|
Dear Caregivers,
I hope this message finds you and our children doing well and getting ready for an exciting summer filled with summer camp opportunities, and a host of other activities to keep everyone busy and happy!
This month we celebrate the resiliency and strength of our families throughout the Las Vegas valley. June is National Reunification Month – a time set aside to recognize and honor the parents who have done the hard work necessary to reunite with their children.
In 2022, 57% of Clark County families reunited with their children. That’s a total of 1,342 youth who safely returned to their loved ones because of the year-round work, commitment, and investment of time and resources by caring people in our community.
Every day, we collaborate with selfless and supportive caregivers like you who help us demonstrate that safe reunification is possible when parents, family members, child welfare professionals, foster parents, service providers, attorneys, the courts, and community partners work towards a common goal.
| |
|
Thank you for dedicating your time to our children and their families. You have proven that the most effective caregivers, whether kin or non-relatives, encourage reunification by extending their role beyond supporting the children in their care, to supporting the children’s whole family. You never cease to understand that connecting with birth parents as soon as possible and keeping communication open and honest from the start builds a strong and ongoing partnership.
We greatly appreciate you for collaborating with DFS and birth families to provide our kids with a solid foundation for personal growth, development, and maturity!
| |
|
Sincerely,
Jill Marano, Director
Clark County Department of Family Services
| |
CRITICAL NEED FOR FOSTER PARENTS
FOR AGES 0-6, TEENS IN FOSTER CARE, SIBLING GROUPS,
AND CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
| |
|
FOSTER PARENTS FOR TEENS
On any given day, 30-40 teenagers are waiting on the Child Haven campus for a safe and stable foster home. These teenagers have goals of graduating high school, getting a job, opening a bank account, and figuring out life beyond foster care. They need support from caring adults who can guide them in the right direction.
That person may be someone you know.
Clark County Family Services is offering an expedited 2-week foster care training for those who are ready to welcome teenagers into their families. The class starts in July, but there are several steps to take to prepare. Please encourage anyone you know that has been thinking about becoming a foster parent to teens to join our expedited class.
Start by signing up for an information session today at www.clarkcountyfostercare.com
| | |
|
Foster Parents are the BEST recruiters!
Please help us recruit new foster parents. We especially need loving adults who can care for children ages 0-6, teens in foster care, large sibling groups, and children with special needs.
www.clarkcountyfostercare.com
| |
|
12th Annual Back-to-School Event
1225 S. Fort Apache Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89117
Hosted in memory of James Choy by Square Salon and Atelier Salon along with community partners
Join us for our Back-to-School event filled with haircuts, manicures, goodies, giveaways, food, and fun! All children in your household are welcome, but please keep in mind that school supplies, shoes, uniforms, and backpacks are for children entering grades 1-12 within Department of Family Services Foster Care.
| |
|
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. | |
|
FOSTER PARENT CHAMPIONS
Monday – Friday / 9am – 7pm
Call (702) 455-1149
| |
RESPITE CARE
Parenting can be stressful, and respite care allows the caregiver time to rest.
| |  |
|
FOSTER PARENT INFO SESSION
Do you know someone interested in becoming a foster family? Share our info session sign-up with them.
| |
FOSTER & ADOPTION SUBSIDY
Please keep your Licensing/Adoption Specialist informed of any changes in your contact information.
| |
|
HEALTH SCREENINGS
Department of Family Services requires routine medical, dental, and vision exams/screenings.
| | |
OMBUDSMAN FOR DISPUTE RESOLUTION
If you have a complaint or dispute that we cannot solve, please contact the Ombudsman.
| |
|
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
-
For Spanish speaking individuals/families please contact Allyson.Manumaleuna@ClarkCountyNV.gov. Interpreters are available with at least 2 week notice. Once confirmed an Interpreter will accompany the individual/family to CPR Training.
| |
|
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).
Schedule an appointment with:
Laura Steeps, Senior Family Services Specialist
702-455-1211 Laura.Steeps@ClarkCountyNV.gov
| |
Bedtime. Naptime. Babies should always sleep on their backs.
Every year, around 3,500 babies in the United States die suddenly and unexpectedly while they're sleeping. Most of these tragic deaths are due to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or accidental deaths from suffocation or strangulation.
Clark County Department of Family Services has teamed up with the American Academy of Pediatrics, Nevada Chapter to spread awareness about Safe Sleep and the simple steps you can take to protect your baby.
| |
|
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.
VISITATION Q&A with The Therapeutic Solution
The department’s goal is for caregivers and families to work out a visitation schedule that works for both parties with the support and guidance of the caseworker. When this is not possible due to safety, court or therapeutic requirements. Let’ us introduce you to The Therapeutic Solution (TTS).
-
Tell us a little about TTS. TTS is a part of the Family Trauma Treatment Center. The center focuses primarily on trauma and complex trauma-related mental and physical health issues. We are a collaboration of providers delivering an array of innovative and evidence-based outpatient mental health services and training. Our mission and vision is to help children and families move their lives forward, by providing professional, state-of-the-art supportive, and meaningful services.
-
What are the types of supervised visits offered by TTS? TTS offers general supervised visits, safe exchange, and therapeutic supervised visits.
-
What should a foster parent do when they arrive to a supervised visit? Foster parents should walk the child to the door, sign in and deliver the child to the parent. During that exchange, the foster parent could share positive information about how the child is doing.
-
Who should the foster parent inform if there are concerns regarding the visitation? Foster parents should inform TTS and/or their Case Manager with visitation concerns. Contact TTS at 702-485-1313 or info@tts-nv.com
-
How should the foster family participate in the supervised visit? Caregivers, it is important to support the bonding and or reunification process. Here are a few things you can do to support your kiddo before their visits:
Excitement- Show excitement! Because you are their primary caregiver, they are watching you to determine if visiting is a good thing or a bad thing. If you are excited, then they will be excited and feel it is safe to visit.
Check-in - Be a safe place for kiddos to express their “true” feelings. If they are scared, nervous, excited, dreadful, or angry; whatever feelings they are experiencing they need a safe place to express them. Most times children feel they have to choose a side and that if they love their parents then that means they don’t love you; Help them understand that they can love both and it is ok.
Listen & Respond- Listen to what they have to say about their parents and help dispel any negative or untrue feelings they may be struggling with. Like, why doesn’t my mom love me, am I not good enough for them to get their life together to come to get me, if my own parent doesn’t love me then no one will. These are all things the kid brain tells us when we are trying to make sense of it all. Help them sort this out and replace this thought with new positive ones.
Be Positive- Be positive about the parents, even if it is difficult for you. Remain natural and try to express an understanding for the kiddo, they love their parent regardless of whatever happened, and they want what is best for them. Be the safe place for them to develop an understanding that it is ok to love more than one person and you will always be there for them no matter what.
| | |
|
|
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 Knelson@stjudesranch.org 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
| |
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. | |
|
TBRI Workshop: Nurture Groups
June 8
9am-10am PST- Virtual
12pm-1pm PST- Virtual
5pm-6pm PST- Virtual
Register Here
TBRI Caregiver Refresher and Implementation Day
May 14
9am-2pm PST
Virtual
Register Here
| |
|
Connection Group
June 21
2pm-3:30pm PST
2500 N. Buffalo Dr.
Las Vegas, NV 89128
Register Here
Professional Collaboration
June 23
12pm-1pm PST
Virtual
Register Here
| |
|
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
One Voice Town Hall Meeting
Thursday June 22 | 6pm
Saturday June 24 | 9:30am
The Foster Change One Voice Town Hall meetings are officially underway and now it is time to plan for June! Please join us at the following meetings and hear the follow up responses from the Department of Family Services from our May meetings!
Join the Zoom Meeting
Zoom Meeting ID: 810 9391 0441
Passcode: 012654
| | |
|
|
FOSTER KINSHIP
childcare@fosterkinship.org
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.
| |
|
Thriving After by Foster Kinship
Calling all adoptive families and guardianship families - We invite you to join us at Thriving After, Clark County's new post permanency support program, implemented through Foster Kinship! We understand the unique journey continues once you've achieved your permanency goals as a family, and the need for support and resources never goes away. Connect with us so that you are never walking alone.
To schedule an intake appointment to receive services and support, please call
702-546-9988
or CLICK HERE.
| |
|
|
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.
| |
|
Canyon Ridge Christian Church is hosting a Foster Parent Night Out JUNE 16 from 6pm-9pm.
Register before June 12.
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 contact Foster Connect with any questions by emailing fosterconnectnv@gmail.com
| |
|
The Hope for the Journey Conference meets parents and caregivers where they are with practical, tangible help, resources, and tools in caring for their children impacted by tough places. Whether you are a parent, caregiver, church, ministry, or organizational leader seeking to support families in your community better, this is for you.
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.
ONLINE OPTION AVAILABLE UNTIL JUNE 28
|
|
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 familyadvocate@fosterkinship.org
| |
|
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!!
| |
|
Have your kiddos join Fostering Hope this summer as we challenge our kids to read! We encourage you to sign up for the summer reading program. Your child can earn raffle tickets towards awesome prizes, and you can earn extra points at Hannah’s Closet South for your family participating!! All of the details of how to get the books are in the sign-up! ☀️📚
| |
|
Register Your Child for the 2023-2024 School Year
(even if your child has been attending school)
- Every child attending school must be registered for updated registration information even if they have already been attending school
-
To register children new to CCSD, visit register.ccsd.net.
-
To register children who are currently enrolled in CCSD, click this link Campus Portal Login (ccsd.net) or visit campusportal.ccsd.net. Login under the Campus Parent link.
- To set up a Parental Portal Account, please contact your child’s school
-
For general information about CCSD registration, visit register.ccsd.net
-
For children not attending CCSD, please contact your child’s school about registration requirements
IMPORTANT DATES
- June – Summer School Offered
- Monday June 20th – Second Session of In-Person Summer School for Secondary Students Begins (see below)
- Monday August 7th – Classes Begin for the 2023-2024 school year
To plan ahead and to see a calendar of the 2023-2024 school year, click here.
| |
|
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.
| |
|
Independent Living High School Graduation Celebration
June 7, 2023 | 9am-6pm
4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas 89154
UNLV Student Ballrooms B & C
RSVP DUE TODAY! Call (702) 455-1149
Graduation time is upon us. Please contact your IL worker for if you are graduating from high school in 2023. Our Independent Living Graduation event will be on June 7, 2023 from 9am-6pm. We will be sending out invitations in May to all graduating youth. We will have food, gifts, vendors and community partners at the event to CELEBRATE OUR GRADUATES!
| |
|
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 your Prom!
Please call (702) 455-5424 to schedule your appointment
| | |
|
Our mission since 1969 is the children touched by the Family Court in Southern Nevada. We work extremely hard for their many needs, and we fill their lives with hope.
***Our 48th Annual Holiday Craft Boutique & Raffle will be Saturday, November 11, 2023***
Our biggest fundraiser of the year! Handcrafted holiday items and scrumptious homemade kitchen goodies will be available. Mark the date on your calendar and kick off the holidays in a fantastic way helping us help the kids.
Here are some items we sold at our 2022 Boutique. This is just to give you an idea of unique and different items we’ve been making since last year. We will post items for our 2023 Boutique soon.
Hope to see you at our important fundraiser helping us help the children.
| |
|
What Caregivers Should Know about CASA Volunteers
- CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates
-
There must be a petition filed that a child is in need of protection before a CASA volunteer can be assigned (all children in foster care meet this condition).
- CASA volunteers are appointed by a Dependency Judge to represent the best interest of abused and neglected children.
- CASA volunteers are responsible for making recommendations to the court about the safety, permanence, and well-being of their assigned child(ren).
-
CASA volunteers are REQUIRED to have a minimum of monthly face-to-face contact with their assigned child(ren).
- CASA volunteers may express different opinions than the Department of Family Services (DFS) team members and Children’s Attorney Project (CAP) attorneys.
-
The CASA program allows each CASA volunteer to decide if they would like to transport their assigned child(ren), after meeting the program requirements to transport. It is NOT a requirement, however an option, for CASA volunteers to offer transportation for their child(ren).
You are welcome to go to the CASA program FAQ page for additional information about CASA volunteers and the CASA program.
| | | | |
