Tag Archives: FamilyCourt
May 15, 2021 It’s all about the best interest of our kids
“It’s all about the best interest of our kids,” said Judge Frank Sullivan repeatedly during a Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) oath ceremony to swear in 17 volunteers who will speak on behalf children in foster care. That line sums up the essence of what CASA volunteers do.
Each of the 17 new volunteers shared their reason for committing their time to such an important cause. The reasons ranged from following in the footsteps of their mother, to being inspired by their own children to volunteer and to make them proud.
“I’ve been in my community for 16 years, and my community means a lot to me. I don’t see any better way to give back to my community that to advocate for these children,” said volunteer Analeen Montmayer.
When asked why she volunteered, Lisa Czukar-Binder quoted educator Rita Pierson: “Every child deserves a champion, an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.” “That’s says it all,” responded Judge Sullivan.
Presiding Family Division Judge Burton told the volunteers, “We are ever so grateful that all of you are donating your time to the community.” Judge Margaret Pickard also thanked the CASA volunteers for their time and told the group how important their role was. Casa Foundation Director Jane Saint thanked the volunteers for their life-changing volunteer work and let them know that the foundation is there for support.
“We appreciate your decision to dedicate your time to such an important role, at such a critical point in a child’s life. It’s overwhelming to think about how wonderful it is to do this for these children and for our court,” said court Chief Executive Officer Steven Grierson. It can’t be recognized enough and it can’t be put into words how much we appreciate it. Changing the story of a child is such an important mission and I just want to say thank you so much.
Take the CASA challenge and view this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLlpWsIC4uE
The volunteers come from various walks of life including: a retired Metro lieutenant, a school counselor, multiple former foster parents, retired teachers, a Raiders ambassador, a casino worker, a property manager, realtor, event planner, IT professional, auto salesperson, care provider and an accountant. Each are stepping up to fill the big need to speak for children in foster care.
The CASA program, which is part of the Family Division of the Eighth Judicial District Court of Nevada, 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. For more information about the CASA program call 702-455-4306, visit www.casalasvegas.org or visit www.facebook.com/#!/CASALasVegas.
Tags: CASA, CASA ClarkCounty, CASA Foundation, CASA Las Vegas, CASA volunteer, CASA; Las Vegas; Family Court; kids; Foster kids;, Clark county CASA, Clark County Family Court, EJDC, FamilyCourt, Jane Saint, Judge Frank Sullivan, Judge Margaret Pickard, Judge Rebecca Burton, Las VEgas CASA, Nevada Eighth Judicial District Court, Steven Grierson, Volunteer in Clark County, Volunteer in Las Vegas, Volunteer Las Vegas, volunteer opportunity Las Vegas
January 28, 2016 Guardianship Bench Bar to offer latest news and Q&A session
A guardianship Bench-Bar meeting will be held Feb. 1 at 11:30 a.m. at the Public Guardian’s Office, 515 Shadow Lane. Topics covered will include processes and procedures; code review and proposed changes; notices; news you can use, including guardianship committee updates; and a question and answer session.
Tags: bench bar, Clark County Guardianship, Clark County Guardianship Bench Bar, Eighth Judicial District Court, FamilyCourt
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- Posted under Clark County Guardianship
October 13, 2015 Kids steal the show at CASA gala and prove that there is hope for the future
The 25th Annual Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer Recognition Gala was an exceptional recognition event by all accounts. It was well planned, well attended and had all the elements that you could want to make volunteers feel appreciated. Many worthy people received recognition for volunteering to communicate the needs of kids in foster care. The highlight of the night however wasn’t the really good band, the food, or even the awards for the volunteers; it was the two young people who stood up in front of a huge room full of adults and shared their story of how their CASAs changed their lives and made them believe that anything was possible for them and that their future was bright. They showed without a doubt that volunteering a few hours a week can make a difference and can bring hope to a young person in need. They spoke as well as any seasoned speaker could and conveyed how much they gained from their CASA and how much they appreciated all that their CASA did for them. All of the CASA volunteers are appreciated. A few were selected to be recognized at the CASA Gala this year. It was CASA’s 25th Annual Gala and a “toast to the future.”
Thanks to these and all CASA volunteers who serve as a voice for some of our community’s most vulnerable children.
CASA Outstanding Caseworker Marlou Steele
CASA Foundation President’s Award recipient Bart Masi w/Wirtz Beverage
CASA Excellence Award Heather McCusker
Judge John J Mendoza CASA Child of Year Alexandra Lawrence
Adelson Scholarship winner Ryan Matt
CASA Outstanding Newcomers
- Crystal Bomar
- Alyssa Carothers
- Kristen Cole
- Erin Colegrove
- Judy Colegrove
- Janice Morton
- Karen Rein
- Kharisma Rodriquez
CASA Outstanding Service Award
- Verise Campbell
- Felicia Ceberio
- David Desmarais
- Ted Hartwell
- Hilda Wagner
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: abuse and neglect, CASA, CASA; Las Vegas; Family Court; kids; Foster kids;, Eighth Judicial District Court, Family Court, FamilyCourt
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- Posted under Uncategorized
June 30, 2015 Family Court Issues Resolution That Spells Out Seven Rules On Civility In Court To Improve Courtroom Courtesy And Efficacy
Those visiting the Family Division of District Court are often there at the worst time of their life. Divorce, custody of children and guardianships are just a few of the contentious matters that are handled there. So, it’s no surprise that people lose their cool and get emotional during proceedings. Judges do their best to guide litigants through the process in a smooth manner, but it’s a constant challenge that is seen in courts across the nation; so much so, that it has been a
focus in judicial colleges. That’s why the Family bench issued a recent resolution to spell out civility in court with the aim to improve courtroom courtesy.
The following rules of professional cooperation shall be enforced in every courtroom in the
Family Division:
- Attorneys and litigants shall, at all times, demonstrate respect for the opposing attorney, litigant and the court
- Attorneys and litigants shall be adequately prepared for each court appearance
- Attorneys and litigants shall permit the opposing party to present their arguments without interruption (no objections during argument)
- Attorneys and litigants shall refrain from excessively repeating facts or arguments
- Attorneys and litigants shall refrain from personal attacks on the opposing attorney or litigant
- Attorneys and litigants shall address all comments to the Judge and not the opposing attorney or litigant
- Attorneys and litigants shall maintain control over their emotions
“The resolution spells out the rules as a reminder to all parties that courtesy and preparation are essential to smooth and efficient court operations.” said the civil Presiding Family Division Judge Charles Hoskin. “It points out that candor, courtesy and cooperation facilitate faster, less costly and mutually accepted resolution of disputes; reduce stress for lawyers, staff and clients; reduce waste of judicial time; and generate respect for the court system, the individual attorney and the profession as a whole.”
Preparation for Family matters has been helped by improvements at the Family Law Self-Help Center located right on the Family Division Campus at 601 N. Pecos Road and the Family law self Help website
familylawselfhelpcenter.org/. Those looking to represent themselves in Family Court cases, can access a new website that offers how-to tips, forms and info on going solo in court. Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada has launched the new site at http://www.familylawselfhelpcenter.org/ for the Family Law Self-Help Center. The non-profit Legal Aid Center operates the Self-Help Center at Family Court in cooperation with the Eighth Judicial District Court. The new website provides easy access to many of the forms and resources available at the Self-Help Center.
Tags: courtroom decorum, FamilyCourt
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- Posted under Las Vegas Family Court
June 26, 2015 Program That Keeps Students In School, Out of Court And On-Track To Graduate Wraps Up Another Successful Year With Eye Toward Expansion Next Year
Truancy Diversion Program (TDP) volunteers who commit to a school-year of weekly truancy diversion court sessions on a CCSD campus will be recognized on Monday, June 29 at noon lunch to be held at Ainsworth Game Technology, 6975 S. Decatur Blvd., Suite 140. Each of the volunteers will be given an award for making a difference in the lives of our young people. Guest speakers will touch on truancy trends seen in Clark County and discuss future plans for the program that is slated to expand next year.
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.
Clark County reported nearly 120,000 truant children for school-year 2013-2014.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 volunteering approximately three hours each week to and hold truancy court sessions at schools where they meeting 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 70 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 358 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 want to acknowledge and thank the Truancy Diversion volunteers for being part of the solution to the significant problem of truancy in our schools. By addressing these issues before they compound, we are helping struggling students to be successful in their educations so they can graduate and have the chance at college or a career,” said Judge Elliott.
“The Truancy Diversion volunteers, along with Judge Elliott and her team, have accomplished much to fill some of the gaps to get students struggling with attendance on track and in school,” said Presiding Family Court Judge Charles Hoskin. “Their efforts are making a difference in the lives of young people and improving their chances for success.”
If you are a licensed attorney, mental health professional or law enforcement officer and are interested in volunteering as a TDP judge for this Specialty Court program please contact DeDe Parker at: 702-321-2410.
Tags: FamilyCourt, Judge Jennifer Elliot, Truancy, truancy diversion
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August 15, 2013 Family Court Announces Volunteer Opportunity For Attorneys To Serve As Truancy Diversion Judges
Truancy Diversion Program To Kickoff September 16 For New School Year To Keep Students In School And On Track for Success
The Family Court Truancy Diversion Project (TDP) is holding their new school year kickoff on September 16 at 12:15 p.m. at Family Court, 601 N. Pecos in Courtroom 9. The program is offering great opportunity for attorneys and law clerks to make a difference in the community by serving as judges for the Truancy Court Diversion Project (TDP). This early intervention program is aimed at keeping truant students in school and on the path to success.
Truant youth are more likely to drop out of school. In Clark County around 60,000 children are truant during the school year. Nevada’s dropout rate is reported to be the highest in the nation. Everyday in Family Court, judges see first-hand the fallout from truancy and its negative consequences. Teen pregnancy, high unemployment and the likelihood of falling into the criminal justice system are all linked to truancy and school dropout.
The goal of the TDP is to reduce the number of students entering the formal juvenile justice system as a result of skipping school. Truancy is often a symptom of greater need within the family. The truancy program strategy includes identifying and addressing a variety of family issues including substance abuse or lack of basic necessities such as food, clothing, and housing. The program also promotes improvement in academic achievement and attempts to reduce student behavioral problems.
“The Truancy Diversion Program doesn’t just benefit these students but it benefits our community as a whole. Higher graduation rates lead to a stronger more employable community,” said District Court Judge Jennifer Elliott. “Volunteering to serve as a judge in the Truancy Court Diversion Project is worthwhile work. Our young students gain so much from the guidance provided by the volunteers in this program.”
The TDP judges wear robes and preside during the diversion program on school property. Sessions usually begin at about 7:30 a.m. once a week for two to three hours. The judge meets with the student, family and advocates to address issues, monitor progress, make recommendations and reward positive behavior.
Attorneys or law clerks interested in volunteering should contact Debbie Rose at 455-1755 or e-mail rosed@clarkcountycourts.us. For more information about the Truancy Court Diversion Project visit http://www.clarkcountycourts.us/ejdc/programs-and-services/TDP/index.html for more information about the courts please visit our website at http://www.clarkcountycourts.us.
The Truancy Diversion Program demonstrates how the Eighth Judicial District Court is working to strengthen the community. District Court continuously works to develop innovative ideas, improve efficiencies, address issues and improve access to justice. For more information about the courts, please visit our website at clarkcountycourts.us.
Tags: district court, Eighth Judicial District Court, FamilyCourt, Las Vegas, Las Vegas Court, Las Vegas FAmily Court, Truancy
June 26, 2012 Keeping Kids In School
The Truancy Diversion Project (TDP) volunteers who keep kids in school got high marks and praise for their work. The purpose of the TDP is to be an effective tool assisting the Clark County School District to reduce absenteeism and the dropout rate and thereby reducing the number of students entering the formal juvenile justice court system. To volunteer e-mail drose@clarkcountycourts.us.
Tags: CCSD, ClarkCountySchoolDistrict, Courts, FamilyCourt, Lasegas, LasVegas, Truancy
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- Posted under In the community
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