Tag Archives: Judge Charles Hoskin
December 28, 2021 Myrna Williams remembered for her legacy of helping children and spearheading Family Court
Today marks a solemn occasion at Family Court, as word spreads of the passing of Myrna Williams. Nearly 30 years ago, she was a significant figure in the development of the District Court division that focuses on family law.
In Nov. 2015, a dedication ceremony was held to place a plaque at Family Court to commemorate her contributions that reads: “Myrna Torme Williams, the pioneer who spear-headed the legislation that created Family Court. An advocate for children, relentless in her commitment to help ensure a stable environment in the home. A willingness to go beyond the threshold and make families first and to encourage and support the securing of counsel for children at risk. With great respect, appreciation and admiration we dedicate this plaque to her public service on behalf of the children and families of Clark County and Nevada.”
Family, friends and Family Court judges in attendance that day, cheered as little girl wandered into the ceremony and Judge Frank Sullivan remarked, “That’s what this place is all about.”
“Commissioner Williams’ work and commitment helped to make the Family Division a reality. Myrna Williams recognized the value in having a court dedicated to family issues and presided over by judges who understand the unique challenges those families face,” said Family Division Presiding Judge Charles Hoskin. “Her vision and contributions decades ago, have benefited so many in our community during some of their most difficult times. Myrna Williams political career extends from 1985 to 2006, including 10 years in the Nevada Assembly. She served three terms as a Clark County Commissioner from 1994 to 2006.Tags: Judge Bob Teuton, Judge Charles Hoskin, Judge Frank Sullivan, Myrna Torme Williams, Myrna Williams
December 21, 2017 Judge Bryce Duckworth Takes On Role To Preside Over District Court Family Division
Judge Bryce Duckworth will take on the role to preside over the Nevada Eighth Judicial District Court Family Division, effective January 1. Judge Duckworth will take over for Judge Charles Hoskin, who has served as the presiding judge of the Family Division for two terms.
“I appreciate the work that Judge Hoskin has done while presiding over the Family Division,” said Judge Duckworth. “In taking on this role of presiding judge, I will continue to work diligently to facilitate the important work of the Family Division to provide families and individuals a means to address difficult circumstances, heal and find closure.”
Judge Bryce Duckworth was elected in 2008. Prior to taking the bench in January 2009, Judge Duckworth practiced law with Dickerson, Dickerson, Lieberman & Consul (later known as Dickerson, Dickerson, Consul & Pocker), practicing primarily in the area of family law. He worked as an associate attorney and later became a shareholder at Dickerson, Dickerson, Consul & Pocker. In 2004, he joined the law firm of Smith, Larsen & Wixom, where he managed their family law department. Judge Duckworth is from Salt Lake City, Utah and attended the S.J. Quinney School of Law at the University of Utah. While at the S.J. Quinney School of Law, he was honored as a William H. Leary Scholar. He also served as a member of the Utah Law Review.
“I look forward to working with Judge Duckworth as the presiding Family division Judge. He is very well respected and I anticipate he will bring good ideas and positive energy to the role,” said District Court Chief Judge Elizabeth Gonzalez. “I also want to thank Judge Hoskin for his service presiding over the Family Division for two terms.”
Judge Duckworth is a member of the Clark County Bar Association, the State Bar of Nevada, and the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Nevada. On December 7, Judge Duckworth was awarded the Heroes of Justice Award 2017, “for his integrity, honesty, courage and dedication to the administration of justice.” In 2016, he was appointed to serve on the State of Nevada Standing Committee on Judicial Ethics and continues to serve on the committee.
He served as the Chair of the Family Law Executive Council for the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Nevada from March 2007 until March 2009. Judge Duckworth also served as a member of the Judicial Council of the State of Nevada and the Certified Court Interpreters Advisory Committee.
Judge Hoskin turns over the post of presiding judge after serving four years. He has served on the bench since 2009. He will return to presiding over a full docket of family related cases.
Tags: Clark County Courts, Judge Bryce Duckworth, Judge Charles Hoskin, Las Vegas courts, Las Vegas FAmily Court, Nevada Family Court
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- Posted under Clark County Courts, EJDC Family Court, Family Court, Uncategorized
November 13, 2017 Homeless parents get opportunity to quash child support warrants at Project Homeless Connect
Parents who are homeless often have warrants due to non-compliance with child support orders. Sixty-day hearings will be set for down on their luck parents who have fallen behind on child-support payments and need time to get their finances in order. Services will be available at the annual Project Homeless Connect on November 14, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cashman Center, 850 N. Las Vegas Blvd., Exhibit Halls A and B. A District Court judge will perform the hearings at Project Homeless Connect.
“Having a warrant is a roadblock to getting a job, finding a place to live or accomplishing other basics that help people live productive lives,” said Judge Charles Hoskin, who presides over the Family Division. “At Project Homeless Connect, homeless parents will get the opportunity to quash child support warrants, so that they can get their financial matters in order and get on track to addressing their obligations.”
Project Homeless Connect (PHC) is an annual service and resource event for those experiencing homelessness or those who are at-risk of becoming homeless. The intent is to bring needed services in one, easily accessed location to help individuals overcome barriers to housing and self –sufficiency. This is the first time the District Court will participate in the PHC.
Tags: Judge Charles Hoskin, Project Homeless Connect Las Vegas, quash child support warrants
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- Posted under Project Homeless Connect Las Vegas, Uncategorized
November 2, 2017 Judge trades gavel and robe for wand and pink cape to make adoptions memory of a lifetime
Three children from the Miller family had a look of pure bliss when District Court Family Division Judge Cynthia Giuliani waved a magic wand, finalized their adoptions and made their new family whole. The trio got to sit on the bench with the judge. There were tears and cheers from the new parents and family as the adoptions were made official. The newly minted mom and dad gushed as reality sunk in on their hectic new life of love and raising three kids.
When she presides over cases, Judge Giuliani sees a lot of children in need of stable and loving homes. Many of those kids have suffered abuse and neglect. As part of her effort to raise awareness for the need for adoptive families, each year around Halloween, Judge Giuliani transforms to a fairy godmother for a special day of adoptions. She also invites the families to dress up and celebrate the day.
“Creating this experience for these children and their families is a great way to make court a little less intimidating and memorable in a good way,” said Judge Giuliani. “These special adoptions also get people talking and help to raise awareness for the need for adoptive families.”
The District Court Family Division is involved in other special adoption events, including an annual adoption day marathon which is scheduled this year for Nov.16. For more information about adoption, call the Clark County Department of Family Services at 702-455-0800 or e-mail DFSAdoptions@ClarkCountyNV.gov.
Nine adoptions were finalized by Judge Giuliani on Oct. 31. “With this special adoption event, Judge Giuliani brings attention to the need for caring families who will adopt, foster or even volunteer as court advocates for abused and neglected children. It is a positive way to bring attention to a huge need,” said Family Division Presiding Judge Charles Hoskin. “These adoptions are heartwarming and we’d like to see a lot more of them.”
Tags: adoption, adoption day marathon, District Court Family Division, Eighth Judicial District Court, Fairy Godmother Judge, Judge Charles Hoskin, Judge Cynthia Giuliani
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- Posted under Las Vegas Adoptions, Las Vegas Family Court, Uncategorized
August 11, 2017 What Do An FBI Agent, 911 Operator, Flight Attendant, Accountant And Stage Manager Have In Common?
What Do An FBI Agent, 911 Operator, Flight Attendant, Accountant And Stage Manager Have In Common? They will all be sworn in as Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers to give 53 kids who have endured abuse and neglect a much needed voice.
A new group of 24 CASA volunteers including a former FBI agent, 911 operator, flight attendant, homemaker, realtor, accountant, stage hand manager and teacher will take an oath to speak on behalf of 53 abused and neglected kids on Monday, Aug. 14 at 12;30 p.m. at Family Court, Courtroom 9, 601 N. Pecos Road. The volunteers will serve as a voice for 11 siblings from one family, a child who lost a sibling and young children whose parents are working through addiction and other issues.
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. 16 at 6 p.m. at the Government Center, 500 S. Grand Central Pkwy.
“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. “I invite members of our community to become a CASA volunteer to gain the rewarding experience of giving a child a future.”
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.
“CASA volunteers have a significant impact on the lives of children for whom they advocate. CASA volunteers visit with them to ensure that the children who have been abused and neglected are now in a safe and stable environment. The CASA volunteer’s role is invaluable,” said Presiding Family Court Judge Charles Hoskin.
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, CASA; Las Vegas; Family Court; kids; Foster kids;, CASA; Las Vegas; Family Court; kids; foster kids; volunteer; advocate;, Judge Charles Hoskin, Judge Frank Sullivan
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- Posted under CASA Las Vegas, Uncategorized
May 31, 2017 Truancy Diversion Program to recognize volunteers who motivate students to stay in school and on-track to graduate
Truancy Diversion Program (TDP) volunteers who commit to a school-year of weekly truancy diversion court sessions on a Clark County School District (CCSD) campus will be recognized on Friday, June 9 at 1 p.m. to be held at the Ballroom at Main Street Station 200 N. Main Street. Each of the volunteers will be given an award and the opportunity to share their experiences of helping students attain and education.
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 CCSD. “The volunteer Truancy Diversion Judges are playing an important role in addressing the significant issue of truancy in Clark County. They listen to the kids, hear their issues, encourage and motivate them. The volunteers help students to overcome challenges and work to succeed,” said Judge Elliott. “The attorneys and other professionals who volunteer as judges find it very rewarding to help these students get on track to graduate. I invite attorneys, mental health professionals and law enforcement officers to be part of the solution to the significant problem of truancy in our schools.”
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.
“The Truancy Diversion volunteers are making a difference by conveying the importance of school and motivating the students to graduate,” said Presiding Family Court Judge Charles Hoskin. “The challenges the TDP volunteers are addressing with the students now, improve the students’ odds for success down the line.”
Judges, attorneys, mental health professionals and law enforcement officers volunteer approximately three hours each week to 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 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 Clark County schools have a TDP program.
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 call 702-455-1755. The Family Court youth programs are a great example of how the Eighth Judicial District Court is using alternative, efficient methods to address crime and ensure justice. District Court continuously works to develop innovative ideas, improve efficiency, address issues and improve access to justice.
Tags: Clark County Courts, Judge Charles Hoskin, Judge Jennifer Elliott, Las Vegas courts, Nevada Eighth Judicial District Court, Truancy, Truancy Diversion Program Clark County, truancy prevention
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- Posted under Truancy Diversion Clark County, Uncategorized
May 5, 2017 19 Volunteers to take oath to pay it forward
A new group of CASA volunteers will take an oath to speak on behalf of abused and neglected kids on Monday, May 8 at noon, at Family Court, Courtroom 9, 601 N. Pecos Road. Approximately 3,200 children in the community are receiving services under supervision of Family Court. Many of them are in foster care. They are scared, lonely and intimidated by the system that they have been thrown into, through no fault of their own. CASA volunteers bring hope and stability to these children. This new class of 19 will advocate for 40 children.
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 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 have really have a significant impact on the lives of children for whom they advocate. We thank them for their commitment and invite those in our community who want to make a difference, to consider becoming a CASA.” said Presiding Family Court Judge Charles Hoskin.
There are 305 CASA volunteers serving as a voice for nearly 700 children in care, under the supervision of Family Court. 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, and deal with school challenges and home life.
“When children have a CASA, they have a voice. That voice helps to ensure they get the opportunities that every child deserves. When children have opportunity they have a shot at a bright future, which is good for the entire community,” said Family Court Judge Frank Sullivan, who will administer the oath to the CASA volunteers. “Our goal is to have a CASA for every child in foster care. I invite the community to step forward and experience the fulfillment of speaking up for 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, 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, CASA; Las Vegas; Family Court; kids; Foster kids;, foster kids, Help kids, Judge Charles Hoskin, Judge Frank Sullivan
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- Posted under Uncategorized, Volunteer Las Vegas
April 3, 2017 300 Pinwheels to be planted at Family Court to raise awareness of Child Abuse Prevention Month
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and a great time to volunteer as a CASA.
As part of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, 300 pinwheels will be planted at Family Court to symbolize the more than 3,200 children in our community who face abuse and neglect and are receiving services under the supervision of Family Court. Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers and those who want to help kids are invited to join the pinwheel planting at the Eighth Judicial District Family Court flagpole on April 7 from 10-11:30 a.m. at 601 N. Pecos Road. The pinwheel plant will visually depict the free spirit that kids should enjoy and encourage those who see it that they are needed as volunteers to advocate for children in foster care.
“Almost everyone loves pinwheels. They’re fun; and in this case, we hope the pinwheels will remind people of the many children who deserve to live free from abuse and neglect, and to just be kids.” said Family Court Judge Frank Sullivan, who oversees the CASA program. “By volunteering just a few hours a week to serve as a CASA, volunteers can make the difference of a lifetime for a child.”
The CASA program recruits, screens, trains and supports volunteers to represent the best interests of hundreds of foster children annually. There are currently around 325 CASA volunteers who serve as a voice for those children. 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.
“Our hope is that those passing the pinwheel display think about the children who need someone and take the step to volunteer. For each of the 300 pinwheels, there are more than 10 children who need a Court Appointed Special Advocate to volunteer to speak on their behalf,” said Presiding Family Court Judge Charles Hoskin. “CASA’s give children in foster care a very important and much needed voice.”
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;, Child Abuse prevention month, Clark County Family Court, Judge Charles Hoskin, Judge Frank Sullivan, Las Vegas
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- Posted under Abuse & neglect, CASA, Uncategorized
January 12, 2017 Jack And Lulu Lehman Scholarship Established To Help Fund Education Awarded To Outstanding Juvenile Drug Court Graduate
The first of the newly established Jack and Lulu Lehman scholarships has been awarded to help fund the education of an outstanding juvenile drug court graduate. The recipient was recently accepted to the College of Southern Nevada to study psychology. Each year, grants in the amount of $1,500 will be awarded to 10 qualified students who are graduates of the juvenile drug court program. The scholarships are intended to assist applicants with school tuition and educational fees during college, trade and/or vocational school attendance. Students who maintain a 2.5 GPA will have the opportunity to apply for a renewal of their grant each semester/term.
The Lehman Scholarship Fund has been set up by Steve Lehman and Jessica Lehman Hirsch to the honor their father, Judge Jack Lehman, who established the first drug court in Nevada in 1992. Scholarships will be awarded to graduates of the Eighth Judicial District juvenile drug court program who demonstrate an interest in furthering their education as part of their path to a better life in recovery. The Lehman Scholarship Committee members, including Nevada State Senator Michael Roberson, Clark County Commissioner Susan Brager, Jessica Lehman Hirsch, Steve Lehman, and a member of the California Community Foundation, made the award based on the youth’s demonstrated ability to overcome challenges in her life and willingness to obtain an education to enhance her opportunities in the future.
“Judge Jack Lehman was ahead of his time when he established the first adult drug court in Nevada. His legacy of investing in the hope and promise of recovery for people in this community will live on through these scholarships,” said District Court Chief Judge Elizabeth Gonzalez.
For those who would like more information on the Jack and Lulu Lehman Scholarship Fund, visit www.calfund.org or contact Marilu Guzman with the California Community Foundation at (213) 452-6260.
“By establishing the first drug court in our state, Judge Jack Lehman took an important step that has turned so many lives around,” said Presiding Family Court Judge Charles Hoskin. “This scholarship, which helps to educate young people who excel in drug court and want to better their lives, is a commendable way to honor the legacy of Judge Lehman.”
Under the direction of Judge William Voy, hearing master Margaret Pickard presides over the juvenile drug court.
“This scholarship offers reinforcement and a hand to the juvenile drug court participants who are getting their lives on the right track,” said Judge Voy. “It provides much needed educational funding, which greatly improves the odds for success for drug court participants.”
Nevada state Senator Michael Roberson and Clark County Commissioner Susan Brager will be joining Jessica Lehman Hirsch, Steve Lehman, and a staff member of the California Community Foundation, as members of the selection committee.
Specialty courts solve issues through a rigorous and coordinated approach between judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, Parole and Probation, law enforcement and mental health/social service/treatment professionals who work together to help participants recover, live crime-free and become productive citizens.
Tags: Clark County Drug Court, Drug Court, Jack and Lulu Lehman scholarships, Judge Charles Hoskin, Judge Elizabeth Gonzalez, Judge Jack Lehman, Judge Linda Bell, Judge William Voy, Las Vegas Drug Court
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- Posted under Drug Court, Uncategorized
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