monitoring program. Promoting court/community collaboration. Developing and institutionalizing training programs for guardians and volunteers who are not professionals. Developing improved standardized procedures, forms and informational resources. Tracking and documenting the number of cases to determine and secure optimum staffing and resources.
The Guardianship Commission will examine policies and procedures currently used and provide recommendations, based on national best practices, on how they can be improved. The court appreciates the County Commission commitment to addressing this important concern and looks forward to their essential support to make the Guardianship Commission recommendations into reality. Adding a guardianship compliance administrator who is experienced in this case type will be a significant step to handling these challenges.
There are volunteer legal organizations in the community that work to assist with guardianship matters. “I ask that you support the community volunteers who are struggling but want to help,” said Judge Barker. “With calm deliberation we will allay the concerns and answer the questions asked regarding guardianship. Protecting those impacted by intellectual disabilities and diseases associated with aging is essential to the well-being of our families and community in Clark County. In cooperation with this commission, the judicial branch is actively addressing the guardianship issues raised and will pursue the best avenues and resources to develop solutions and improve the handling of guardianship cases.”
Tags: Clark County Family Court, Eighth Judicial District Court, guardianship, guardianship Clark County, Judge David Barker, Las Vegas Court, Las Vegas FAmily Court, Nevada Court
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