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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

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.

Giving Thanks This Holiday Season

Dear CASA/GAL State Organizations and Local Programs,

As we are all preparing for the coming holidays, I want to share not just a note of thanks, but my fullest expression of gratitude for each and every one of you.
This has been a difficult year for us at National CASA/GAL. There’s no question that the OJJDP funding delay has been a very challenging time for the national organization and the CASA/GAL network.
But throughout this unprecedented period, we have been so very proud of the ability of our network to keep growing and thriving. From our national team that has continued to provide tools, training and support to state organizations and local programs, to all of you, whose efforts and passion continue to enable, enhance and increase best-interest advocacy for children and youth who have experienced abuse or neglect - thank you.
We have continued to execute our mission to support and promote court-appointed volunteer advocacy so every child can be safe, have a permanent home, and the opportunity to thrive. For this, I have indescribable gratitude.
We all know that this significant work cannot happen with just one person, one program, a single state organization, or the national organization alone. We know it’s a collective effort. We are all looking forward to the future the CASA/GAL network will create together to help improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of children and their families.
On behalf of the National CASA/GAL Board of Trustees and the National CASA/GAL staff, I offer all of you our gratitude and appreciation for your tireless commitment to our shared mission and the children and families we serve.

Thank you again for all you do. We wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving.