January 2021
Can you find the penny?
Starting this year, this month, right now, each Foster Change newsletter will have a hidden penny somewhere. The point? Finding the penny could mean a prize. If you find the hidden penny, email audrey@fosterchangecc.org, with a screenshot of the penny or a detailed description of its location to be entered into a raffle to win a $5 gift card!
2020 is finally over!!
Now that 2020 is finally over, we can celebrate the coming of the new year. While we all hope that 2021is better than 2020, lets take a moment to reflect on the good things that have happened in the past 12 months.
Family time became a necessity...
In 2020, the one certainty was that we all got at least a little bit tired of our immediate family. Our households are too full for everyone to be home all the time. But somehow we managed, and this year saw a resurgence of family dinner, movie nights, and board games, something that has been missing in a lot of homes. A lot of love was shared, and we all got to experience a surplus of quality time.
...as did self care.
We all know that even though family time can be great, it can also be really stressful. Add that into the stress of job insecurity, financial hardships, health complications, and general life craziness, and we could all use a few hours to ourselves. The importance of self-care has really been highlighted this year, and we all set aside time to do a puzzle, take a bath, or read a book.
Bidets had a surge of popularity since the shortage of toilet paper.
After the mass shortage of toilet paper, homes all across America have decided to take advantage of the water shooting alternative to TP. Even those who have called them an unnecessary edition to the average home, have turned to bidet use, saying that they are both convenient, and maybe even more sanitary. Who knows, maybe bidets are here to stay?
Hamilton made its digital appearance and we saw stars.
July 3, 2020, Hamilton made its digital debut on Disney Plus, and rocked musical watchers worlds. The soundtrack subsequently has 145 million plays on Spotify, and has been downloaded over 1.97 million times. It was a great source or comfort this year for both new and returning viewers, something that everyone needed this year.
We welcome the Class of 2020 through the chaos.
The Class of 2020 is the title given to not one, but two groups of student this year. High School and College graduates. Even with events like prom, grad nights, senior pictures, and even the actual graduation being cancelled, two classes of students managed to complete a major milestone, and are now making moves into their adult lives past school.
Our teachers have finally gotten their rightful title of "hero".
Home schooling is not often the preferred mode of education. However, with distance learning, many parents have learned just how difficult being a teacher is. Now that we have settled into a more normal definition of distant education, our teachers are working harder than ever to ensure that our kiddos get a quality education, even from home. They are heroes, and now, we all recognize that.
Taylor Swift released not one, but TWO albums.
For all of the Swifties in the world, this year has been above average. After the debut of Taylor Swift's "Lover" album in late-2019, she ushered in a new era of self-produced music. Fans were loving her new album, and waited patiently, knowing the next one would be 18-24 months away. However, Taylor had a lot of free time on her hands just like the rest of us, and she filled it with music. In July 2020, she released Folklore, and in December 2020, she released Evermore.
"Tiger King" connected us through the distance.
The documentary, Tiger King, graced the world with its presence in March of 2020, and it took the public by storm. Left and right for a solid month anything anyone would talk about was Tiger King. The series followed captivating subjects like Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin as they fights against each other in the competitive field of tiger keeping. The show was full of drama and intrigue, until it ended, leaving us with more questions than answers.
and thankfully, Santa Clause may have been confirmed as immune to Covid-19 (though social distancing is still recommended).
Speculation continues, however, many reputable sources have confirmed that Santa Clause appears to be immune to Covid-19. This means that Santa visiting on Christmas Eve will have no lasting effects on his health or the health of our kiddos. We do thank everyone for keeping socially distant over the course of the evening.
The Adoption Exchange is now Raise The Future
The shared goal of our strategic branding effort is to better
communicate the value and importance of our work.

While “The Adoption Exchange” was at one time descriptive and had some brand equity, it was important to recognize that this name was limiting the public perception of our organization. This name sent negative signals and created confusion among youth and families alike. Through a collaborative and time intensive process, we engaged numerous stakeholders and brainstormed hundreds of names before deciding on Raise the Future. Serving as an inspiration and a call to action, our new name connects the problem that exists in the world of foster care and adoption and the impact that can be seen when our work is successful. Raise the Future is optimistic and uplifting, using visual language to show the positive shift that will occur when youth find loving connections.
WE AREN'T CHANGING WHAT WE DO EVERY DAY, JUST HOW WE TALK ABOUT IT
Let's Talk About Time In vs Time Out
What is Time Out?
I know this is a silly question, we all know what a Time Out is, and most of us have probably used them to discipline our children. To define it, a Time Out is a parent having a child sit in a chair, against a wall, or in a corner, for a set amount of time. Attention is meant to stay away from the child, until their Time Out is over. A common rubric for how long to have a child in Time Out is to use their age.
1 year = 1 minute.
Why is a Time Out bad?
Time Outs, while effective in stopping the original misbehavior can lead to different issues. With their caregivers separating them from others, and ignoring their cries, a child in Time Out will feel abandoned, rejected, and confused. This does not leave the child any emotional space to focus on learning right from wrong. Because of this, Time Outs will often need to be repeated, as the behavior will not stop after discipline.
What is a Time In?
A Time In, or Positive Parenting, is one common alternative to a Time Out. It focuses more on creating a space for the child to connect with their caregiver, and address the behaviors that caused the need for a pause in play. The main difference is that a Time In is a giving the caregiver a chance to empathize with the child, and makes space for conversation.
Why is that important?
If a child feels that their emotions are being taken into account, they are more likely to adjust their behavior going forward. By taking a second to let the child explain how they are feeling, maybe why they are behaving the way they are, it gives you as the caregiver the chance to cool down, and adjust your mindset from the initial anger or shock. Once you have taken a second to settle, you and the child can have a conversation about their behavior, and how you need them to adjust in order to be safe, and/or follow directions.
Why use a Time In?
Our kiddos are coming from hard places. While many children can benefit from time out alternatives, we as caregivers of kiddos from hard places need to realize that our children’s emotions need to be taken into special consideration. Us taking the time to create a safe space for them to express their feelings could mean the difference between a temper tantrum and an afternoon of playtime.
I would love to hear from you! Click this link to let me know what topics you would like to read about.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxTbwgf9ZN9C2jH-C_9FPNLPg_0qkL5ofi0CsVhhJ0KrygOQ/viewform
Just For Kids
Four Seasons Tree
This craft will really get your kiddos thinking about what this year will look like. By following the prompts in the video, you and your kiddos can use construction paper to make a tree with leaves that rotate to reflect the coming season. This craft can be super customizable to what your kiddos think about each season, and gives your littles a chance to color!

You will need:
  • Multicolored construction paper
  • Glue
  • Something to color with!
Walking Activities for the Family
Scavenger hunting is a great way to get the whole family having fun on an outdoor excursion. Whether you are taking a stroll around your neighborhood, or walking on one of Las Vegas' beautiful scenic routes, having a scavenger hunt list is a great way to bring everyone together, and into the moment.

You can find downloadable scavenger lists for different ages, and environments at
https://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/scavenger_hunt/. Happy hunting!
School Resources for the New Year
Vegas Strong Academy with Parks and Recreation
  • Accepts Urban League- Library locations only
  • Community centers- have a separate application for financial aide https://registration.lasvegasnevada.gov/NV/las-vegas-nv/catalog
  • Bring financial request to the community center directly
  • Call for openings
  • Yes, for children with special needs, have to toilet and feed themselves.
  • Dula community center, 702-229-6307 assist with the financial assistance process and criteria to qualify

SMUNA- Southern Nevada Urban Micro Academy

Boys and Girls Club

YMCA
  • https://www.lasvegasymca.org/y-cares/
  • Enrolling Full/Half Day preschool ages 3-5
  • Preschool accepts Urban League assistance
  • Enrichment Program
  • Open M-F Full Day ages 5-15
  • Financial Assistance available
  • Accepts children with special needs. Must toilet on their own and able to self-feed

Battle Born Las Vegas Kids and Teens


Lifetime
  • https://my.lifetime.life/lp/distance-learning-camp.html
  • Learning camps
  • 2 locations:
  • Life Time Athletic Green Valley
  • 121 Carnegie St, Henderson, NV 89074
  • Life Time Summerlin
  • 10721 W Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89135
  • Ages 5-12
  • Call for financial information and acceptance of children with special needs

Boys Town
Community Resources
Food Banks

There are many locations in Nevada where families can get free and reduced food.
 
Clark County Food Resources

Three Square offers an interactive website which matches your zip code to food banks and provides the food bank’s days and times of operation.
Phone: (702) 644-3663

Just One Project offers free groceries for individuals and groups. Below is a quick snapshot of what they offer and a link to their site.
  • The Mobile Food Market  is: A mobile community market in Southern Nevada called Pop Up & Give at various locations. There are no requirements to be served.
  • The Senior Food Market is: Open weekly on Monday's and Friday's BY APPOINTMENT ONLY to serve seniors 60+ in need of food. To make an appointment call the office. The pantry is stocked with specialized foods for proper senior nutrition. The Just One Project welcomes all senior individuals and groups. There are no requirements to receive groceries and no lines to wait in. Seniors are welcome to attend the pantry once a month for grocery needs.
  • The  Senior Grocery Delivery  is: Grocery delivery made available for seniors Monday through Friday. Schedule BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.
  • Emergency Assistance  is: FREE Groceries for Families. The Just One Project pantry is open weekly BY APPOINTMENT ONLY to serve families in need of emergency food assistance. To make an appointment call the office. They welcome all individuals and families in need. There are no requirements to receive groceries and no lines to wait in.

Phone: 702-462-2253
Hannah's Closet is a free clothing resource for foster families in the Las Vegas Valley. It offers clothes and shoes for ages 0-17, toys, and limited hygiene items, depending on availability. To shop, you will need to bring your placement letter, guardianship papers, or adoption decree. There are two locations, one north and one south, and both are available for monthly visits as needed. For more information and hours of operation, visit their Facebook pages, Hannah's Closet North and Hannah's Closet South. Business hours vary, as this is a volunteer-run resource.

Phone: (702) 546-8849
Website: www.fosteringhopelv.com
Crisis Support Resources Through Clark County School District
Families First PDF Guide



Safe-Voice: 1-833-216-SAFE (7233) for anonymous reporting
CCSD Police: 702-799-5411
Mobile Crisis Response Team: 702-486-7865
National Suicide Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
or
Nevada Crisis Line: 775-784-8090
 
If someone is having thoughts of self-harm, please call 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Please call 911 for an immediate emergency situation. 
Trainings From Raise The Future
This interactive webinar-based training offers professional child welfare participants, care givers and parents of sibling sets a practical and philosophical look at why sibling bonds and connections are critically important. Instruction will include the significance of communication among agency and family, exploring sibling relationships and improved outcomes for children involved with child welfare as youth who have been removed from their birth homes and/or sibling groups. Finding solutions to identify challenges in foster and adoptive placements among the constellation of family and sibling dynamics with youth of different ages/race/ethnicity/sexual orientation is a planned and intentional commitment. Siblings may not be placed together for a variety of reasons, exploring these outcomes and the potential need for regular sibling contact is consequential. Child welfare professionals can support youth well-being by attempting to preserve their connections to any brothers and sisters while in foster care and/ or through future subsequent permanent placements. Included relevant research, connection strategies, and resources in a case plan will be suggested assisting child welfare professionals in preserving these sibling connections. Discussion to include best practices for recruiting families specifically to care for sibling groups. There will be time allotted throughout the two hours for participants to comment and interact through question/answer session.
 
Training Date/Time: Thursday, January 28, 10am – 12pm noon PST

The webinar is pending approval for 2.0 CEU credits with “State of Nevada Board of Examiners for Social Workers”.
 
Registration Link:
This one and a half hour informative orientation is specifically designed for families who reside in Clark County, NV and are interested in adopting youth from foster care. The class will cover the following topics:

• Your Journey with the Clark County Department of Family Services
• Terminology
• Application Process and Wait Time
• Home Study/Pre-Assessment/Professional Caregiver Pre-Service Training
• Who Can Adopt
• Adoption Support
• Topics To Consider and Self Reflection
• Questions and Answer Time

This publication is supported by NV Division of Child & Family Services through the IV-B Grant. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors & do not necessarily represent the official views of the awarding agencies.
Time
Jan 20, 2021 05:30 PM in Pacific Time (US and Canada)
 
Registration link: Webinar Registration - Zoom
Ongoing Trainings