Caregiver Courier
May 2020
DFS COVID-19 Caregiver Resource Guide
QPI Webinar and Resource Materials
Adoption Exchange Specialized Webinars
Adoption and guardianship cases are being assigned and processed. Family Court is finalizing cases telephonically. If you have questions about the status of your case or referral, please reach out to your assigned workers for an update.

A Message from DFS:
Virtual Information Sessions

DFS has resumed foster care information sessions virtually to accommodate families looking to get licensed.

Individuals that are interested are directed to fill out the "Count Me In" form located on countmein.vegas.

Dates are as follows:
May 5, at 4 p.m.
May 9, at 9 a.m.
May 12, at 4 p.m.
May 16, at 9 a.m.
May 19, at 4 p.m.
May 23, at 9 a.m.
If you Suspect it, Report it.

Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline: 702.399.0081
IMPORTANT UPDATE TO CCSD DISTRIBUTION SCHEDULE

The Clark County School District Food Distribution sites has adjusted their distribution times. CCSD food distribution sites will be serving meals from 7-10 a.m.  The “mobile” sites have also shifted their times as follows:

Mondays and Wednesdays
8 - 9 a.m. - Dooley ES & Brown JHS, 9 - 10 a.m . - Stevens ES, Hinman ES & Cunningham ES

Tuesdays and Thursdays
8 - 9 a.m. - Galloway ES & Burkholder MS, 9 - 10 a.m. - Kesterson ES, Thorpe ES & Ullom ES

Meals are available for all children ages 2-18. To locate a site near you, visi t  ccsd.nutrislice.com . There are also changes to some Three Square Food Bank sites located at CCSD schools. Please visit  ccsd.net  for the latest information.
Living in Uncertainty

By: Anne-Marie Abruscato, LCSW, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Just today, how many of these feelings have you experienced?

  • Worried
  • Sad
  • Overwhelmed
  • Anxious
  • Impatient
  • Frustrated
  • Disappointed
  • Stressed
  • Guilty

How many hats you are wearing right now?

  • Spouse
  • Partner
  • Employee
  • Parent
  • Caregiver
  • Son/Daughter
  • Teacher
  • Housekeeper
  • Designated shopper

If you can relate to any of these, click HERE for more helpful advice.
St. Jude Ranch for Children Announcements

Zoom Video Conferencing – Need help getting started with virtual visitation? Sibling Preservation is here to assist with any needs whether you need a laptop, or technical assistance in scheduling a meeting. If you need assistance call/text 347.737.0152 or email a request to   Knelson@stjudesranch.org

Daily Kahoot Quiz – Kids win $10 digital gift card of their choice if they can top the leaderboards in this daily 10 question quiz; players can even suggest topics they want to see in the future. If you want to participate send an email address to  Knelson@stjudesranch.org

Virtual Campfire – Starting in May we will offer a weekly gathering of kids and counselors to enjoy sing alongs, bingo, gameshow and other camp activities. If you want to participate send an email address to  Knelson@stjudesranch.org
Guide to Comfort Calls and Ice Breakers
Whenever a child is removed from their home, both the parent and child experience significant trauma and loss. In order to establish a positive working relationship between the parent and caregiver, open communication is critical. To learn more about comfort calling and ice breakers, click HERE.
Guide to Staying
Virtually Connected
Staying connected to family, friends and co-workers is more important than ever. Using on-line services and apps with audio & video platforms are great tools while practicing social distancing. Click HERE to access the QPI guide for staying virtually connected during COVID-19.
#DFSHomeLearning
Thank you for all you are doing for our children generally and especially at this time!

We are aware that many of you may be home with kids for longer periods times than ever, we at DFS want to provide you with updated information on getting services for your children and also provide you with educational activities to keep your children’s minds busy! Click HERE for some important announcements and exciting opportunities for you to know about.

If you need any additional educational support during this time, please do not hesitate to contact your DFS caseworker. Thank you again for all you do to support your children!
A Message from the
Attorney General's Office

The Attorney General's office is warning Nevadans about COVID-19 related scams. You can find out more information by clicking HERE .

You can file a complaint with the attorney general’s office  online  or by phone at their toll-free hotline, 888-434-9989.
Lets Get Our Fair Share Nevada
Did you know that 60% of children in foster care are under the age of six? Children under five are the most under counted of all Nevadans. Make sure our kids are counted. Visit the link below to complete the Census! https://my2020census.gov
School's Out But Story Time Continues

UNLV faculty, students, and colleagues all around the world are recreating story time for kids — virtually.

Read-aloud videos are uploaded to YouTube, and are available both in English and Spanish.

For more information, click HERE .
2020 Payment Calendars -   AB350   and   Foster/Adoption
Family Support Groups

There are a variety of support groups available monthly for foster, kinship and adoptive families.

Foster Change has compiled all these wonderful resources into one useful guide.

You can view the list  here .
What is Quality Parenting Initiative?
Building quality relationships through support and partnership for the well-being and support of our children.

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 Clark County Values
  • Children do best in families
  • Engaging our community
  • Supporting & strengthening families
Quality Parenting Initiative |[ qpinevada.org ]