Tag Archives: Judge Bryce Duckworth
July 22, 2020 CASA volunteers trained virtually swear oath via videoconference as coronavirus workaround
Fifteen new CASA volunteers were sworn via videoconference by Judge Sullivan. Family Court Presiding Judge Bryce Duckworth and Juvenile Hearing Master Adriana Rincon-White also conferenced in, along with the Nevada State Director of CASA, Jane Saint.
These new CASA volunteers were the first group to complete 30 hours of virtual training. This virtual flex training, which was newly created by National CASA/Guardian ad Litem Association, includes 15 hours of independent online activities and 15 hours of virtually facilitated classroom material.
These CASA volunteers are now assigned to advocate for the best interest of 40 children in foster care.
There is a big need for CASA volunteers in Clark County, to speak up for the approximately 3,200 children in the community, who are receiving services under supervision of Family Court. Those who want to help abused and neglected children can get more information at 702-455-4306, visit www.casalasvegas.org or Facebook at www.facebook.com/#!/CASALasVegas.
Tags: CASA, CASA Las Vegas, CASA; Las Vegas; Family Court; kids; Foster kids;, CASA; Las Vegas; Family Court; kids; foster kids; volunteer; advocate;, Clark county CASA, Clark County volunteer opportunity, Hearing Master Adriana Rincon-White, Jane Saint, Judge Bryce Duckworth, Judge Frank Sullivan, Las VEgas CASA, Volunteer in Clark County, Volunteer in Las Vegas, Volunteer Las Vegas, volunteer opportunity Las Vegas, volunteer to help kids
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- Posted under CASA, CASA Las Vegas, Help abused kids, Keep Kids In School, kids in court, Uncategorized
April 20, 2020 Guided Online Domestic Violence Temporary Protective Order Application Launched By District Court As Risks Rise Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
The Nevada Eighth Judicial District Court has launched an online guided application for domestic violence temporary protective orders. The online application, available through the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada Self Help website https://nevada.tylerhost.net/SRL/SRL/Start?legalProcessKey=Domestic_Violence_Temporary_Protective_Order, offers a step-by-step guide to complete a request for a domestic violence temporary protective order from the court. Upon completion of the form, applicants are instructed to email their completed application directly to the court clerk for processing, or to efile it. Upon submission, the applicant will be set for a telephonic hearing. Applicants have until 4 p.m. to submit their completed application for a same-day phone-in hearing; otherwise, they will be set for a hearing on the following morning.
“The stress caused by the circumstances of the Coronavirus pandemic makes this a high-risk time for domestic violence. This new guided online form gives those looking to apply for domestic violence protective orders an easily accessible option to obtain a TPO remotely and discretely,” said District Court Family Division Presiding Judge Bryce Duckworth. “Despite the limitations imposed by response to the Coronavirus crisis, we continue to facilitate access to the court for those who face domestic violence.” Help with protective orders is also available by email tpo@lacsn.org.
“Local organizations that provide services to victims of domestic violence report an uptick in incidences,” said Stephanie McDonald, Esq., the directing attorney of the Family Law Self Help Center operated by Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada, Inc. “It is crucial that those facing the danger of domestic violence know they can easily file an application for a protective order.”
For those without access to a computer, the Family Law Self-Help Center is also processing domestic violence temporary protective order (TPO) applications by phone on Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Those facing domestic violence can call 702-455-1500 to get a TPO facilitated by phone. Help is also available by email tpo@lacsn.org.
The application for domestic violence temporary protective order is the most recent guided form available online to assist users with court filings. The guided forms can be found at https://nevada.tylerhost.net/srl including landlord tenant issues and petitions for judicial review of unemployment claims.
Tags: Clark County Courts Coronavirus, Court Coronavirus response, domestic violence temporary protective order, Family Law Self Help Center, Judge Bryce Duckworth, Las Vegas court cases during coronavirus, Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada Self Help website, Nevada courts response to Coronavirus, online guided application for domestic violence temporary protective orders, Step-By-Step Online Domestic Violence Temporary Protective Order Application Launched By District Court As Risks Rise Amid Coronavirus Pandemic, Stephanie McDonald, temporary Protective Order Las Vegas
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- Posted under Clark County Courts Coronavirus, coronavirus, Coronavirus Clark County, Coronavirus Neva, Coronavirus Nevada, Court Coronavirus response, COVID court response, COVID-19, COVID-19 closures Las Vegas, COVID-19 Las Vegas Courts, COVID19 Nevada, Nevada Court COVID-19, Nevada courts response to Coronavirus, Uncategorized
March 21, 2020 Domestic violence Temporary Protective Orders available by phone for safety of those facing domestic violence during the confines of the Coronavirus pandemic
The Family Law Self-Help Center is processing domestic violence Temporary Protective Order (TPO) applications by phone. Those facing domestic violence should call 702-455-1500, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., to get a TPO facilitated by phone. Help is also available by email flshcinfo@lacsn.org.
When an applicant calls 702-455-1500, Self-Help Center staff will get their information to complete the entire application for them by phone. The application will then be e-mailed to the victim for review, approval and e-signature. The completed TPO application can then be submitted by e-file. Once the application is submitted, the applicant will be set for a telephonic hearing. Applicants have until 4 p.m. to submit their completed application for a same-day hearing; otherwise, they will be heard the following morning.
“Families are under stress and tensions are high. This phone option offers a way to get a TPO remotely by calling 702-455-1500,” said District Court Family Division Presiding Judge Bryce Duckworth. “Notwithstanding limitations created by the Coronavirus crisis, we remain committed to provide access to the Court for those who face domestic violence.” Help with protective orders is also available by email flshcinfo@lacsn.org.
“Generally when people are unemployed, financially insecure, and are enduring stress while being confined, domestic violence and child abuse increase,” said Stephanie McDonald, Esq., the Directing Attorney of the Family Law Self Help Center operated by Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada, Inc. “We want to ensure that those who are at risk of domestic violence know how to reach the Family Law Self-Help Center for help. Getting the word out to those facing danger so they know there are still resources available could be lifesaving.”
The District Court is closely monitoring local developments in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and is implementing measures to prevent the spread of infection in our community. The Nevada Eighth Judicial District Court judges and staff are doing everything possible to continue to serve the community in a safe and judicious manner. For updates and more information about the District Court response, please visit our website at clark-countycourts.us, Facebook at Clark County Courts, Twitter at NV8thJDCourt or M Price@LasVegasCourts and blog at https://eighthjdcourt.wordpress.com.
Tags: 702-455-1500, Court response to COVID-19, COVID-19, COVID-19 court response, COVID-19 Courts, COVIDClarkCounty, Domestic Violence Las Vegas, domestic violence temporsry protective orders, Famil Court Las Vegas, Family Law Self Help Center, Family Law Self-Help Center is processing Temporary Protective Order (TPO) applications by phone, flshcinfo@lacsn.org, Judge Bryce Duckworth, Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada, Nevada Court COVID-19, Protective order Las Vegas, Stephanie McDonald, Stop Domestic violence Las Vegas, temporary Protective Order Las Vegas, TPO by phone, TPO by Phone Clark County
March 16, 2020 Nevada Eighth Judicial District Modifies Services At Family Court For Protection Of Community
In response to the recent outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19, Chief Judge Linda Bell and Family Division Presiding Judge Bryce Duckworth have determined that the following modifications to the services at the Family Court and services complex are necessary for the protection of the community. This is the third administrative order related To COVID19 issued by the District Court chief judge Administrative Order 20-03 (6).
The Family Law Self-Help Center
Effective March 16, 2020, the Family Law Self-Help Center will stop providing in-person services to the public. All services will be provided via telephone and email. The Self-Help Center can be reached via email at flshcinfo@lacsn.org. And via telephone at (702) 455-1500 or (702) 386-1070.
The Family Mediation Center
Effective March 16, 2020, the Family Mediation Center will stop providing in-person mediation services. All mediations will occur via telephone or other alternate means. All child interviews/parent-child observations will be cancelled and FMC will refer each case back to the designated judicial department for further orders/instructions.
Donna’s House Central
Effective March 16, 2020, Donna’s House Central will stop providing all supervised visitation services and program orientations. DHC will refer each supervised visitation case back to the designated judicial department for further orders/instructions. DHC will work with the Marshals Division and the Family Mediation Center to ensure that services for supervised child custody exchanges continue in an efficient and safe manner.
Court Appointed Special Advocate Program
Effective March 16, 2020, the Court Appointed Special Advocate Program will stop all in-person trainings, orientations and other meetings with members of the public. The CASA Program will assist its volunteers when they appear in court proceedings via alternate means pursuant to Administrative Order 20-1.
This Order will be reviewed no later than every 30 days and shall continue in effect until modified or rescinded by a subsequent order. This is the third District Court Order related to COVID-19, with prior orders halting jury trials and implementing telephonic hearings and calling for no in-person gatherings or meetings to discuss court business in addition to other changes. Info on all the orders can be found at https://eighthjdcourt.wordpress.com.
The District Court is closely monitoring local developments in response to the recent outbreak and will implement measures to slow the spread of infection in our community. The Nevada Eighth Judicial District Court judges and staff will be doing everything possible to continue to serve the community in a safe and judicious manner. For updates and more information about the District Court response, please visit our website at clark-countycourts.us, Facebook at Clark County Courts, Twitter at NV8thJDCourt or M Price@LasVegasCourts and blog at https://eighthjdcourt.wordpress.com.
Administrative Order 20-03 (6)
Tags: Clark County Family Court Closures, Clark County Family Court COVID1_19 response, Court response to COVID-19, COVID-19, COVID-19 court response, COVID-19 Courts, EJDC Administrative Order 20-03, Judge Bryce Duckworth, Judge Linda Bell, Las Vegas COVID-19 closures, Nevada Court COVID-19
December 4, 2019 Independent Evaluation Finds Eighth Judicial District Court Is Operating Coordinated Family Division Model In “A League Of Its Own”
“The 8th JDC is operating a coordinated family division model at a scale that places it in a league of its own based on the breadth of case types it oversees,” reports the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges after an eight-month evaluation of the Eighth Judicial District Court Family Division. “Many challenges exist but NCJJ also documented a parade of strengths that other jurisdictions could benefit from emulating.”
The independent evaluation was significant, with site-specific findings and recommendations for the Eighth Judicial District Court that include:
- “The 8th JD Family Division is a progressive jurisdiction with regard to the use of administrative data systems and technology. They are enabling the generation of judicial orders in the courtroom, implementing 1J/1F case assignment, online dispute resolution and online TPO filing and strategies to enable judges/judicial teams to compose court orders for routine hearings and distribute at the conclusion of the hearing. It is the first jurisdiction that NCJJ has encountered with the capacity to use its data systems and information technology capacity to explore the inter-relationships of cases for families with multiple legal matters presented to the court over time. We view this strength as critical for operating Nevada’s coordinated family division model in a large, rapidly growing jurisdiction.”
- “The commitment to provide non-adversarial procedures for family case resolution is strong in the 8th JDC, with a vision to meet the needs of families that are increasingly comfortable with online applications and dispute resolution tools.”
- “The 8th JDC Family Division is exceptionally busy and operating at a lean staffing level when compared to other comparably sized jurisdictions such as family courts serving Kings County (Brooklyn) and Queens County in New York City, which have up to twice the overall judicial offer resource to hear similar range of case types. Nonetheless, the court’s leadership over the past five years is addressing the points of greatest stress. Sometimes the efforts are locally driven and other times they are in coordination with the Supreme Court of Nevada.”
- “The pressures of an antiquated facility footprint designed for a jurisdiction half its current size is undeniable for Clark County. Family division administration is focused on extending the facility life and addressing safety concerns, while addressing the space allocation for self-represented parties and temporary protective order triage. During interviews, there were many critics and legitimate concerns, but the NCJJ team left with the impression that the court administration is focused on solutions until a long-term decision is made.”
“This assessment confirms that the Family Division is doing great work and implementing innovative programs that provide for the effective and efficient administration of justice,” said Presiding Family Division Judge Bryce Duckworth. “The assessment acknowledges that our Family Division is exceptionally busy and operating at ‘a lean staffing level when compared to other comparatively sized jurisdictions’ and notes that the Court’s leadership is ‘addressing the points of greatest stress.’ We should be proud of the work that is performed in the Family Division of the Eighth Judicial District Court. Nevertheless, we welcome the constructive feedback offered in the assessment and recognize the need to continue to look for ways to improve the services that we offer families in our community. We look forward to addressing the challenges identified in the full report and the site-specific findings and recommendations.”
Beginning in the mid-1980s, Nevada policy makers had a vision for addressing the needs of families in court in a coordinated manner. After a referendum on an amendment to the state Constitution, an ambitious coordinated family division model in judicial districts serving populations over 100, 000 people was implemented. The goal of the recent independent evaluation, conducted between January and August of this year in Clark and Washoe counties, was to determine if family court was meeting expectations of families and lawmakers, following state and local courts rules, and resolving legal disputes timely and effectively. Research was done through phone interviews, electronic surveys, and site visits. To download the full report, visit https://nvcourts.link/FamilyDivisionAssessment. According to the report, “There is a commitment to make sure that the case of the most vulnerable especially children are a priority for resource allocations.”
“The findings from this independent evaluation demonstrate that despite population increase and tremendous caseload growth that have stressed resources, through strategic evaluation, planning, work, commitment and effective use of technology the Eighth Judicial District Family Division has made great progress and is viewed as model for other courts. The study also makes apparent there is a crucial need to upgrade facilities to maintain adequate service to the public,” said Chief Judge Linda Marie Bell. “I applaud the work that has been accomplished by judges and staff to ensure that the community is being served in an effective and efficient manner that is in the best interests of families, especially given the less than optimum facilities and short staffing.”
The study was conducted over eight months by the research division of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The study’s purpose was to identify the high-level areas in which the coordinated family division operating models for juvenile and family law are meeting legislative goals.
The NCJJ study affirms that Nevada has a unique and ambitious vision for how courts should work for families in crisis. Nevada’s coordinated family division model brought together over 20 different case types in the juvenile and family law areas under one roof. The charge is to coordinate everything from divorces and child custody and child support, through child abuse and neglect matters and delinquency, to adult and juvenile guardianships, name changes and involuntary mental health commitment hearings.
The National Center for Juvenile Justice, located in Pittsburgh, Penn., is the oldest juvenile justice research group in the U.S., having conducted national and sub-national studies on crime and delinquency since 1973.
Tags: 8th JD Family Division, Bryce Duckworth, Clark County Family Court, Clark County Family Law, Eighth Judicial District Court, Eighth Judicial District Court Judge Cheryl Moss, Judge Bryce Duckworth, Judge Linda Bell, Judge Linda Marie Bell, Las Vegas courts, Las Vegas FAmily Court, Linda Bell, National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, NCJJ, Nevada courts, Nevada Eighth Judicial District Court
June 21, 2019 Children And Families To Get Boost From Nevada Assembly Bill 43
The population of Clark County is on the rise and is projected to surpass 2.4 million in 2021. That’s a 25 percent increase since 2011. Nevada Assembly Bill 43 increases the number of district judges in certain judicial districts, including the Eighth Judicial District that serves Clark County. In 2021, the Eighth District will get six new Family Division judges.
“This is a great example of all branches of government coming together to solve issues,” said District Court Chief Judge Linda Marie Bell who testified at the Legislature on behalf of the bill. “I extend my deepest gratitude to Governor Steve Sisolak, the Nevada Legislature, the Clark County Commission and County Manager for their tireless efforts to improve our community through access to justice for Clark County children and families.”
Family Civil Domestic filings increased from 49,294 in 2011 to 63,650 in 2018, a 29 percent increase. Civil commitment filings are up an astounding 86 percent. The court initially sought 15 judges to keep pace with growth and change. The new judges will help address the growing population, the increase in filings and the need to fill gaps created when juvenile dependency and guardianship cases were added to judicial dockets.
At the Legislature, a number of officials and others made comments in support of the bill, no one spoke up to oppose it. “Adding these new judges will help to meet the priority to ensure that cases that impact the most vulnerable in the community, children in the child welfare system and families, move through the system as quickly as possible,” said presiding Family Division Judge Bryce Duckworth.
Tags: AB43, Bryce Duckworth, Governor Steve Sisolak, Judge Bryce Duckworth, Judge Linda Bell, Linda Bell, Linda Marie Bell, NV AB 43, Steve Sisolak
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- Posted under Nevada Assembly Bill 43, Uncategorized
April 10, 2019 Hundreds Of Pinwheels Planted To Grow Volunteer Numbers Of Those Who Speak For Abused And Neglected Children
Hundreds of pinwheels will be planted at Family Court to symbolize hope for the more than 3,200 children in our community who face abuse and neglect, and are receiving services under the supervision of Family Court. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and a great time to get involved with organizations that help promote the social and emotional well-being of children and families in our communities. The Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program is hosting this event to raise awareness about the need for more CASA volunteers and as an uplifting reminder of the bright futures that all children deserve, especially the children in the foster care system. Those who want to learn more about how they can get involved are invited to join the pinwheel planting at the Eighth Judicial District Family Court flagpole, 601 N. Pecos Road on April 12, at noon.
For those interested in volunteering with the CASA program, monthly orientations are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m.at the Government Center, 500 S. Grand Central Pkwy and every second and fourth Saturday at 11:30 a.m. at Child Haven, 701 N. Pecos Rd. The next CASA Orientation is Apr. 13 at 11:30 a.m.
“Every child deserves to live in a safe environment. CASA’s are the eyes, ears and voice to help to ensure that right”, said Family Court Judge Frank Sullivan, who oversees the CASA program. “We would like to have a CASA for every child that is under the supervision of the court. CASA’s play a big role in the future of the kids for whom they advocate.”
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 judges.
“As the number of children in foster care grows, CASA ‘s are needed now more than ever,” said Presiding Family Court Judge Bryce Duckworth. “CASA volunteers accomplish extraordinary things and we truly appreciate and thank them for what they do for the children in our community.”
For more information about the program call 702-455-4306, visit www.casalasvegas.org or visit www.facebook.com/#!/CASALasVegas.
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- Posted under CASA, CASA Las Vegas, Uncategorized
October 19, 2018 Professionals In Academics, Gaming, Tech, Military And Other Walks Of Life To Add Richness To Their Lives When they Take Oath to Help Kids
Professionals in academics, gaming, tech, the military an other walks of life will add richness to their lives when they take an oath as CASA volunteers on Monday, Oct. 29 at noon at Family Court, Courtroom 9, 601 N. Pecos Road.
The CASA program recruits, screens, trains and supports volunteers to represent the best interests of hundreds of foster children annually. The volunteers speak on behalf of children in foster care who have endured abuse and neglect. The give input 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.
There is a big need for CASA volunteers in Clark County to speak up for the approximately 3,200 children in the community, who are receiving services under supervision of Family Court. Those who want to help abused and neglected children are invited to one of the upcoming CASA orientations, which are held the third Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Government Center, 500 S. Grand Central Pkwy. More information is available about the program at 702-455-4306, visit www.casalasvegas.org or Facebook at www.facebook.com/#!/CASALasVegas. Due to the Thanksgiving holiday the next CASA orientation will be held on Nov. 14 at 6 p.m. at the Government Center, 500 S. Grand Central Pkwy.
“Children who have endured abuse and neglect are traumatized. They need stability in their life and someone to speak up for them to communicate what is in their best interest,” said Family Court Judge Frank Sullivan, who will administer the oath to the CASA volunteers. “CASAs bring a much needed voice stability. They give judges a picture of what’s going on with a child and they offer the children consistency.”
There are around 329 CASA volunteers serving as a voice for children under the supervision of the Family Court CASA Program. Many more volunteers are needed to advocate for the remainder of the children in care. Last year, nearly one thousand children had a CASA volunteer to help them navigate through the system, deal with school challenges and handle home life.
“Volunteering to help these children in need is a tangible way to make a difference and have a huge impact on the life of a child,” said Presiding Family Court Judge Bryce Duckworth. “The need is big and the feeling of reward is great.”
“You’ll never do anything that will be more fulfilling than being a CASA,” said Carolyn Muscari, A 37-year CASA volunteer. “It’s the best paying job I ever had, and I never made a cent. I get paid in satisfaction. You can make a difference and it makes you feel good.”
Tags: Carolyn Muscari, CASA, CASA Las Vegas, CASA; Las Vegas; Family Court; kids; foster kids; volunteer; advocate;, Clark County volunteer opportunity, Judge Bryce Duckworth, Judge Frank Sullivan, Las Vegas Volunteers, Volunteer in Clark County, Volunteer Las Vegas, volunteer opportunity Las Vegas, volunteer to help kids
July 26, 2018 Volunteers From All Walks Of Life Step Up For Kids
Thirteen new CASA volunteers from all walks of life are stepping up for children who have endured abuse and neglect, and are now in foster care. The volunteers will take an oath to speak on behalf of more than 27 kids on Monday, July 30 at noon at Family Court, Courtroom 9, 601 N. Pecos Road. The volunteers, including a lawyer, travel agent, tax specialist, music teacher, mom, event planner, county liaison, mental health professional and retirees will speak up for the young children whose parents are working through addiction and other issues.
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.
There is a big need for CASA volunteers in Clark County to speak up for the approximately 3,200 children in the community, who are receiving services under supervision of Family Court. Those who want to help abused and neglected children are invited to one of the upcoming CASA orientations, which are held the third Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Government Center, 500 S. Grand Central Pkwy. More information is available about the program at 702-455-4306, visit www.casalasvegas.org or Facebook at www.facebook.com/#!/CASALasVegas. The next CASA orientation will be held on Aug. 15 at 6 p.m. at the Government Center, 500 S. Grand Central Pkwy.
“Our goal is to have a CASA volunteer for every child in foster care. 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 will administer the oath to the CASA volunteers. “When you volunteer as a CASA, you get more back from the kids than you give.”
There are around 350 CASA volunteers serving as a voice for children under the supervision of the Family Court CASA Program. However, many more volunteers are needed to advocate for the remainder of the children in care. Last year, nearly one thousand children had a CASA volunteer to help them navigate through the system, deal with school challenges and handle home life.
“The CASA program and volunteers have accomplished much to stabilize the lives of countless foster children who have endured trauma in their lives,” said Presiding Family Court Judge Bryce Duckworth. “I thank the many volunteers who have stepped up to help children in need. Their commitment and willingness to speak up for kids has an enduring impact.”
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; Las Vegas; Family Court; kids; foster kids; volunteer; advocate;, Judge Bryce Duckworth, Judge Frank Sullivan, Las Vegas Volunteers, Volunteer in Clark County, Volunteer in Las Vegas, Volunteer Las Vegas, volunteer opportunity Las Vegas