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Let’s Celebrate
National Make a Difference to Children Month!
Dear Caregivers,
July is National Make a Difference to Children Month. This special time focusses on the things you do every day for children to help them thrive. We’re reminded how important it is for children to have the right person in their lives to guide them. To acknowledge the significance of this month, we encourage you to continue to support organizations throughout the valley that focus on the well-being of children.
Would you like to volunteer your time or donate to a company that puts children first? Feel free to contact the Clark County Department of Family Services Resource, Development and Support Unit at (702) 455-0181 for a referral. It’s always the right time to make a positive difference in a child’s life!
For many children, just having adults pay attention to them and engage them in fun activities makes an enormous impact. These guiding figures can be parents, caregivers, older siblings, teachers, and other guardians.
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Here are some ways you can enhance a child’s life this month and every day:
Protect children
If you suspect a child is being harmed or has been hurt or abandoned, please report your concerns immediately to the appropriate authorities. The Clark County Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 day a week at (702) 399-0081.
Talk to a child
One of the best ways to help improve a child’s life is to get to know them better by understanding their needs. In many cases, all a child requires is the attention and time of someone because it makes them feel heard and cared for. So, talk to the children in your life, and spend time with them.
Donate to help children
Find child welfare organizations and trusts and donate to them. You can also spread the word about child-focused agencies by talking to your friends and family. Encourage them to donate as well!
Become a CASA volunteer
The Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program falls under the jurisdiction of the Eighth Judicial District Court. The mission of the CASA program is to support and promote court appointed volunteer advocacy for abused and neglected children. With as little as eight hours a month, a single volunteer can often be enough to change a child’s story and make a positive impact for generations to come. To learn more about the CASA program, go to CASALasVegas.org or call (702) 455-CASA (2272).
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Thank you so very much for everything that you do daily for our children and their families!
Sincerely,
Jill Marano, Director
Clark County Department of Family Services
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FOSTER PARENTS FOR SIBLINGS
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.
We need homes for:
- A duo of brothers, ages 1 and 2 years old, on campus for 61 days
- A trio of siblings, 1 year old girl, 3 year old girl, and 5 year old boy, on campus for 60 days
- Twin 5 year old boys requiring a higher level of care, on campus for 70 days
- Brother age 6 and sister age 7, on campus for 57 days
- Sibling group of 4, boys ages 1, 5, 6 and girl age 7, on campus for 66 days
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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Foster Parents are the BEST recruiters!
Please help us recruit new foster parents. We especially need loving adults who can care for children ages 0-6, teens in foster care, large sibling groups, and children with special needs.
www.clarkcountyfostercare.com
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12th Annual Back-to-School Event
1225 S. Fort Apache Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89117
Hosted in memory of James Choy by Square Salon and Atelier Salon along with community partners
Join us for our Back-to-School event filled with haircuts, manicures, goodies, giveaways, food, and fun! All children in your household are welcome, but please keep in mind that school supplies, shoes, uniforms, and backpacks are for children entering grades 1-12 within Department of Family Services Foster Care.
If you have already registered, please do not register again!
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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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FOSTER PARENT CHAMPIONS
Monday – Friday / 9am – 7pm
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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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 for a foster child ages 0-6 years old (or 60 pounds).
Schedule an appointment with:
Laura Steeps, Senior Family Services Specialist
702-455-1211 Laura.Steeps@ClarkCountyNV.gov
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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.
Supporting Families through Supervised Visitation
The department’s goal is for caregivers and families to work out a visitation schedule that works for both parties with the support and guidance of the caseworker. When this is not possible due to safety, court or therapeutic requirements. Let’ us introduce you to The Therapeutic Solution (TTS).
Supervised Visitation is a tool designed to help families in separation remain connected, continue or develop bonds, and remain hopeful for reuniting. We live out our days only half-engaged at best. Our children deserve more. Think of Supervised Visitation as a place where parents can practice giving kiddos all of their attention in short periods of time. Better preparing them all for reunification.
Caregivers, it is important to support the bonding and or reunification process. Here are a few things you can do to support your kiddo before their visits:
Excitement- Show excitement! Because you are their primary caregiver, they are watching you to determine if visiting is a good thing or a bad thing. If you are excited, then they will be excited and feel it is safe to visit.
Check-in- Be a safe place for kiddos to express their “true” feelings. If they are scared, nervous, excited, dreadful, or angry; whatever feelings they are experiencing they need a safe place to express them. Most times children feel they have to choose a side and that if they love their parents then that means they don’t love you; Help them understand that they can love both and it is ok.
Listen & Respond- Listen to what they have to say about their parents and help dispel any negative or untrue feelings they may be struggling with. Like, why doesn’t my mom love me, am I not good enough for them to get their life together to come to get me, if my own parent doesn’t love me then no one will. These are all things the kid brain tells us when we are trying to make sense of it all. Help them sort this out and replace this thought with new positive ones.
Be Positive- Be positive about the parents, even if it is difficult for you. Remain natural and try to express an understanding for the kiddo, they love their parent regardless of whatever happened and they want what is best for them. Be the safe place for them to develop an understanding that it is ok to love more than one person and you will always be there for them no matter what.
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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. | |
WNBA ALL-STAR GAME '23
Friday July 14
Del Sol Academy of Arts | 3100 East Patrick Lane Las Vegas, NV 89120
Join Raise the Future at "Making Good Memories," an All-Star Basketball game with a purpose!
FREE to attend!
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Join Raise the Future for their July Connection Group at Sunset Station to beat the heat and watch The Bad Guys (PG)! Raise the Future will pre-purchase tickets for all attendees, so everyone must sign up by Friday July 14th. Please show up if you sign up. Space is limited so sign up early! We hope to see everyone there!
The Bad Guys July 19th 10:00AM
Regal Sunset Station
1301-A W Sunset Road in Henderson
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Virtual TBRI Training
July 26 | 9am-3pm
Parenting is challenging, particularly when you are parenting a child from a hard place. 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 children heal and connect.
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TBRI TIP OF THE MONTH:
HYDRATION
One simple way to start implementing Trust-based Relational Intervention is to empower your child’s body by meeting physical needs. Nutrition and hydration play key factors in a child’s ability to regulate, and we can help set them up for success by making sure they eating and drinking enough.
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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. For example, the list may include: Medical, Therapy, Dental, Vision, Residential Treatment, Specialists, Childcare Centers that accept children with Higher Level Needs, etc.
This list will serve as a master list for our community of foster parents, kinship families, guardianship and adoptive families. Foster Change maintains the list but does not personally review, account for factuality of feedback, or endorse anyone on this list. As a reminder, this list is Peer Built. Please use the list and add your own experiences to it, as well!
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Roadmap to
Foster Change Elections
Calling ALL members! It is an important time at Foster Change as the organization is electing a new Board of Directors. That means we need your input. Take a look at this RoadMap and Join us for these meetings. If you miss a meeting, and need an update at any time in this process, please feel free to reach out to cindy@fosterchangecc.org
ZOOM Meeting ID: 810 9391 0441
Passcode: 012654
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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
Search 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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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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Caregiver Corner Market
at Marcie's Heart
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.
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Canyon Ridge Christian Church
Foster Parent Night Out JULY 21
from 6pm-9pm.
Register before July 17.
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
6:30pm - 8:45pm
Please contact Foster Connect with any questions by emailing fosterconnectnv@gmail.com
Foster Kinship Support 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
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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Drive Up Pajama Giveaway
July 8 from 9am-12pm
Hannah’s Closet South
8545 S Eastern Ave #102
Las Vegas, NV 89123
Hannah's Closet South is partnering with former Miss Nevada Jr High, Cameron! Come stop by for some sweet cotton candy and a brand new pair of pjs! No registration necessary, just show up!
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Have your kiddos join Fostering Hope this summer as we challenge our kids to read! We encourage you to sign up for the summer reading program. Your child can earn raffle tickets towards awesome prizes, and you can earn extra points at Hannah’s Closet South for your family participating!! All of the details of how to get the books are in the sign-up! ☀️📚
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Register Your Child for the 2023-2024 School Year
(even if your child has been attending school)
- Every child attending school must be registered for updated registration information even if they have already been attending school
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To register children new to CCSD, visit register.ccsd.net.
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To register children who are currently enrolled in CCSD, click this link Campus Portal Login (ccsd.net) or visit campusportal.ccsd.net. Login under the Campus Parent link.
- To set up a Parental Portal Account, please contact your child’s school
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For general information about CCSD registration, visit register.ccsd.net
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For children not attending CCSD, please contact your child’s school about registration requirements
IMPORTANT DATES
Contact Your Child’s Caseworker if Your Child is Not Attending the School Zoned for Your Home and Your Child May Need Transportation to the School Your Child is Attending for the 2023-2024.
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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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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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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 your Prom!
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.
Happy 4th of July 2023!
God Bless America!
On June 6, 2023, we celebrated our 54th year helping the children affected by the Clark County Family Courts. They are our mission, and we do this out of much love for them. We had a fantastic luncheon plus with the Honorable Judge Pickard swearing in the Executive Board. One by one, some of the people with DFS and DJJS spoke about us and the important work we do for the children. It was quite emotional as they told stories of the successes they have had with the kids due to our help.
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Our Executive Board being sworn in by The Honorable Judge Pickard is (l-r) Lynda Kreitlow, President; Marsha Manning, Vice President; Evan Rubin, Asst. Treasurer; Doreen Law, Treasurer; Elise Rigatuso, Historian; Marci Beard, Secretary.
We are busy as always preparing for our 48th Annual Holiday Craft Boutique and Raffle which is on November 11, 2023, at Desert Spring United Methodist Church, 120 N. Pavilion Center Dr., Las Vegas, NV, 89144. 100% of proceeds and donations from the fundraiser go to the children and all their various needs. Please come with your family and friends, kicking off the holidays in a wonderful way! Here‘s a little sample of items we are creating.
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What is the known impact of having a CASA volunteer?
Various research studies have shown the positive impact of having a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer. Some findings collected by the National CASA/GAL Association for Children are as follows:
- Children with a CASA/GAL volunteer experience significantly fewer placements
- Children with a CASA/GAL volunteer are more likely to achieve permanency
- Children with a CASA/GAL volunteer are less likely to reenter the child welfare system
- Children with a CASA/GAL volunteer are more likely to be adopted
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The introduction of just one caring adult can change that child’s life forever. Being a CASA volunteer does not require a particular academic or professional background. To learn more about the CASA program, you can visit them online at CASALasVegas.org
You are welcome to go to the CASA program FAQ page for additional information about CASA volunteers and the CASA program.
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WATER SAFETY with FLOAT LIKE A DUCK
Summertime is here! Duckie Says: Follow the A B C D’s of water safety around all bodies of water!
FMI on tips, videos, and fun activities scan the qr codes or follow the links to the Float Like A Duck webpage and YouTube Videos.
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