HAPPY

NEW YEAR, CAREGIVERS!

Dear Caregivers,

Best wishes to you and welcome to a new year. We have so much to celebrate and be thankful for and at the top of our list are wonderful caregivers just like you. On behalf of all of us at DFS we’re looking forward to continuing to work with you to support our valley’s children and their families.

Let’s continue to strive to do everything we can to ensure that our children in care receive all the services they need to meet their mental health, physical health, and educational needs. 

Thank you for everything that you do for our families every day. We’re incredibly grateful to you.

Sincerely,

Tim Burch

Clark County Administrator of Human Services

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Specifically in child welfare, the Clark County Department of Family Services plays a role in responding to and preventing the commercial sexual exploitation of children. Sex trafficking of a minor is child abuse, and all suspected cases must be reported to the Clark County Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline, 702-399-0081.

Here’s why this month is so important:

• January creates awareness about the dreadful crime of human trafficking and the different channels. This information helps people to avoid possible traps.

• This month can help victims in many ways. It pushes for an increase in laws against trafficking and the development of initiatives designed to end human trafficking.

• It increases donations. Since January provides information about the disturbing realities of human trafficking, the community is often moved to make donations to organizations dedicated to helping survivors on their road to recovery.

Human trafficking disproportionately impacts racial and ethnic minorities, women and girls, LGBTQIA+ individuals, vulnerable migrants, and other historically marginalized and underserved communities. This is a time for all of us to educate ourselves about human trafficking and learn how to spot the signs, threats and behaviors related to it.

The National Human Trafficking Hotline

 1-888-373-7888 is an important resource to report a tip or ask for help.

HEALTH SCREENINGS

Department of Family Services requires routine medical, dental, and vision exams/screenings.

FOSTER & ADOPTION SUBSIDY

Please keep your Licensing/Adoption Specialist informed of any changes in your contact information.

CPR & FIRST AID CERTIFICATION

CPR/First Aid certification is required for all licensed foster caregivers. Sign up for a date in January or February.

Raise the Future provides a range of family support services designed to serve families and professionals.

NV January TBRI® Caregiver Training: Introduction & Overview

January 5 | 3pm-9pm

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.



NV Family Support Workshop

"The Brain"

This training will focus on understanding the meaning of brain chemistry and risk factors. Participants will learn tools they can use to operate with deep insight and compassion towards children in their care. 

"The Brain" IN PERSON

January 17| 12pm-1pm

2500 N Buffalo Dr. Ste. 140

Las Vegas, NV 89128

Register Here

"The Brain" VIRTUAL

January 18th

12pm-1pm | Professionals

6pm-7pm | Caregivers

Register Here

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.

childcare@fosterkinship.org

www.fosterkinship.org

(702) 546-9988

Search Facebook for Nevada Kinship Caregivers.

Caregiver Corner Market

at Marcie's Heart

January 14 & 28 | 10-12pm

Kinship caregivers can shop for household items, teen/adult clothing and shoes, jewelry/accessories, books, gently used toys, and seasonal/specialty items. Everything is free and there is no limit. Items provided for kinship families at the Market can not be sold. Kinship families must have an account with Foster Kinship to shop. 

CAREGIVER GROUPS

January 3 | 6pm

Foster Kinship Connection Hub 

If you are raising a relative's child, join us monthly on the 1st Tuesday at 6PM via zoom to learn more about Foster Kinship programs, upcoming events, and community resources and supports specific for kinship families. This is perfect for new or experienced kinship caregivers. 

January 5 | 6pm

Online Caregiver Support Group 

January 10 | 6pm

Canyon Ridge Support Group

January 19 | 6pm

Online Caregiver Support Group 

January 24 |6pm

Managing Difficult Behaviors

January 17 |1pm 

Grupo de Apoyo en Español para Cuidadores Parentesco 

CHILD GROUPS

January 3 | 6pm

Youth Support Group

Ages 12 - 18 Through social groups and structured activities, we discuss coping mechanisms, critical thinking skills, problem-solving through language, and communication.

January 6 | 4pm 

Riley and Friends Nurture Group

TBRI Nurture groups offer children to develop the four necessary skills to establish healthy relationships along with healthy coping skills. RSVP Required.

January 10 | 5pm

Kinship Kids Support Group

Ages 5-11 Through support groups children are able to thrive in a safe learning environment to gain healthy coping and self help skills to promote their social/emotional development. Children are offered a light dinner and academic support.

Happy New Year to all! Children's Service Guild is very excited about the opportunities to help the children touched by the Family Courts in 2023. They start the year off by creating holiday decorations and gifts for the Annual Holiday Boutique in November 2023.

In 2022, Children's Service Guild...

• Granted nine $2,500 scholarships for college or trade school to “our kids”.
• Hosted holiday parties for kids at Child Haven throughout the year- which was fun for them and us!
• Funded 400 Thanksgiving dinner baskets to DFS and DJJS families.
• Funded Generation Z with DJJS Detention, which teaches military training. Some even joined the service after completion and release from detention.
• Donated funds every month to Peggy’s Attic to help foster children.
• Sponsored 70 foster kids to go to summer camps: Camp to Belong and Potosi Pines Camp for a week.

This is just a few of the things Children's Service Guild does. There is lots and lots more because the kids are their mission! They help them out of much love! All members are volunteers with no one receiving pay of any kind.

Now thru January 31, 2023, Children's Service Guild is taking applications for college/trade school scholarships. Six scholarships in the amount of $2,500 each will be awarded. High school seniors in Clark County, NV. who have overcome personal challenge(s) and have been touched by the Family Court System may apply for this scholarship (DJJS and DFS).

Applicants must attend college or trade school upon graduation from a public or private high school, have at least a 2.0 unweighted GPA, and the applicant must submit this application prior to their 18^th birthday. Two letters of recommendation are needed – one from a non-family member and one from someone involved with family and juvenile services. Also an essay about challenge(s) and adversity they’ve overcome; plus their plans for they’re continuing education

Contact Karen Ziegler, Chairwoman

702-218-3739

Thank you to all who made our Holiday Celebration a success!

Department of Family Services, along with our committee partners had a mission to give all 3400 children under our care a special gift this holiday season. We were successful in our meeting our goal.

Special thank you to our sponsor Cannae Holdings, Inc and to committee partners Foster Change, Foster Kinship, Raise the Future, CASA Las Vegas, St. Jude's Ranch for Children, Children's Advocacy Alliance Nevada, and Alicia Shaw.