Caregiver Courier April 2022 | |
|
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month
Dear Caregivers,
National Child Abuse Prevention Month is a time to recognize the important role that community partners, just like you, play in protecting children. Child abuse prevention starts with each one of us. Together, we can make it easier for families to access support services and learn how to identify and build on family strengths.
Focusing on ways to build and promote protective factors, in every interaction with families, is the best thing our community can do to prevent child maltreatment and promote unsurpassed child development. Protective factors are conditions that, when present in families and communities, increase the well-being of children and families, and reduce the likelihood of maltreatment. Identifying protective factors helps parents find resources and coping strategies that allow them to parent successfully.
Promoting the following factors is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect:
• Nurturing and attachment
• Knowledge of parenting and of child and youth development
• Parental resilience
• Social connections
• Concrete supports for parents
• Social and emotional competence of children
Are you interested in helping to further raise awareness in the prevention of child abuse and neglect on your personal social media platforms? We hope so! Here are a few sample messages for your consideration. Thank you for the role that you play to make Clark County a better place for children and their families!
• April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Visit www.preventchildabusenevada.org to find out how to get involved.
#GoBlueNV
• Protective factors help parents find resources, supports or coping strategies that
allow them to parent effectively, even under stress. #GoBlueNV
• Strong communities support and strengthen families to create great childhoods.
Learn more at www.preventchildabusenevada.org
Sincerely,
Tim Burch
Clark County Administrator of Human Services
| |
AS WE RETURN TO PRE COVID INTERACTIONS
SEE TWO REMINDERS BELOW:
Partnering with Family Services
Click Here
| |
|
|
What is the law regarding confidential information and who may I share information with?
Pursuant to NRS 432B.280 and 290, information on DFS children is confidential, and the release of that information is a gross misdemeanor.
Be aware that the application for Special Needs no longer can be completed or submitted to Children's Foundation of Las Vegas (formally the Casa Foundation) as they are no longer associated with the CASA Program.
Confidential information may only be discussed with professionals and other authorized persons who are involved in a foster child’s case plan. Your friends, relatives and neighbors will be naturally curious about the children placed in your home. You need to explain to them that you appreciate their interest, but that you cannot share information about a child’s background, problems, or the legal progress of a case. It requires some self-discipline not to talk about their problems or backgrounds with unauthorized persons, but the dignity and integrity of the foster children in your care must be the priority. Equally important, the foster children in your care do not need to suffer a loss of trust or privacy by hearing information about themselves or their families discussed publicly.
Remember be discreet.
| |
|
How often will a Family Services Specialist be visiting children placed in my home?
Children receiving services from DFS will see their Family Services Specialist a minimum of once every calendar month per Federal Law.
The child’s Family Services Specialist will partner with you to arrange for the monthly visit in your home.
The Family Services Specialist must also make one unannounced visit each quarter.
The Family Services Specialist may also make additional visits with the child in alternative settings such as school or daycare, in order to make a comprehensive assessment on how the child is functioning and adjusting to care.
When Specialists visit the child they are assessing any safety issues on the child person or of the home. Your licensing worker can help you understand what this process will look like.
| |
|
Quality Parenting Initiative (QPI) National Conference
May 24-26, 2022
Register Now to Enjoy the Early Rate and Receive the Conference Amenity Pack!
Register Today
| |
 | |
)Canyon Ridge Supports Caregivers
Open to all foster caregivers (licensed, unlicensed, relative, fictive kin) Please make sure to register your register yourself and each child that will be participating. Registration closes once all slots are filled. Must register no later than Monday, April 11, 2022. Night out is Friday, April 15, 2022
Click here to register
What Do You Get Out of it?
Foster Parent Night Out -
Friday April 15 ,2022
Being a Foster Parent is a tremendous responsibility and help to our community. We understand that with the increased responsibility it is difficult to find regular respite care. In the third Friday of every month, from 6p - 9p. Canyon Ridge Christian Church would like to serve the foster parents of our community by providing free respite care. During that time, we will provide your children and your foster children a fun, safe and nurturing environment so that you can take some time to rest, catch a movie, go out with your spouse and more! Space is limited to a first come, first serve basis. Please drop off your children between 6:00p - 6:30p as the doors will closed after that time for safety purposes. Fill out the registration form to sign-up today!
Please note - feed your children before drop-off (we will provide snacks, but not dinner).
Open for children ages birth - 5th grade.
| |
|
|
Save the date
Foster Parents Night out
coming in May.
Being a Foster Parent is Tremendous responsibility and help to our community. We understand that with the increased responsibility it is difficult to find regular respite care.
On the first Friday of every month, Grace Point church serves the foster parents in our community by providing free respite care from 6p to 9p.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
| |
RESPITE REIMBURSEMENT -
We support you
| |
The Department of Family Services supports and encourages caregivers taking foster children in their care on family vacations and trips. We are committed to support quality care and to making these opportunities for the foster children a reality.
Respite is a tool that when used effectively can make foster children a priority and focuses on normalcy for the child. The message we don't want to give children is that "we need a break from you"
To further support children and families that care for them DFS is offering reimbursement to our caregivers who use normalcy respite, need support for safe key, spring break or summer camps.
for more information.
| |
|
Only a few spots left, registration ends April 6 2022 | |
|
Comedy Magician Farrell Dillon Celebrates 100th Las Vegas Performance
with Ticket Giveaway to 100 Foster Families
Farrell Dillon is about to reach a performance milestone as the comedy magician prepares to celebrate his 100th show on April 3rd at The Magic Attic inside Bally’s Las Vegas Hotel and Casino. To commemorate this landmark occasion, Dillon is giving away show tickets to 100 Nevada foster families.
Dillon’s decision to distribute complimentary tickets to foster families came after the entertainer and his wife, Amanda, worked at a transitional home for young adults during the height of the COVID pandemic.
“While we waited for the Vegas entertainment industry to recover from pandemic-related shutdowns, my wife and I decided to devote our time to a transitional home for young adults. We didn’t know much about this type of work, but we both decided to give it a shot and we are so thankful we did. As my wife and I developed genuinely loving relationships with these young people, and became an enriching part of their daily lives, the experience at the home instilled in us a renewed sense of gratitude and appreciation for our own family,” Dillon said.
With April being National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and National Foster Care Month coming in May, Dillon decided to celebrate the 100th show of his Bally’s residency by treating 100 foster families to a complimentary performance.
To get your tickets call 702-455-5424
| |
|
Potosi Pines - Summer Camp for Children in Foster Care
Thanks to generous donations from Children’s Service Guild of Las Vegas, limited funds are available for full camperships for foster children to attend Potosi Pines Camps. Please fill out this form, one form per camper. Questions, please call Tracey (702) 875-1980 or email director@potosipinescamp.org To qualify for Children’s Guild Campership, the camper must currently be in the foster care system, the application below must be filled out clearly and completely, signed by the case worker and guardian. -Applications will be considered on a first come basis.. -After you receive approval, you will then need to register your camper through potosipinescamp.org -Please choose the “pay by check” option and indicate that you have been approved for a Guild Scholarship and the funds will be applied to your account. Requests will only be considered if they are received at least 2 weeks before the start of the chosen camp.
docs.google.com
Click here to apply
|  | |
|
Our mission is and always will be the children and their many needs whom are touched by the family and Juvenile Justice courts. Find out more about our summer camp sponsorship and the Annual Easter Egg Hunt.
CLICK HERE to read more
| |
|
Spring Break & No School Days camps
Spring Break Camp - April 11-15, 2022
Las Vegas Department of Parks and Recreation
Multiple locations
Camp activities will include arts and crafts, sports, games, music, life skills, physical fitness and fun, all with trained adult supervision. Advance registration is required.
Broadway Spring Break Musical Theatre Camp (ages 10-18) April 11-15, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 S. Brush St.
Rainbow Company Youth Theatre and Contemporary West Dance Theatre have partnered to offer this dynamic musical theatre experience, which will highlight some of the most memorable moments captured from Broadway's most prominent musicals. Students will commit to a week-long intensive, led by renowned musical theatre artists and designers. Registration is open through April 11, or until full. For more information, call 702.229.ARTS (2787).
West Las Vegas Arts Center Spring Break Camp – “Journey Home” (ages 10-20) April 11-16, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
West Las Vegas Arts Center, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd.
“Journey Home” will be a five-day intergenerational program designed to teach the enrichment of African American history and culture through performing arts — music, movement, monologues, dance and spoken word. Registration is open through April 11, or until full. For more information, call 702.229.ARTS (2787).
No School Fun Days - March 14 and April 18
Multiple Locations
Las Vegas Department of Parks and Recreation will be offering a full day of fun, recreation and enrichment when the Clark County School District has teacher in-service days March 14 and April 18. For more information, visit:
YMCA
| |
Canyon Ridge Sponsoring the Hope for the Journey Conference
Scholarships available for Foster/adoptive/Kinship Families and DFS workers.
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.
| |
Foster Parent Champions
NEED YOU !!!
We are looking for experienced caregivers who have a desire to partner with DFS, other caregivers and the community.
Ideal candidates will be licensed caregivers who can assist others navigate the foster care system. They will have a general knowledge of resources in Clark County. A positive attitude and good communication skills are a must. Additionally, applicants must have a strong desire to MAKE CAREGIVERS LIVES EASIER, and build the Foster Parent Champion Program by help children and families.
This position is 20 hours a week, with some evening and weekend hours. Flexible scheduling may be available. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. Basic computer knowledge is required.
IF YOU ARE A LICENSED CAREGIVER
(RELATIVE, AGENCY OR DFS a min one year) AND INTERESTED IN WORKING WITH OUR GROWING TEAM,
| |  |
PEGGY'S ATTIC
NEEDS VOLUNTEERS !!!
We are looking for volunteers to help in Peggy's attic. We are in desperate need of help sorting and putting away donations.
If you are able to volunteer two to three hours Mon through Thurs between 7a to 5p please call :
702 -455-5424 and ask to speak to Denise.
We all know teamwork makes the dream work.
Thank you in advance
| | |
|
April 6th & 13th | 10am-11am
"Good Vs. Bad" Navigating Emotions-Part 1 & 2
Register Here
April 27th | 6pm-7pm
Ecomapping: Building Strength and Support Through Relationships
Register Here
| |
|
|
Other DFS profiles click here:
Clark County website:
https://www.clarkcountynv.gov/residents/family_services/divisions/adoption_program/index.php
-Search Adoption Profiles
Raise the future website:
https://www.raisethefuture.org/
-Click children we serve
-Click meet waiting children
-search Nevada
ADOPTUSKIDS website:
https://adoptuskids.org/
-search Nevada
| |
|
What is the process to have a CASA vollunteer assigned to a child or sibling group in foster care?
- The child(ren) must be in protective custody
- The Judge issues a CASA Orde
- This order is received by the CASA program
- The CASA program will prioritize the order, pending assignment to a volunteer
- The CASA program matches the child or sibling group with a specific CASA volunteer
- A CASA Assignment Letter is completed confirming the appointment
- The CASA supervisor emails the CASA Assignment Letter and CASA Order to all assigned team members (Case Manager, Children’s Attorney Project, DA, etc.)
The above steps describes the basic CASA assignment process. Please contact the CASA office at casa@clarkcountycourts.us with specific questions about the CASA volunteer assignment process.
| |
For additional information, contact the CASA program at:
Phone: 702.455.4306
| |
Independent Living Corner | |
|
The Independent Living Program is designed to assist and prepare foster and former foster youth in making the transition from foster care to adulthood by providing opportunities to obtain life skills for self-sufficiency and independence. Program services are available to youth 14 and older who are currently in foster care and to former foster care youth who aged-out of the foster care system at age 18. Independent Living services are also available to youth who were adopted from foster care on or after their 16th birthday. Some of the services provided through the Independent Living Program include:
· Daily living skills
· Money management
· Decision making
· Housing assistance
· Substance abuse prevention, nutrition education, smoking prevention,
and pregnancy prevention
· Preparation for postsecondary training and education
https://nshe.nevada.edu/initiatives/foster-youth/
· Mentors and permanent connections
· Financial assistance with college or vocational schools ETV@ClarkCountyNV.gov
· Medical insurance
· Counseling
· Assistance in obtaining the GED and higher education
For more information on transitioning out of care:
https://www.fosterclub.com/foster-parent-training/course/using-fosterclub-transition-toolkit
For information on STEM training programs for career preparation:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1W5fSCe1sRF3-u0opmHdQC7xZmrhU2W1S/view?usp=sharing
IF you are graduating senior please make sure you contact your IL worker to assure they have provided your information for our graduation festivities for 2022. We need your name, email, phone number and school. You can also email DFSIndependentLiving@ClarkCountyNV.gov
| |
Important Educational updates from DFS
| |
|
|
Canyon Ridge
Support Groups
- Foster Kinship Support Group
- 2nd Tuesdays of the month
- 6 pm - 7:30 pm
- Room C110
- Childcare Provided for 0 - 5th grade
- Foster Support Groups
- 1st, 2nd, 4th Fridays of the month
- 6:30 pm - 8:45 pm
- Childcare Provided for 0 - 5th grade
| |
|
|
OMBUDSMAN SERVICES
The Mission of the Clark County Ombudsman for the Department of Family Services and Clark County Social Service is to review, resolve, track and report complaints in an effort to add increased accountability and facilitate systemic improvements to the local child welfare and Social Service systems.
For more information, call
702.455.1046.
| | | |
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
| | | | | |
