During National Foster Home Month members of the Nevada Supreme Court honored Carson City's nonprofit Court Appointed Advocates during a ceremony on the Supreme Court steps Friday.
"We appreciate the efforts of all court appointed special advocates. We can't tell you how important that is," said Chief Justice Mark Gibbons.
Justice Nancy Saitta, herself adopted, presented Carson City CASA Director Chris Bayer with a proclamation.
"By being here it means you care about creating forever families," said Saitta. "These kids don't have a voice. Chris gives them a voice."
A special advocate is appointed by the courts to children who have been removed from their homes because of abuse and neglect, said Bayer.
Advocates analyze all sides of the issue and advocate for the special interests of the child.
Carson City's 25 advocates are working on behalf of the 50 children in Carson City who have been taken into state custody.
But beyond the courtroom, said Bayer, the children need homes " whether temporary or permanent.
The biggest need in Carson City right now, he said, is foster homes. For those same 50 children, there are only three foster homes within the city.
"What we are doing now is we are taking kids who are from Carson City, and sending them to other counties. So not only are they removed from their parents out of necessity, Johnny's out of Mrs. Johnson's class now. We take him away from his teacher, away from his friends, away from his community," he said.
"We have got to stop doing that. What the community does can make a huge difference. We have got to stop expecting that somehow the state of Nevada or the government is going to take care of these children without the community's help and support."
- Contact reporter F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.
YOU CAN HELP:
For more information on how to become a CASA volunteer visit casaofcc.com and click on the link "Want to be a CASA?" You can also e-mail casaofcc@earthlink.net or call (775) 882-6776.
Carson City needs foster and adoptive homes. For more information contact Mary Lee Mockford at the Division of Child and Family Services 687-4943 ext. 262.
IF YOU GO:
WHAT: St. Nicholas Day Gift Card Party
WHEN: 5:30-9 p.m. Dec. 11
WHERE: Comma Coffee, 312 S. Carson St.
WHY: Attendees are asked to bring a gift card to any local stores of any amount as a donation for The Foster Kids Closet.