A MESSAGE FROM JUDGE SULLIVAN
Sullivan smiling
Family First Prevention Services Act Update

After a significant decline in foster care caseloads over two decades, child maltreatment rates and foster care caseloads began to rise in 2017. Data indicates that the increase is largely due to substance abuse as a result of the opioid crises, with 36% of children entering foster care in 2017 because of parental substance abuse. In response, Congress enacted the Family First Prevention Services Act in 2018 (H.R. 5456, P.L. 1115-123). “Family First” provides states with the unprecedented opportunity to transform state child welfare systems by providing substance abuse, mental health and other prevention and treatment services to prevent children’s entry into foster care. This law also seeks to reduce state’s reliance on group and residential treatment homes and prioritize family-based care. 
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEWEST CASA VOLUNTEERS!

On Friday, February 19th, fourteen new volunteer child advocates were sworn in by Judge Frank Sullivan after completing thirty hours of pre-service online training. These volunteers are now assigned to advocate for the best interest of twenty-one children in foster care. Thank you also to Family Court Presiding Judge Rebecca Burton and Juvenile Hearing Master Adriana Rincon-White for also participating in the ceremony.
CONGRATULATIONS TO CASA VOLUNTEER KEITH WINGATE

Keith was recently recognized by Cox Communications to be featured in a segment airing on Cox channels this month in honor of Black History Month. Kudos Keith! (See below.)

Keith has been a CASA volunteer for one year and has been very active in the Southern Nevada community.
BECOME A CASA VOLUNTEER!

Are you interested in becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer assigned to advocate for the best interest of a child in foster care? We need your help!