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Dear Caregivers,
Help us kick-off Child Abuse Prevention Month on Friday, April 7, 2023, by wearing your favorite blue attire!
National Child Abuse Prevention Month is a time to recognize the important role that community partners and caregivers, just like you, play in protecting children. Child abuse prevention starts with each one of us. Together, we can make it easier for families to access support services and learn how to identify and build on family strengths.
Focusing on ways to build and promote protective factors, in every interaction with families, is the best thing our community can do to prevent child maltreatment and promote unsurpassed child development.
Protective factors are conditions that, when present in families and communities, increase the well-being of children and families, and reduce the likelihood of maltreatment. Identifying protective factors helps parents find resources and coping strategies that allow them to parent successfully.
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Promoting the following factors is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect:
• Nurturing and attachment: Research shows that babies who receive affection and nurturing from their parents have the best chance of developing into children, teens, and adults who are happy, healthy, and possess self-protective factors such as relational, self-regulation, and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of parenting and of child and youth development: Parents who understand the usual course of child development are more likely to be able to provide their children with respectful communication, consistent rules and expectations, developmentally appropriate limits, and opportunities that promote independence.
• Parental resilience: All parents have inner strengths or resources that can serve as a foundation for building resilience. Parents who can cope with the stresses of everyday life, as well as an occasional crisis, have resilience – the flexibility and inner strength to bounce back when things are not going well.
• Social connections: Parents with a network of emotionally supportive friends, family, and neighbors often find that it is easier to care for their children and themselves.
• Concrete supports for parents: Families whose basic needs for food, clothing, housing, and transportation are met have more time and energy to devote to their children’s safety and well-being.
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Are you interested in helping to further raise awareness in the prevention of child abuse and neglect on your personal social media platforms? We hope so! Here are a few sample messages for your consideration.
• April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Visit www.preventchildabusenevada.org to find out how to get involved. #GoBlueNV
• Protective factors help parents find resources, supports or coping strategies that allow them to parent effectively, even under stress. #GoBlueNV
• Strong communities support and strengthen families to create great childhoods. Learn more at www.preventchildabusenevada.org
Thank you for the role that you play to make Clark County a better place for children and their families!
Sincerely,
Jill Marano, Director
Clark County Department of Family Services
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NOW HIRING FOSTER PARENTS
Department of Family Services is looking to expand our team of Foster Parent Champions. These are flexible part-time positions for current or recent foster parents.
Empower other foster parents by sharing your experience!
If you are interested in providing resources and support to foster families, recruiting at community events for new foster families, or helping out at Peggy's Attic, we encourage you to apply!
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Meet Tristen!
Tristen is a 4th graders who is caring, talkative, and creative. She likes to dance, listen to music, and play the flute and violin.
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If you are interested in adopting a specific child or sibling group from Clark County, please email [email protected]. Please note we cannot answer questions about children who are not in the custody of DFS. | |
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FIND FABULOUS FORMAL WEAR AT BEYOND THE ATTIC BOUTIQUE
Prom season is right around the corner, and the Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada wanted foster teens to feel fantastic at the dance! The Girl Scouts collected hundreds of dresses, gowns, suits, ties, and shoes and donated them to Peggy's Attic.
Please call (702) 455-5424 to schedule your appointment!
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FOSTER PARENT CHAMPIONS
Monday – Friday / 9am – 7pm
Call (702) 455-1149
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RESPITE CARE
Parenting can be stressful, and respite care allows the caregiver time to rest.
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FOSTER PARENT INFO SESSION
Do you know someone interested in becoming a foster family? Share our info session sign-up with them.
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FOSTER & ADOPTION SUBSIDY
Please keep your Licensing/Adoption Specialist informed of any changes in your contact information.
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HEALTH SCREENINGS
Department of Family Services requires routine medical, dental, and vision exams/screenings.
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OMBUDSMAN FOR DISPUTE RESOLUTION
If you have a complaint or dispute that we cannot solve, please contact the Ombudsman.
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CPR & FIRST AID CERTIFICATION
CPR/First Aid certification is required for all licensed foster caregivers. Sign-Up for CPR AED 1st Aid Training. Trainings are held at Child Haven *Red Rock Room. RSVP required and entrance is on the front side of Child Haven.
- Upon registration a confirmation email will be sent with training day/time/location
- CPR cards are available to DFS within 10 business days and emailed to individual and/or DFS RDS Staff upon receipt
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For Spanish speaking individuals/families please contact [email protected]. Interpreters are available with at least 2 week notice. Once confirmed an Interpreter will accompany the individual/family to CPR Training.
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CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY TRAINING
2-Part Training for Foster Caregivers
A Foster Parent is REQUIRED to learn the best practices to keep your child riding safely in your vehicle and complete the successful installation of a Child Passenger Safety Seat for a foster child ages 0-6 years old (or 60 pounds).
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Camp to Belong | Nevada APPLY TODAY
Camp Dates: June 20 – June 24
Eligible Youth:
- Separated Siblings ages 8 to 18 are the highest priority
- Siblings residing in the same home who may benefit from this camp will be considered for candidacy
If you have questions about eligibility, please email [email protected] or text NV2023 to 347.737.0152
If you are a parent, CASA or agency staff submitting an application:
Camp to Belong Nevada Camper Application
If you are a DFS Caseworker submitting an application
Camp to Belong Nevada Camper Application DFS
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Every family needs support sometimes and that is okay. Seeking support creates and sustains positive well-being for our youth, families, and ourselves. Raise the Future provide a range of services designed to meet your varying needs. | |
ONLINE NV State Caregiver Training: Complete Series
April 6, 7 & 13
9am-4pm
Register here
NV Family Support Workshop- “Sensory”
April 13
Choose from the following times:
9am-10am In Person
2pm-3pm-ONLINE
6-7pm- ONLINE
Register Here
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Foster Change membership is available to any foster, adoptive, or kinship family in Clark County, NV. Family membership covers all members of the household and is good for one year from the date of purchase. We can’t wait to welcome you to our family!
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Celebrate your Foster Child!
Girl Scout Troop 143 donated special birthday celebration gift bags to children in foster care.
Contact Foster Change to pick-up a birthday bag for your foster child.
Email [email protected]
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ADD YOUR MEDICAID PROVIDERS
Foster Change is creating a peer-built list of Medicaid Medical Providers. Upload your providers, as well as personal feedback. This will help other foster families answer questions like, "who do you use for...?" or "I need recommendations for a great..."
Please bookmark this and come back to it at anytime you have more information you can share with our community of caregivers.
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[email protected]
www.fosterkinship.org
(702) 546-9988
Search Facebook for Nevada Kinship Caregivers
Join Foster Kinship for one of their monthly groups to gain support and share strength with others who are raising their relative's children. All details regarding groups such as log in information and locations, can be found in our closed 24/7 Facebook support group. All in-person groups offer complimentary child care.
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WATCH THIS TIKTOK ON THE
WONDERFUL SERVICES FOSTER KINSHIP OFFERS!
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Caregiver Corner Market
at Marcie's Heart
Kinship caregivers can shop for household items, teen/adult clothing and shoes, jewelry/accessories, books, gently used toys, and seasonal/specialty items. Everything is free and there is no limit. Items provided for kinship families at the Market can not be sold. Kinship families must have an account with Foster Kinship to shop.
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Canyon Ridge Christian Church is hosting a Foster Parent Night Out APRIL 21 from 6pm-9pm.
Register before April 17.
Ages birth- 5th grade.
Snacks provided, but please feed children dinner before the event.
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Additional support offered at
Canyon Ridge Christian Church
6200 W. Lone Mountain Rd.
Foster Parent Support Group
4th Friday of the month / 6:30pm - 8:45pm
Please contact Foster Connect with any questions by emailing [email protected]
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Discover how you can connect with children experiencing a difficult time and help them heal and become all God desires for them to be. The Hope for the Journey Conference is a one-day conference led by the TCU Institute for Child Development for anyone who helps children from hard places find a better life. | |
Foster Kinship Support Group
For parents and group for teens
2nd Tuesday of the month / 6pm - 7:30pm
Please contact Foster Kinship with any questions by emailing [email protected]
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NEW! FREE MEMBERSHIP FOR HANNAH'S CLOSET
Here is what you need to know for now: Next time you come into Hannah’s Closet, bring your placement letter and/or adoption decree and we’ll take it from there. Just don’t forget to sign up for an appointment!!
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We are excited to introduce you to Gregory Holloway, CCSD’s new Foster Care Coordinator. Mr. Holloway comes to CCSD with experience in Foster Care and administration. He was also a foster parent.
- Mr. Holloway is available to work with parents on any issues with CCSD or CCSD schools.
- Mr. Holloway can be reached via the Foster Care Department at [email protected] or 702-799-1196
IMPORTANT DATES
- Friday, April 7 - No School for Students
- Monday, April 10 - No School for Students
- Friday, April 28 - No School for Students
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Otto A. Huth Scholarship
Application Due April 15, 2023
The Otto Huth Scholarship fund is established to provide support for youths who are about to age out of foster are or have already aged out of foster care in the state of Nevada who are seeking support for post-high school education at universities, community colleges, business schools, and trade schools in the US.
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS
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Foster Children Education Scholarship
Application Due April 30, 2023
The Foster Children Education Foundation Scholarship supports youths who are or have been in foster care (never legally adopted or expected to be adopted) in Nevada who have received a high school diploma and desire to purse higher education with at least a 3.0 GPA
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS
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LOW COST EARLY EDUCATION WITH EARLY HEAD START | |
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The Early Head Start and Nevada Ready programs at Sunrise Children's Foundation offer comprehensive child development and family support services to low-income and underserved populations including expecting mothers, infants, toddlers and their families.
Many foster children will qualify for Early Head Start and Nevada Ready programs. We encourage families to take advantage of these early learning opportunities.
For more information about our Early Head Start or Nevada Ready programs, please call 702-631-7130 or email [email protected]
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The Independent Living Program assists foster and former foster youth in transitioning to adulthood by providing opportunities to obtain life skills for self-sufficiency and independence. Services are available to youth ages 14+ who are currently in foster care, to former foster youth who aged-out of the system at age 18, and to youth who were adopted from foster care on or after their 16th birthday.
Click Here to learn how to support a youth transitioning out of care.
For information on STEM training programs for career preparation Click Here.
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April showers will bring beautiful May flowers here in the desert! We’re busy as always working for ‘Our Kids’ in the family court system.
We have selected our college scholarship recipients for Fall 2023. We are giving 7 new scholarships plus 5 returning student scholarships. It is such a wonderful thing to be able to help these teens as they continue with their education. We are giving them hope and helping with their futures.
We are also sponsoring foster kids to go to summer camp. One is Camp to Belong, which is a week long camp bringing siblings together for a week of fun and time together. The other is Potosi Pines Summer Camp for foster kids as well. We have done this for many years and love to help with this fun and amazing experience for them.
If you or anyone you know, would like to join Children's Service Guild, please contact Marsha Manning, Vice President and Membership Committee Chairwoman.
[email protected] or 210-862-5493
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Back to the Basics with the CASA Program
What is the CASA Program?
CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate. The CASA program is a child advocate program within Eighth Judicial District Court.
Who are CASA volunteers?
CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to advocate for the best interests of abused, neglected and abandoned children in the foster care system. In some states, CASA volunteers are also referred to as a guardian ad litem (GAL).
What do CASA volunteers do?
CASA volunteers conduct an independent evaluation and make recommendations to the court about what is in the best interest of their assigned child(ren). CASA volunteers visit regularly with the child(ren) and advocate for their needs in and out of court. CASA volunteers also help identify resources and services while monitoring their case for progress. More succinctly, CASA volunteers support and promote court appointed advocacy for abused and neglected children so they can thrive in safe and permanent homes.
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