About us
The mission of Lyon County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) a non-profit agency serving the residents of Lyon county is to recruit, train, support and retain volunteers as guardian ad litem so that every abused and neglected child can be safe, establish permanence, and that the opportunity to thrive. Per NRS 432B.500, following the filing of a petition and determination is made that a child is in need of protection by child welfare services, the court shall appoint a guardian ad litem. As guardian ad litems the volunteers advocate the needs of the child, identify resources, and recommend services in the community that will aid in the reunification of the child. From the onset of a case the volunteer builds a safe and trustworthy relationship with the child, communicates with all parties involved with the child- parents, foster parents, medical professionals, education professionals, therapists, attorneys, and social workers- and attend meetings related to the child and their progress. Using all of the gathered information the volunteer then provides the Third Judicial District Court with a detailed report ensuring that the rights, needs and best interests of the child are being addressed. A CASA volunteers involvement in a childs life gives them a “voice” and “someone in their corner” in the courtroom giving them a better chance at being placed in or returned to a safe and stable home as quickly as possible. CASA volunteers typically spend 10-15 hours per month on a case and remain on the case to its completion. The terms of most cases average 18 months.
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