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What is CASA?

Court Appointed Special Advocates® (CASAs) are community volunteers, just like you, who speak up for abused and/or neglected children.

Our CASA program belongs to a network of nearly 950 community-based programs that recruit, train and support citizen-volunteers to advocate for the best interests of abused and/or neglected children in courtrooms and communities.

  • Children in care in Washoe County on an average day 2024
    Children in care in Washoe County on an average day 2024

    635

  • Children served by CASA volunteers in 2024
    Children served by CASA volunteers in 2024

    107

  • You can be the ONE we need!
    You can be the ONE we need!

    1


News & Notes

April Child Abuse Prevention Month

Did you know? At least 1 in 7 children in the U.S. have experienced child abuse or neglect in the past year. Child abuse and neglect can be prevented! Prevention starts with access to resources.

The Washoe CASA Foundation held its 4th annual Biggest Little Easter Egg Hunt on April 12 in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month. It was heartwarming to see so many happy kids with their baskets, eyes wide with excitement as they searched for colorful eggs.

The event wasn't just about the kids. Caretakers had the invaluable opportunity to connect with over 70 incredible child welfare organizations. It was a fantastic chance to gather information, resources, and support from the dedicated individuals and groups working to spread awareness for Child Abuse Prevention Month.

BIGGEST LITTLE EASTER EGG HUNT!

Join us for the Biggest Little Easter Egg Hunt and Resource Fair!

Happening on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows, located at 2680 E. 9th Street in Reno.

The event is free and open to the public. No tickets or reservations are required.

The Resource Fair opens at 9 a.m. for a sensory-friendly hour to accommodate individuals who thrive in quieter environments.

The event will feature games, face painting, and pictures with Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny.

Caregivers can take advantage of free hearing, vision and dental screenings, and vaccinations for children.

For those attendees with disabilities and/or sensory sensitivities, a calming room will be available.

This event helps raise awareness for National Child Abuse Prevention Month. It’s time to remember that we each play a part in promoting the social, physical and emotional well-being of children and families in our community.

Lori Fralick - Washoe CASA Program Contract Trainer

Lori Fralick

The Washoe CASA Foundation and Program are very pleased to announce Lori Fralick as our new Pre-Service Contract Trainer!

Lori has served in many capacities in the human services field over the last 30 years.  She was a founding Board Member for the Washoe County Child Advocacy Center, as well as a member of the Washoe County Social Services Advisory Board for seven years.  Lori has extensive experience training on child abuse and neglect.  In fact, she presented at the 2004 Washoe CASA Conference on "The Effects of Domestic Violence on Children ''.  She is currently a contract Lead Facilitator for the International Association of Chiefs of Police, providing technical assistance and training to five police agencies around the country who are implementing or expanding victim services programs.  She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and a Masters degree in Justice Management.  

On a personal level, although not having served as a CASA volunteer, Lori has seen the benefit of CASA's mission.  Her daughter, who she adopted, was appointed a CASA as a child.  Lori had a wonderful experience with her child's CASA volunteer, and learned first-hand how a CASA can have a great positive impact.  For the last three years, Lori has volunteered as a mentor for the Washoe County Human Services Agency, and supports a child in foster care who is in the process of an out of state placement for adoption.  She has a great understanding of the family court system, and a real dedication to serving abused and neglected children in foster care.

Lori will be working towards completing her National CASA Training of Facilitator prerequisites during 2022 with the goal of taking the Washoe CASA Program Pre-Service training reins for the first session of 2023.