The Caregiver Courier
March 2017
Spotlight Series: Trauma-Informed Parenting, Pt. 3

Trauma can interfere with the development and functioning of a child at any age. A brain that has been impacted by trauma can heal. Healing is done over time and only in the context of a secure and regulated relationship with another person. This month, we look at Understanding the Effects of Trauma for part three of our eight-part series on trauma-informed care.
 
Melinda Rhoades of SAFY takes us through the various ways trauma impacts a child and provides techniques for the trauma-informed parent to implement to help a child heal.
 

Previous Modules
More information can be found at the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.

Community Partner Spotlight: Enchantment Under the Sea at SeaQuest!

Have you ever wanted to feed a giant octopus? Or pet a shark? Take a selfie with a mermaid? Children in foster care in Nevada can do all those things for free at the new SeaQuest Interactive Aquarium at the Boulevard Mall.
 
SeaQuest Interactive Aquarium is a new family-friendly attraction at the Boulevard Mall featuring 1,500 different animals, interactive exhibits and games that kids of all ages can enjoy. Guests can feed, hold and touch many of the creatures.
 

It Wouldn't Be Spring without the Spring Fling!

Carnival rides, games, food, live entertainment and much more await you for the City of Las Vegas's annual Spring Celebration & Foster Connection! Also known as the "Spring Fling," this event is the perfect family outing for fun & games as well as gathering information about services from various community partners and organizations. Best of all, ADMISSION IS FREE!

What: Spring Celebration & Foster Connection
When: Saturday, April 1, 2017, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Where: Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs, 9200 Tule Springs Rd.
Save the Date: An Egg-cellent Time is Coming Soon!

Are you ready for fun, games, activities, goody baskets and candy-filled eggs as far as the eye can see? Mark your calendars for Commissioner Lawrence Weekly's annual Spring Holiday Egg Hunt, presented in partnership with the Children's Service Guild, Peggy's Attic and Foster Change. Word on the street is a certain cotton-tailed bunny rabbit may be making an appearance, too!

What: Spring Holiday Egg Hunt
When: Wednesday, April 12, 2017, 2 - 5 p.m.
Where: Clark County Government Center Amphitheater, 500 S. Grand Central Pkwy.

Keep watching your inbox and mailbox for registration information.

Note: This event is available to licensed caregivers ONLY.
Agency Foster Parents Give "Shout Out" to DFS Staff

A series of focus group discussions were held recently with foster parents and agency leaders. Facilitated by the Youth Law Center's Carole Shauffer, the goal of these discussions was to gather feedback and establish ongoing dialogue between foster parents, agencies and the Clark County Department of Family Services.
 
The feedback was constructive and positive. Also, foster parents went out of their way to praise many DFS case managers for going above and beyond the call of duty. Over the two days of focus groups, foster parents publicly recognized the following DFS staff for their commitment to families and children in care:
 
Megan Eggers, senior family services specialist
Dahlia Espeut-McLean, senior family services specialist
Greg Flamer, family services supervisor
LaNette Garcia, senior family services specialist
Angelique Gray, senior family services specialist
Javonni Henderson, family services specialist
Angela King, family services specialist
Kristen Ohm, family services specialist
Caleb Orton, family services specialist
Ariel Racine, family services supervisor
Melissa Salazar, social worker
Joshua Schwartz, family services specialist
Maryte Tallent, family services specialist
Maria Torres, family services specialist
Kathryn Treants, family services assistant
Nicole Wells, family services specialist
Leigh Anne Westenkirchner, family services specialist

Let Your Voice Be Heard! Join a QPI Workgroup Today

As a caregiver, we know you have ideas for improvements in child welfare that you'd like to share with decision makers. Now is your chance. Get involved with the Quality Parenting Initiative and join one of our six workgroups:
  • Training: Meets the first Monday of each month
  • Recruitment: Meets the first Wednesday of each month
  • Community Partnerships: Meets the third Tuesday of each month
  • Support & Retention: Meets the third Wednesday of each month
  • Communications: Meets the third Friday of each month
  • Child Welfare: Meets the fourth Tuesday of each month
Within these workgroups, child welfare professionals, community partners and caregivers convene monthly to develop solutions to issues they face every day. Your input can make the difference in the lives of children and families in Clark County.
 
Click here for more information about QPI training, initiatives and workgroups. 
 
Click here to complete the workgroup interest form.

What's Going on This Month? Check the QPI Calendar

Speaking of workgroups, download the March and April QPI calendars for the latest workgroup meetings and partner organization events and gatherings.
 
Click here for the calendar.

Do you have an event or meeting that you'd like to share with our caregiver community? Send an email message with your event information. Please be sure to include the date, time, location and contact information for your event.

Do you have a question, suggestion or story idea for The Caregiver Courier? 

Click here to submit your story ideas, suggestions or questions.
What is QPI?

Making sure every child living in foster care is cared for by a caregiver (foster, relative, fictive and/or adoptive) who provides skilled, nurturing parenting while helping the child maintain connections to his or her family. 

Enhance Your Skills

Various trainings are offered in the community to help enhance caregivers' capacity to parent. Please click on the links below to learn more about exciting training opportunities from which you can benefit.  
The QPI Nevada Brand

Foster parents nurture children who have experienced trauma and provide a safe, loving and healing environment in which the children can thrive. They are parenting partners who honor and support family relationships. Foster parents are dedicated, informed and committed advocates for children. They are instrumental and fully supported members of the child and family team. Great foster parents make a difference for children and families in our community.
702-455-5444   |  
http://tinyurl.com/my66nkm
121 S. Martin Luther King Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89106