Caregiver Courier November 2020

Angel Tree Registration Register for the 2020 Angel Tree celebration! This year will only be a drive-through, gift distribution at Cashman Center. Gifts will be available for pick up by scheduled appointment only on Dec. 12, 14, 15, and 16. The registration deadline is Friday, Dec. 4 and is open to children under DFS care ONLY.  Click Here School Daze Day Camp Click Here Dear Caregivers, This year has been difficult for so many. However, through the difficult challenges and obstacles, you endure and persevere. Often putting yourself second so that our children can be first, your everyday selflessness continues to change our community for the better. We know that usual holiday traditions and festivities will look different this year, but it’s more important than ever to take some time to reflect on the things your family are thankful for. We are thankful for you “answering the call” no matter when it comes. Being a caregiver is a difficult job. Whether you have been doing it for a few years or over 20 years, taking care of a foster child requires work. You open your homes to our children to ensure their safety, but that comes with countless doctor’s appointments, family visits, extracurricular activities, and the new added challenge of distance education. But even with the struggle to balance home, work, and being a caregiver, you continue to welcome children into your homes and families. Foster parents are an integral part of the reunification process. Without you, the system does not work. The stability and love that you provide our kids in your homes will be forever impressed on them. Though it may feel as if being a caregiver is a thankless job, we are thankful for you every day, and more importantly our children are grateful for you. We’ve witnessed so many community members rise during this critical time, focusing on the well-being of our families and going above and beyond. Your life-altering work builds bridges, encourages families to become stronger, and brightens the future of so many. Thank you for keeping our community’s children’s safe, for being shining examples of resilience, and for all the good you bring into this world.  Thank you, Timothy Burch

National Adoption Month November is National Adoption Month, a month to raise awareness for the need of adoptive families for foster children and teens. Help spread the word by visiting Raise the Future's website. Click HERE! We are also partnering with Raise the Future all month long to share the stories of some incredible families. Stay tuned to our Facebook page to find out more!

Foster Kinship Thanksgiving Want to get involved this holiday season? Support Foster Kinship's Family Thanksgiving Distribution. Donate to Foster Kinship. Visit Foster Kinship's Facebook page for a list of items they need. Drop off at their office and they will package it up! Shop on Amazon and the items will be shipped directly to them. Click HERE for a list Consider doing a food drive with your organization! They will pick up! Like and share the graphic below!

DFS EDUCATION UPDATES Please click HERE for some important information to help your child and family survive distance learning! Remember, we are here to support you however we cam. Please contact your DFS caseworker if you need any assistance. Thank you to Kidz Uplifting Kidz for transforming Child Haven to Halloween themed carnival for our kids on campus to enjoy! The socially distanced evening was filled with carnival games, a dunk tank, Halloween movies, food trunks, and more. The Southern Nevada Health District is hosting no-cost flu clinics for adults and children 6 months and older at the following locations. Click HERE for more information. Fri., Nov. 6, 2020 1-5 p.m. Martin Luther King Jr. Senior Center 2420 N. Martin Luther King Blvd., Bldg. B Las Vegas, NV 89032 Tues., Nov. 10, 2020 1–5 p.m. Cheyenne High School 3200 W. Alexander Rd. North Las Vegas, NV 89032 Thank you to the Children's Orchard for donating clothing and essential items to Peggy's Items! If you are in need of supplies or resources, please contact your caseworker.

Sport-Social provides children and teens with a high-energy, friendly environment filled with positive learning experiences, open communications, and FUN! They teach social skills through sports, art and music and are based in a therapy method called Applied Behavioral Analysis. Learning new skills, gaining confidence, and making friends becomes easy when students are shredding in their skatepark, climbing the rock wall, jamming in the music rooms, and playing basketball in the courts! Sport-Social accepts members of all age and ability ranges, and specializes in working with children and teens with special needs.   Families interested in the program should contact Sport-Social at 702.485.5515 or email to schedule an in-person assessment. Please let them know that you will be using Dept. of Family Services funding, and your enrollment process will be expedited. Families will need to bring the child to the initial assessment. Should a child be accepted to the program, please notify your caseworker.

Raise the Future offers a variety of classes and training opportunities for both families and professionals. Their classes are geared toward providing information, support, and guidance in creating healthy, stable adoptive relationships. Self-Care For Caring Adults- Part 2 This training will help participants understand the importance and benefits of self-care. Participants will actively engage throughout the training to increase their likelihood of applying self-care practices. The trainer will challenge irrational thought, address barriers, and encourage application of self-care techniques to decrease potential concerns as it relates to their overall mental health and ability to care for self and others.   Self-Care for Children This training will help participants explore the importance of self-care practices for children. Participants will identify and learn about the potential stressors for children and ways to implement self-care activities. Participants will have the opportunity to interact with others by sharing effective methods as they learn about alternative methods to promote and encourage self-care for children. Thursday, Nov. 5, 2020 11 a.m.-12 p.m. PST "Self-Care for Caring Adults Part 2" https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_N-s_pOZVTOahRIbPZ8n9Bw Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020 11 a.m.- 12 p.m. PST "Self Care for Children" https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LfnfDRrLQ5iH4O3m7R2bsw

10 Ways to Support Foster Children in Clark County  We are so appreciative of all the amazing people who have opened their homes to become foster parents. However, becoming a foster parent is not the only way to help a child in need. We have compiled a list of 10 ways you can support foster children in Clark County. Check out the full list: English/Spanish IF YOU SUSPECT IT, REPORT IT. Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline 702.399.0081 Foster Care Information Sessions

2020 Payment Calendars - 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. About QPI Visit QPI Nevada  Contact QPI Clark County Caregiver Courier Archive 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.  Just In Time Training The Nevada Registry The Parenting Project DFS Training Calendar The QPI Clark County Values Children do best in families Engaging our community Supporting & strengthening families

Quality Parenting Initiative |[qpinevada.org]

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