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Caregiver Courier
January 2020
NV Health Response
COVID Testing Locations
Boys & Girls Club Registration
Dear Caregivers,

2020 brought many new challenges and changes. As a state, we have been working to improve the child welfare system for better outcomes for children and families. It is important that we take the time to reflect and assess those changes. Your experiences and feedback as caregivers are vital to that assessment. This is why we are asking that you take the time to complete the below statewide survey between now and January 18th.

We recognize that households may have more than one caregiver with differing experiences, so please complete the survey individually so we can understand each caregiver's perspective. We want to hear from you.

To access the survey, click HERE.
Thank you to the countless donors and volunteers that contributed to the annual CASA Foundation Angel Tree event. Despite the challenges this year brought, the community came together to help ensure that every foster child in Clark County receives something special for the holidays! This event would not be possible if it weren't for the community's involvement. Thank you!
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 can. Please contact your DFS caseworker if you need any assistance.
KNOWCRISIS.COM
In response to an increase of behavioral and mental health crisis, the Nevada Office of Suicide Prevention created the Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) to provide crisis intervention and support to Nevada. The team was created for youth and families under the age of 18 that have shown signs of behavioral or mental health issues that pose a threat to the child’s stability within the home. Click HERE for more information.
ATTENTION CAREGIVERS

Paid or Unpaid Providers/Placements that are eligible to have the child(ren) social security number released to them for tax purposes only can either call 702-455-8437 or email DFSFiscalservices@clrakcountynv.gov

Please note, one of the criteria for release is the child(ren) have to be placed in the home for 182.5 days during the tax year, which a tax year is 01/01/20-12/31/20. We cannot combine tax years.

Be advised that the public is not allowed in at any County facility due to COVID. All original notarized affidavits and social security number release letters all must be sent and received by United States Postal Service

If foster parents are sending in the affidavits – mail them to the DFS Fiscal Unit at:

121 S. Martin Luther King Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89106
LifeSet Program
The Clark County Department of Family Services (DFS) has adopted the Youth Villages LifeSet model as the bridge from foster care to successful adulthood for young people in the Las Vegas valley turning 17 in foster care. Participation in the youth-driven LifeSet program is voluntary. Young people who have experienced foster care may struggle in the transition to adulthood, especially when working to overcome childhood adversity. The evidence-informed LifeSet program model puts young people in the driver’s seat of their lives, with a trained specialist by their side to navigate the complexities of early adulthood.  

Raise the Future training webinars:

Topic: "Special Needs Adoptions from Clark County Foster Care" Hosted by Raise the Future

Description
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.

Training Date/Time: Jan. 20 5:30 PM in Pacific Time (US and Canada)


Topic: “Preserving Sibling Connections in a Placement: The Important and Unique Relationships of Siblings”

Description
This interactive webinar-based training offers professional child welfare participants, caregivers, and parents of sibling set 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.

Training Date/Time: Thursday, Jan. 28, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. noon PST
The webinar is pending approval for 2.0 CEU credits with “State of Nevada Board of Examiners for Social Workers”.

IF YOU SUSPECT IT, REPORT IT.
Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline
702.399.0081
Foster Care Information Sessions
2021 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.

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
Quality Parenting Initiative |[qpinevada.org]