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National Adoption Month
You can make a difference by helping to raise awareness!
Dear Caregivers,
Welcome to National Adoption Month – a time dedicated to increasing awareness of adoption issues and the need for adoptive families. This year’s national theme “Empowering Youth: Finding Points of Connection,” shines a light on the importance of creating resources and opportunities that link youth to their backgrounds and support meaningful and permanent relationships.
Unfortunately, teenagers in foster care wait longer for permanency and are at a higher risk of aging out than younger children. It's vital that we continue to step up as a community to assist our young people as they strive to achieve amazing goals in life. One of the ways we can support our teens is to help them develop a strong and positive self-identity. I believe it goes without saying that without knowledge of their personal history, children are left to wonder who they are and how they fit in the world.
This month and every day, help uplift the conversation around teen adoption from foster care. Show your commitment by using your social networks to raise awareness about how important it is to help our teens secure lifelong, emotional bonds with wonderful people. I can’t overstate how your daily, selfless acts of love and kindness contribute greatly to the psychological well-being of our children across the valley. Last year, DFS celebrated the adoptions of 590 children and youth from foster care. Thank you! We couldn’t do this life-changing work without you.
Please share our DFS Adoption Profiles website and the social media message below with your family and friends. Let’s continue to support our children in every way possible!
Sample Social Media Post
Youth can develop a strong racial and cultural identity when they have opportunities to connect and immerse themselves in their heritage. Let’s commit to helping youth in foster care create a positive self-identity. #NationalAdoptionMonth
https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/adoption/nam/engagement/
Sincerely,
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Jill Marano
Director
Clark County Department of Family Services
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FOSTER FAMILY NIGHT
FREE ENTRY AT GLITTERING LIGHTS
NOVEMBER 18 | 4:45PM-9:30PM
MUST REGISTER BY NOVEMBER 15
Clark County Department of Family Services wants to treat you and your family to a special night to kick off the holiday season! Join us November 18 for Foster Family Night at Glittering Lights.
Glittering Lights is a holiday tradition, where you drive through millions of twinkling lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway! Share in the joy and wonder of the season with your family as you cruise through the amazing display.
Bring some goodies and crank up the holiday tunes as you drive through Glittering Lights for FREE, compliments of Clark County Department of Family Services.
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Register Now for our GIVE JOY Gift Pick-Up this December
Community committee partners are shining brightly and spreading holiday joy and wonder! The GIVE JOY Gift Pick-Up benefits children and teens in foster care with Clark County Department of Family Services.
Children and teens under Department of Family Services care or referred by Foster Kinship may register. Children ages 0-12 will receive a toy, and teens ages 13-18 will receive a gift card ($50 value). Children who were adopted on or after July 1, 2023 may also register.
Plan ahead and mark your calendars for our Gift Pick Up dates at Cashman Center between December 13 to December 22. More details are in the registration.
Please only register each child or teen once. If you registered last month, please do not register again.
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FREE HAIRCUTS for Children & Teens in Foster Care! | |
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Paul Mitchell The School Las Vegas
9490 S Eastern Ave #100
Las Vegas, NV 89123
Paul Mitchell The School is offering 150 free haircuts per month to our children and teens in foster care, through a partnership with Foster Change.
STEP 1: Call Peggy’s Attic at (702) 455-5424 to reserve a voucher and arrange a time to pick up your voucher.
STEP 2: Once you have reserved your voucher, call Paul Mitchell The School to make an appointment for your haircut at (702) 740-4247. When you make your appointment, let them know you have a Foster Change voucher. Your voucher will only be good throughout the current month of issue.
STEP 3: Be sure to bring your voucher with on the day of your services. Enjoy your haircut!
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Expertise Cosmetology
1911 Stella Lake St.
Las Vegas, NV 89106
(702) 636-8686
Expertise Barber
535 E. Lake Mead Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89030
(702) 399-3894
Expertise Cosmetology and Barber are offering children and teens in foster care a limited offer of free haircuts and barber cuts the last Tuesday of every month!
Foster parents will need to call to make an appointment and mention this offer at the time of booking.
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On the Child Haven campus, many sibling groups are waiting for a loving and caring foster home. We know that children do better when they are in homes, versus congregate care. These children have spent months on campus and desperately need your help.
It is traumatic for children to be split up from their siblings while in foster care, and we need foster parents who will help these kids stay together.
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CRITICAL NEED: FOSTERING TEENS
"I need to stay with my sibling," explained a teen in Clark County foster care.
Teens in foster care are facing challenges as they approach their adult life. They need to preserve the support system they have, including staying with their siblings. If you are considering fostering a teen, please understand that many of our teens have brothers and sisters, and that it is in the teen's best interest in keeping their sibling group together.
There are so many teens in foster care that need your love and care. Consider how your family can welcome a teen into your lives.
Contact your licensing worker when you decide that fostering a teen is the right thing to do!
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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!
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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. | |
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Adopting children from foster care is a rewarding way to grow your family, while empowering children and teens in need to reach their full potential. When you choose to foster and adopt through Clark County Department of Family Services, together, we can help children Find My Forever.
If you are interested in adopting a child featured in a Find My Forever profile like Paul, please email dfsfindmyforever@clarkcountynv.gov. Our team will work with your family to ensure that a child, teen, or sibling group featured in our Find My Forever program will be a good fit for your family. A Family Services Adoption Social Worker will walk you through the steps needed to adopt specific children featured in Find My Forever.
A family interested in adopting children, teens, or sibling groups featured in Find My Forever will go through a prescreening process. If determined to be an appropriate fit for the child, teen, or sibling group, the family will receive an individualized plan to help them through the adoption process.
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FOSTER PARENT CHAMPIONS
Tuesday – Friday / 8am –6pm
Call (702) 455-1149
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RESPITE CARE
Parenting can be stressful, and respite care allows the caregiver time to rest.
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FOSTER PARENT INFO SESSION
Do you know someone interested in becoming a foster family? Share our info session sign-up with them.
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FOSTER & ADOPTION SUBSIDY
Please keep your Licensing/Adoption Specialist informed of any changes in your contact information.
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HEALTH SCREENINGS
Department of Family Services requires routine medical, dental, and vision exams/screenings.
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OMBUDSMAN FOR DISPUTE RESOLUTION
If you have a complaint or dispute that we cannot solve, please contact the Ombudsman.
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SUPERVISED VISITATION
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.
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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
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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.
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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.
Schedule an appointment with:
Laura Steeps, Senior Family Services Specialist
702-455-1211 Laura.Steeps@ClarkCountyNV.gov
NRS 484B.157 Child less than 6 years of age and less than 57 inches tall to be secured in child restraint system while being transported in motor vehicle; child less than 2 years of age to be secured in rear-facing child restraint system in back seat with certain exceptions; requirements for system; penalties; programs of training; waiver or reduction of penalty under certain circumstances; application of section; acceptance of gifts, grants and donations for purchase of child restraint systems. [Effective through December 31, 2022.]
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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. | |
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Register for upcoming events with Raise the Future!
TBRI® Caregiver Training: Introduction & Overview
November 16 | 9am-3pm
2500 N Buffalo Dr. Ste 140 | Las Vegas, NV 89128
Register Here
Parenting is challenging, particularly when you are parenting a child from a hard place. Children from hard places include children who were born prematurely, have been abused and neglected, have been adopted internationally, and have special needs. This training will focus on understanding the meaning of child behaviors, the brain chemistry of a child from a hard place, and how to help these children (and your family) heal and connect. Participants will learn tools they can put into action with their children immediately.
TBRI® Caregiver Training: Refresher & Practice
November 29 | 9am-12pm
Online
Register Here
TBRI ® Refresher Day is a review of the TBRI® information addressed in the TBRI® Caregiver Training Series and will provide practical hands-on activities to create a deeper understanding and application of the TBRI® Principles. *Please note: Completion of the entire TBRI® Caregiver Training is required to attend Refresher Day.
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TBRI TIP OF THE MONTH:
CELEBRATING CULTURE AND RITUALS
Help your children and teens develop their identity by celebrating their culture and rituals.
Read More
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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.
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Foster Change
Peer Built Provider List
This list is peer-built and includes peer feedback for their experiences with all child service providers. The list may include: Medical, Therapy, Dental, Vision, Residential Treatment, Specialists, Childcare Centers that accept children with Higher Level Needs, etc.
Foster Change maintains the list but does not personally review, account for factuality of feedback, or endorse anyone on this list.
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ONE VOICE Feedback Forum
To elevate the voices of those who are: licensed caregivers in Clark County, including post-permanency families.
This Review/Feedback Collection System has been designed by Foster Change and responses will be collected by Foster Change. Responses will be shared with the Clark County Department of Family Services, in order to elevate the voices of licensed caregivers in Clark County, including post-permanency families.
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FOSTER KINSHIP
childcare@fosterkinship.org
www.fosterkinship.org
(702) 546-9988
Click below to join
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.
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Grupo de apoyo: Manejo de conductas difíciles
Únase a nosotros mientras aprendemos cómo utilizar los principios de TBRI® para abordar conductas difíciles.
El primer jueves de cada mes,de 13:00 a 14:30 horas, de forma presencial, en nuestra oficina de Foster Kinship, 8691 W Sahara Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89117, USA
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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.
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Canyon Ridge Christian Church
Foster Parent Night Out
November 17 | 6pm-9pm
Register before November 13.
Ages birth- 5th grade.
Snacks provided, but please feed children dinner before the event.
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Additional support offered at Canyon Ridge Christian Church | 6200 W. Lone Mountain Rd.
Foster Parent Support Group
4th Friday of the month
NO GROUP MEETING in
NOVEMBER & DECEMBER
Please email questions to hannahsclosetlv@gmail.com
Foster Kinship Support Group
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
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FREE MEMBERSHIP FOR HANNAH'S CLOSET SOUTH
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!!
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Hannah's Closet North is a resource center for foster and adoptive families to receive clothing, toys, and other items that are needed for children. Families may "shop" free of charge once a month. Please provide adoption decree, placement letter, or Foster Kinship referral.
Hannah's Closet North operates separately from Hannah's Closet South.
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The second quarter of school has begun!
You made it through the first quarter, way to go!
Thank you for all you do for your child(ren)!
November is busy month in education. Often routines of school and class are in place now; however, some children begin to burn out and are ready to get the semester over with (and some parents are too understandably 😊). This month is a good time to check with your children to see how they are feeling about school, identify solutions to any problems they are sharing with you, and provide some incentives for making in through this month. Also, please enjoy time together over Thanksgiving! We at DFS are so thankful to all of you for providing homes and support for children we are responsible for. We couldn’t do what we do without you!
2024-2025 Applications for Magnet and Change of School Assignments Now Open and Information Sessions Provided in November/December
CCSD is currently accepting applications for students interested in attending a CCSD Magnet School, Central Technical Training Academy (CTA), and Change of School Assignment (moving to a non-zoned school) for the 24-25 School Year. If you think your child would benefit from going to a different school or would benefit from specific training in either their areas of interest or to get some real world job training, a magnet or CTA school may be for your child so let your child’s CAP Attorney and Educational Decision Maker know!
- The application is open until January 9, 2024.
- Transportation will only be provided to students living within the designated boundary for transportation of the School and parents may have to transport their children to a transportation stop close to their home
- Two new Middle Schools, Johnston and Burkholder, will be transformed in Magnet Schools focusing on Environmental STEM instruction
- Workshops to provide information about Magnet Schools and CTAs will be held the following locations, dates, and times: November 1st at 5:30 at the Henderson Multigenerational Center; November 7th Virtually at 5:30; November 14th at 5:30 at the Walnut Community Center (Spanish); November 28th at 5:30 at the Windmill Library; December 5th at 5:30 at Paradise Recreation Center (Spanish); and December 7th at Centennial Hills Library.
- Information on programs/schools for Magnet and Training Academies and to apply, visit CCSD Magnet Schools.
- For more information on the Change of School Assignment (COSA) Process and a list of schools that a child can attend through COSA, visit Change of School Assignment | It's Your Choice (ccsd.net)
- If you believe it is in the best interest for your child to move schools or attend a Magnet/CTA, please let your child’s Educational Decision Maker and Caseworker know and provide them with the reason why your child should move/attend a new school.
IMPORTANT DATES
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Friday, November 10th Veterans Day (No School for All)
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Wednesday, November 22nd Contingency Day if needed (No School for Students)
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Thursday-Friday, November 23rd-24th Thanksgiving Day and Family Day (No School for All)
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To plan ahead for the 2023-2024 school year, download the 2023-24 school calendar
Please read all of the education updates for information on how to help a child who has low grades and how to support a child through the disciplinary process.
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CLARK COUNTY PRESCHOOL | SPACE STILL AVAILABLE
Helen Meyer Nevada State Licensed preschool program offers a nurturing and safe environment where children can engage in various educational and social activities. Our experienced teachers are committed to your child's growth and development, ensuring that they receive the best possible care. The program emphasizes early childhood education, helping children acquire valuable skills such as problem-solving, communication, and cognitive abilities.
Moreover, Helen Meyer fosters creativity and imagination while encouraging healthy social interactions. Additionally, their comprehensive curriculum allows for exploration and play, creating lifetime learners with arithmetic and reading comprehension to prepare them for kindergarten and beyond. By enrolling in this program, you are providing your child with an exceptional foundation for future academic success while promoting their overall development in a joyful setting.
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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.
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LOW COST EARLY EDUCATION WITH EARLY HEAD START | | |
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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
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Waterford.org FREE at Home Pre-K Program Now Enrolling
You may be eligible to receive a free educational resource for your Pre-K children. Waterford.org is currently registering Pre-K children with DOB between Aug 8, 2018 to Aug 7, 2019 for Upstart, an early learning program that develops reading, math, and science skills online at home. This program is at no cost, the child will receive a free computer to keep and internet if you need it. This is a great opportunity to help children continue to learn at home!
The child will do the program 15 minutes a day, five days a week playing educational games, reading books, and activities for the academic year. This is a no cost program and does not require any form of payment. Upon completion of the program, your child keeps the computer for free. Families must live in one of these zip codes in order to be eligible: 89004, 89005, 89007, 89015, 89018, 89019, 89021, 89025, 89026, 89027, 89029, 89039, 89040, 89046, 89052, 89054, 89086, 89115, 89124, 89135, 89138, 89156, 89161, 89166, 89178, 89179, 89191
To sign up for Upstart follow the steps:
· Scan the QR code on the flyer above
· Fill out the application with the information of a parent or guardian, date of birth of the child, state of residence and create an account with your google email
· Once you create the account with Gmail, it will take you to the Home web page where you will click on "Enroll" for Waterford Upstart and then the "Family" option
· Once you have clicked, fill in child's information and answer demographic questions
· Upon completing the application, you digitally sign and click submit to complete the application and send it to our team for approval, which takes between 24-48 hours.
· Ready! You will receive the materials for the child to start Upstart and prepare for their educational journey
**Any questions with the Upstart application, you can call (888) 982-9898.
Thank you! We encourage you to sign up as this would be a great resource to get support at home, plus you are able to keep the computer at the end of the program!
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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.
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Just One Project Community Market
Are you moving out once you transition out of foster care? Don’t forget to plan for groceries. Just One offers food boxes for youth exiting out of foster care and transitioning to their new home. They will prepare a box with nonperishable items so that youth can have food that will not spoil while youth orient themselves to their new neighborhood. This is to assist youth in the first week or two as they adjust to their new life as an adult.
Call for an appointment 702-462-2253 from 9am-1pm Monday through Friday. Drive-thru is located at 1401 N Decatur LV NV 89108
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PAID JOB TRAINING WITH JOBCORPS.GOV
For over 50 years, Job Corps has helped young people achieve successful careers in the nation’s fastest-growing industries. Job Corps provides free career training and education for 16- through 24-year-olds. We have over 120 campuses across the U.S. where students gain the experience needed to begin a career or apprenticeship, advance to higher education, or join the military. The best part? It’s free.
Low-income 16- through 24-year-olds who are U.S. citizens, legal U.S. residents, or residents of a U.S. territory, and/or individuals who are authorized to work in the United States.
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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 the Homecoming Dance!
Please call (702) 455-5424 to schedule your appointment
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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. | |
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Children's Service Guild of Southern Nevada is enrolled in Smith's Food & Drug Inspiring Donations Program. Every time you make a purchase at any Smith's Food & Drug using your registered Rewards Card, Smith's will make a donation to the Children's Service Guild.
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** Here comes our incredible Holiday Boutique & Raffle**
Saturday, November 11, 2023, 10am - 3pm
Excitement is building! Our Annual Holiday Craft Boutique will be here soon! We have been working hard all year making incredible, one-of-a-kind items for you! 100% of proceeds and donations goes to help the children affected by the Southern Nevada Family Courts. Please come with your family and friends to start off the holidays in a wonderful way! Please check us out on Facebook, like us and share! Thank you!
Here is a sample of some of the items available made by our talented members & friends!
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Start your holidays in a fantastic way by helping us help the children!
*We will also have delicious homemade food items from our kitchens. Plus, a raffle with incredible prizes donated by different people and businesses. Some of the prizes are big screen TV, cash, plus many gift certificates from various hotels, restaurants and so much more! Tickets are 6 for $5 and the drawing is at 1pm. Winners need not be present.
*We work tirelessly all year for this fundraiser. 100% of the proceeds and donations go to the children, birth to 18 yr., who are touched by the Clark County Family Court. We are all volunteers, with no one receiving pay of any kind. We do this out of much love for them. We are trying to give them hope and a bright future. So please come, find your one-of-a-kind treasures, and kick off your holidays in a great way by helping us help them. Free parking and admission.
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*We are now taking scholarship applications in the amount of $2,500 for high school seniors who want to attend college or trade schools upon graduation. Must have a 2.0 unweighted GPA and be in the family court system. Applications are taken from October 1, 2023 - January 31, 2024 through Public Education Foundation, once there go to go to Children’s Service Guild of Southern Nevada.
If you or anyone you know, would like to join Children's Service Guild, please contact Marsha Manning, Vice President and Membership Committee Chairwoman.
manning.marsha@yahoo.com or 210-862-5493
Follow Children's Service Guild on Facebook!
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Inclusion Fusion is an organization that provides a variety of programs for teens & adults with disabilities in Southern Nevada. We provide individualized lessons and programs that allow clients to achieve a successful, independent life.
Our mission is to help every individual with a disability to develop, pursue and achieve their own goals and dreams.
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The Center brings together programs, resources, and services to meet the needs of our community and the community around us. We function as the heart and home of the LGBTQIA+ community by making connections, delivering programs, and providing a safe space for health and wellness, social services, arts and culture, advocacy, and community building.
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Henderson Equality Center, a community supported organization to engage, empower, enrich, and advance the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, allies and queer community of Henderson, NV by providing a safe space, pursue resources and providing courses focus on educational, social, support, skill building and job assistance classes for at-risk, low-income LGBTQ youth and adults.
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