Jill Marano

Director

Clark County Department of Family Services

Hear from a fellow foster caregiver what the

GIVE JOY Gift Pick-Up meant to her family

Thank you to all of the families who participated in our GIVE JOY Gift Pick-Up this past December. It truly warmed our hearts to make the holidays a little brighter for our infants, children and teens in foster care. We hope your kids enjoyed their gifts!

We also want to take a moment to recognize and thank our sponsors and donors for making this event possible.

Paul Mitchell The School Las Vegas

9490 S Eastern Ave #100

Las Vegas, NV 89123

Paul Mitchell The School is offering 150 free haircuts per month to our children and teens in foster care, through a partnership with Foster Change.

STEP 1: Call Peggy’s Attic at (702) 455-5424 to reserve a voucher and arrange a time to pick up your voucher.

STEP 2: Once you have reserved your voucher, call Paul Mitchell The School to make an appointment for your haircut at (702) 740-4247. When you make your appointment, let them know you have a Foster Change voucher. Your voucher will only be good throughout the current month of issue.

STEP 3: Be sure to bring your voucher with on the day of your services. Enjoy your haircut!

Expertise Cosmetology

1911 Stella Lake St.

Las Vegas, NV 89106

(702) 636-8686

Expertise Barber

535 E. Lake Mead Blvd.

Las Vegas, NV 89030

(702) 399-3894

Expertise Cosmetology and Barber are offering children and teens in foster care a limited offer of free haircuts and barber cuts the last Tuesday of every month!

Foster parents will need to call to make an appointment and mention this offer at the time of booking.

On the Child Haven campus, many sibling groups are waiting for a loving and caring foster home. We know that children do better when they are in homes, versus congregate care. These children have spent months on campus and desperately need your help.

It is traumatic for children to be split up from their siblings while in foster care, and we need foster parents who will help these kids stay together.

CRITICAL NEED: FOSTERING Brothers and Sisters

• Typically, 2 out of 3 kids coming into Clark County foster care have brothers and/or sisters
• These siblings can range from 2 to 8 or more family members and encompass various ages and developmental stages.
• Unfortunately, around 58% of the time, brothers and sisters get separated and placed in different foster homes.
• We need to increase the number of foster parents who can accommodate entire families of children and teens in care.

Contact your licensing worker when you are ready to foster a sibling group!

Foster One, Recruit One

Our foster parents are our biggest resource and our best way to recruit new foster families! Roughly 24% of new foster parent shave indicated that they were encouraged to foster by a current foster parent. WOW!

We want to give back to you for your referrals, so please let your people know to let our team know that you sent them. Once they attend an Information Session, we will send you a $25 gift card per household you refer!

During our gift pick up, our team has special cards for you can give to anyone who is interested in becoming a foster parent, and a fun button that you can wear proudly whi says "Ask Me How to Become a Foster Parent."

Host a Party with a Purpose!

Do you have a group of friends, families, or coworkers that are interested in foster care?

Let's work together to host a Party with a Purpose! If you get a group together, we'll bring the goodies and foster care information.

Plus, you'll get a $25 gift card for every potential foster household that attends!

Call Laura to get started (702) 455-1211.

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!



If you are interested in adopting a specific child or sibling group from Clark County, please email DFSadoptions@clarkcountynv.gov. Please note we cannot answer questions about children who are not in the custody of DFS.

Adopting children from foster care is a rewarding way to grow your family, while empowering children and teens in need to reach their full potential. When you choose to foster and adopt through Clark County Department of Family Services, together, we can help children Find My Forever.

If you are interested in adopting a child featured in a Find My Forever profile like Paul, please email dfsfindmyforever@clarkcountynv.gov. Our team will work with your family to ensure that a child, teen, or sibling group featured in our Find My Forever program will be a good fit for your family. A Family Services Adoption Social Worker will walk you through the steps needed to adopt specific children featured in Find My Forever. 

A family interested in adopting children, teens, or sibling groups featured in Find My Forever will go through a prescreening process. If determined to be an appropriate fit for the child, teen, or sibling group, the family will receive an individualized plan to help them through the adoption process. 

SUPERVISED VISITATION

The Therapeutic Solution is the new supervised visitation provider for Clark County Department of Family Services. Supervised visitation is to help families in separation remain connected, continue or develop bonds, and remain hopeful for reuniting. 

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.

NRS 484B.157 Child less than 6 years of age and less than 57 inches tall to be secured in child restraint system while being transported in motor vehicle; child less than 2 years of age to be secured in rear-facing child restraint system in back seat with certain exceptions; requirements for system; penalties; programs of training; waiver or reduction of penalty under certain circumstances; application of section; acceptance of gifts, grants and donations for purchase of child restraint systems. [Effective through December 31, 2022.]

HOW TO SCHEDULE PART 2 - CAR SEAT INSTALLATION

PRE-REQUISITE:               

• Completion of Child Passenger Safety - Part 1 Training online at QPI Nevada

http://centervideo.forest.usf.edu/video/jit/florida/safeseat/start.html

• Car Seat specific to placement(s) Age
• Practice Installing Car Seat PRIOR to appointment

Contact Laura Steeps | 702-455-1211

Laura.Steeps@ClarkCountyNV.gov

*In-Office: Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday 8a-6:30p and Thursday 11a-9:30p

For Spanish speaking families

Contact Fabiola Hernandez | 702-455-6765

Fabiola.Hernandez@ClarkCountyNV.gov

*In-Office: Monday-Friday, 8a-5p

IMPORTANT: Scheduler provides Families with a variety of available days/times/locations to complete their Installation appointment. Should families experience any difficulty scheduling an appointment please contact Allyson Manumaleuna at (702) 455-1711.

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.

Register for upcoming events with Raise the Future!

Virtual TBRI® Introduction and Overview

January 18 | 9am-3:30pm

Online

Register Here

Parenting is challenging, particularly when you are parenting a child from trauma. Children from trauma include children who were born prematurely, have been abused and neglected, have been adopted internationally, and have special needs. This training will focus on understanding the meaning of child behaviors, the brain chemistry of a child from a hard place, and how to help these children (and your family) heal and connect. Participants will learn tools they can put into action with their children immediately.

TBRI® Connection Group

January 22 | 2:30pm-4pm

Raise The Future | 2500 N Buffalo Rd. Ste. 140 Las Vegas, NV 89128

Register Here

We will take this time to reflect on 2023, and write down on wish paper our hopes for 2024.

Connection groups provide caregivers a space to connect with others on the same journey of understanding our children’s behaviors and how to meet their needs. This is intended to be a safe place that caregivers for parents to be comfortable sharing their struggles, challenges and, be open to learning about how to implement TBRI® principles in their homes. Connection groups will offer time to collaborate with others as well as our TBRI® practitioners to work through behavioral problems and discuss monthly topics such as nurture group activities, transitions, and the IDEAL response.

*Participants must have attended TBRI® Introduction.

TBRI® Professional Collaboration

January 17 | 12pm-1pm

Online

Register Here

A place for us to put TBRI® to use in the real world, share it with others who are doing it, and brainstorm ways to partner. *Participants must have attended TBRI® Introduction.

TBRI TIP OF THE MONTH:

INTEROCEPTION

Interoception is one of our senses, like vision, hearing, taste, smell, and touch. It is responsible for the sense of feeling your heart beating, and knowing when you are hungry. Basically, interoception means sensing signals from within your body, and these senses can affect our emotions and behaviors.

Read More

Foster Change membership is now free and includes ANY family with a current and/or ongoing relationship with child welfare. This includes currently licensed families and formerly licensed families who have achieved permanency through adoption.

Foster Change

Peer Built Provider List

This list is peer-built and includes peer feedback for their experiences with all child service providers. The list may include: Medical, Therapy, Dental, Vision, Residential Treatment, Specialists, Childcare Centers that accept children with Higher Level Needs, etc.

Foster Change maintains the list but does not personally review, account for factuality of feedback, or endorse anyone on this list.

ONE VOICE Feedback Forum

To elevate the voices of those who are: licensed caregivers in Clark County, including post-permanency families.



This Review/Feedback Collection System has been designed by Foster Change and responses will be collected by Foster Change. Responses will be shared with the Clark County Department of Family Services, in order to elevate the voices of licensed caregivers in Clark County, including post-permanency families.

FOSTER KINSHIP

childcare@fosterkinship.org

www.fosterkinship.org

(702) 546-9988

Click below to join

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.

Canyon Ridge Christian Church

Foster Parent Night Out

January 19 | 6pm-9pm

Register before January 15.

Ages birth- 5th grade.



Snacks provided, but please feed children dinner before the event.

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 email questions to hannahsclosetlv@gmail.com





Foster Kinship Support Group

Group for parents and group for teens

2nd Tuesday of the month

6pm - 7:30pm

Please contact Foster Kinship with any questions by emailing familyadvocate@fosterkinship.org

FREE MEMBERSHIP FOR HANNAH'S CLOSET SOUTH

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!! 

Hannah's Closet North is a resource center for foster and adoptive families to receive clothing, toys, and other items that are needed for children. Families may "shop" free of charge once a month. Please provide adoption decree, placement letter, or Foster Kinship referral.

Happy 2024 and 2nd Semester of the 2023-2024 School Year!  

Congratulations on making this far into the school year to you and your children!    

Check Your Children’s Grades Early December and Reach out to Teachers for Help if They are Struggling/Not Passing Classes

 

It is now a new semester. For those of our kids who struggled last semester, they can start anew and with a fresh start in this one! Please encourage your children to either continue their good work in school or to start the new semester with a belief that this semester will be better than the last one!

IMPORTANT DATES

• Monday, January 1^st – No School for Students (Winter Break)
• Tuesday, January 2^nd - Classes Resume for All Students/Second Semester Begins
• Monday, January 15^th – No School for Students (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)
• Monday January 22^nd – No School for Students (Staff Development Day)
• To plan ahead for the 2023-2024 school year, download the 2023-24 school calendar

Please read all of the education updates for information on important school dates, helping your child before the end of the semester, providing your feedback on how school is going for your child, and Choice School Applications Due in January! 

Did you know UNLV has a dedicated support program for students who experienced foster care?

The UNLV Fostering Scholars Program was launched in 2021 to support students in foster care after age 13 in achieving their higher education at UNLV. Fostering Scholars will support students in applying to UNLV, obtaining the Foster Youth Fee Waiver, completing the FAFSA, and continues to support students throughout their undergraduate degree until they obtain their degree. Students involved with Fostering Scholars are eligible for a $1,000 scholarship! Caregivers and students can contact the Program Coordinator, Heather Richardson, to get more information or click here to join the Fostering Scholars mailing list. 

LOW COST EARLY EDUCATION WITH EARLY HEAD START

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 info@sunrisechildren.org

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.

• Daily living skills
• Money management
• Decision making
• Housing assistance: youth ages 18+ apply for section 8 housing waitlist until March 27, 2023.
• Substance abuse prevention, nutrition education, smoking prevention, and pregnancy prevention
• Preparation for postsecondary training and education

• Mentors and permanent connections
• Financial assistance with college or vocational schools  
• Medical insurance
• Counseling
•  Assistance in obtaining the GED and higher education
• Workforce/Employment readiness 
• Food Handler’s Card 

Youth age 17 ½ and older are invited to learn about the New Nevada Forklift Training and Mentor program: nvforklifttraining@gmail.com; https://nevadaforklifttraining.com/home

Just One Project Community Market

Are you moving out once you transition out of foster care? Don’t forget to plan for groceries. Just One offers food boxes for youth exiting out of foster care and transitioning to their new home. They will prepare a box with nonperishable items so that youth can have food that will not spoil while youth orient themselves to their new neighborhood. This is to assist youth in the first week or two as they adjust to their new life as an adult.

Call for an appointment 702-462-2253 from 9am-1pm Monday through Friday. Drive-thru is located at 1401 N Decatur LV NV 89108

PAID JOB TRAINING WITH JOBCORPS.GOV

For over 50 years, Job Corps has helped young people achieve successful careers in the nation’s fastest-growing industries. Job Corps provides free career training and education for 16- through 24-year-olds. We have over 120 campuses across the U.S. where students gain the experience needed to begin a career or apprenticeship, advance to higher education, or join the military. The best part? It’s free.

Low-income 16- through 24-year-olds who are U.S. citizens, legal U.S. residents, or residents of a U.S. territory, and/or individuals who are authorized to work in the United States.

DRESS to IMPRESS!

If your teen in foster care has a job interview or just needs some professional or dress attire, come "SHOP" for free at Beyond the Attic! Beyond the ATTIC has beautiful clothes for men and women, shoes and accessories to get you to the Homecoming Dance!

Please call (702) 455-5424 to schedule your appointment

Children's Service Guild of Southern Nevada is enrolled in Smith's Food & Drug Inspiring Donations Program. Every time you make a purchase at any Smith's Food & Drug using your registered Rewards Card, Smith's will make a donation to the Children's Service Guild.

casalasvegas.org

casa@clarkcountycourts.us

702.455.2272

Inclusion Fusion is an organization that provides a variety of programs for teens & adults with disabilities in Southern Nevada. We provide individualized lessons and programs that allow clients to achieve a successful, independent life.

Our mission is to help every individual with a disability to develop, pursue and achieve their own goals and dreams.

The Center brings together programs, resources, and services to meet the needs of our community and the community around us. We function as the heart and home of the LGBTQIA+ community by making connections, delivering programs, and providing a safe space for health and wellness, social services, arts and culture, advocacy, and community building.

Henderson Equality Center, a community supported organization to engage, empower, enrich, and advance the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, allies and queer community of Henderson, NV by providing a safe space, pursue resources and providing courses focus on educational, social, support, skill building and job assistance classes for at-risk, low-income LGBTQ youth and adults.

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