Why We Need To Support Nevada’s Most Vulnerable Children
The Problem: An Overwhelmed System
- The child welfare system is in a state of crisis, due in part to the devastating opioid epidemic.
- 4,608 documented abused and neglected children in Nevada.
- More than 4,000 children are in Nevada's foster care system on any given day.
- Children spend an average of 13.8 months in care.
The Challenge: Not Enough Resources
- 7 local CASA programs currently serve children in 8 of the 17 Nevada counties.
- 708 CASA volunteers advocates speak up for 1,274 of Nevada’s abused and neglected children.
- 3,500 of Nevada’s abused and neglected children still need a CASA advocate.
- NRS 432B.500 mandates a GAL/CASA for each abused and neglected child but there is no state funding to support this mandate - Nevada is one of only six states in the nation that receives no state funding to support its mandate to serve such children.
Why work with a CASA Program? Proven Success
Children with Court Appointed Special Advocates have better odds of succeeding. A child with a CASA volunteer:
- Will spend 4 to 6 months less time in foster care
- Will receive more needed services such as counseling and tutoring
- Is more likely to stay in school and go on to graduate
- Is half as likely to re-enter the foster care system
- Is more like to find a safe, loving, and permanent home
Sources: DCFS 2019 Annual Services Progress Report, National CASA Association, Adoption Network, Fostering Court Improvement Website
