Originally aired: Dec. 3, 2021
We're doing a summer series, looking back at some of the interesting people and topics we've talked about on State of Nevada over last several years.
A small group of volunteers has worked for decades to assist children in the foster care system.
They are court-appointed special advocates, abbreviated as CASA, and can be lifelines for at-risk children.
Shelia Parks, CASA program administrator for Clark County District Court, said court-appointed special advocate is “a fancy name for a professionally trained volunteer who is appointed by a judge to represent the best interest of children in foster care.”
She told State of Nevada that volunteers need “a passion to make a lifelong difference in a child's life” and a willingness to put in five-to-10 hours a month over a two-year time commitment. That ensures continuity in the lives of children who frequently bounce through the child-welfare system.
"Of the many CASA volunteers I've worked with, most of them say they came into the program to make a difference in the child's life, and they found the children actually made a difference in their lives," Parks says.
There are a few hundred CASA volunteers in Southern Nevada-- far below the need-- and among them is Lorrie Curriden. She has volunteered for CASA for more than 20 years and has represented 28 children during that time. She says she was inspired to become a CASA volunteer after reading a story in the newspaper about children who need these advocates.
"I couldn't imagine what it must feel like to not have that person, that consistent adult in your life who is really paying attention. I couldn't not volunteer, I'll be honest."
Curriden reminds everyone that every case will be different and there aren't always easy solutions to help these children. She says her door is always open to the kids she has helped in the past. "I hope they look at me as their favorite quirky aunt someday and I'm there for them."
"Honestly, it's a privilege to be that phone call, it's a privilege for that child to look at you as the person who will come to their concert, come to the first day of school and make sure have their backpack and their outfit, all their personal stuff that gets lost in the bureaucratic system."
Curriden is currently working with a teenager named Jasmine. Jasmine opened up about the relationship she has with Curriden. "She's always there, she's always texting me. It just feels nice to always have her around me."
Curriden encourages more people to learn more about the CASA program. "I tell my friends all the time that we get more out of it than we give because the children share their lives with us. And that is such a privilege."
When asked what she would tell someone considering becoming a CASA advocate, Jasmine gives this advice:
"Just jump over that fence. It's very life-changing to me, it will be life-changing for that person because not only did I grow with Lorrie, but I feel Lorrie grew with me as well. And who doesn't want to grow? Do it because you care, and if you care, I think you gotta be a pretty great person."
Click here for information on becoming a CASA volunteer.
Shelia Parks, CASA program administrator, Lorrie Curriden, CASA volunteer; Jasmine, CASA participant