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August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month
Healthy vision contributes to a child’s school readiness.
Dear Caregivers,
Can you believe the new school year is already here? Last month, we had just as much fun as the kids when we teamed up with numerous community partners and volunteers to host a back-to-school party! In addition to lots of food and fun, we provided our kids with haircuts, nail painting services, backpacks, uniforms, shoes, and fun give-a-ways.
As we prepare our children for another great year of learning, growing and comradery, let’s also remember to tend to their eye health. Since it’s not always possible for kids to understand when their eyes aren’t healthy, parents and caregivers must stay on top of potential vision issues. Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month is a national health observance that highlights the importance of protecting children’s vision and eye health. This month also aims to educate parents and caregivers on the steps that should be taken to ensure that youth are provided with the best opportunity to have a successful school year through a healthy vision.
Common refractive abnormalities in children are myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. A pediatric optometrist can detect these conditions, and other severe eye conditions such as amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), ptosis (drooping of the eyelid), and color deficiency or color blindness. Most childhood learning occurs visually; therefore, good vision is critical for a child’s physical and intellectual well-being.
Let’s prioritize children’s eye health this month because it’s crucial for our kid’s development and learning process. On behalf of Clark County management and the Clark County Department of Family Services, thank you for making this school year a special time for our children and their families!
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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
Thank you to everyone who donated, volunteered, and came out to enjoy our Back-to-School event!
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On behalf of Clark County Department of Family Services & Las Vegas Lights FC professional soccer, we want to thank each of our local families, employees & community supporters involved with foster care.
Please enjoy up to four (4) tickets to one of the following Lights FC Home Matches at Cashman Field:
- Saturday, August 12th
- Saturday, September 2nd
Additional details:
- All of your requested tickets through this submission will be seated together.
- All tickets will be e-mailed to you no later than two business days after submitting.
- This on-line form expires at 4pm the day of each match.
- If you have any questions, email Tickets@LasVegasLightsFC.com
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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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On behalf of Clark County Department of Family Services, we are thrilled to share that the State of Nevada has raised the reimbursement rates for foster caregivers for the first time since 2007. The rate change takes effect as of July 1, 2023, and will be reflected on the July reimbursement payments, which foster caregivers will receive in August.
Additionally, there are improved rates for Advanced Foster Care. Advanced Foster Care requires additional training to support children with a higher level of need.
Please note that the changes will not impact adoptions and KinGap.
This increase in the rates is long awaited, and Department of Family Services thanks all the foster families who advocated for this increase. Thank you for calling, emailing, and talking with our legislators. Your voices have been heard!
We hope this increase will ease the financial strain you may have experienced as a foster caregiver. The work you do is crucial in helping children reach their full potential.
Please keep in mind that the rates below only apply to Standard Foster Care for caregivers in direct partnership with Department of Family Services. If you are a caregiver through another agency, please consult with your agency for current rates.
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| Type of Care | Age | Daily Rate | 30 Day Month | 31 Day Month | | Standard Foster Care | 0-12 | $28.21 | $846.30 | $874.51 | | Standard Foster Care | 13-Over | $31.94 | $958.20 | $990.14 | | Sibling Foster Care (applies to 3 or more siblings) | 0-12 | $30.21 | $906.30 | $936.51 | | Sibling Foster Care (applies to 3 or more siblings) | 13-Over | $33.94 | $1,018.20 | $1,052.14 | | |
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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.
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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 Pop-In
Raise the Future’s Family Support Team is offering “TBRI® Pop-Ins.”
These are an opportunity to meet with our TBRI® Practitioner In-Home Coaches for an individualized 30-minute virtual meeting to ask questions and problem solve together!
Register Here
TBRI Full Caregiver Series
August 29, 30, 31
9am-4pm | Virtual Training
Register Here
Ice Cream Connection Group
August 17 | 5:30pm
at Raise the Future
2500 N Buffalo Dr. #140
You must take TPRI Intro or Overview to attend!
Register Here
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TBRI TIP OF THE MONTH:
HOW TO MAKE A SENSORY BIN
What is a sensory bin, you ask?
"It is a hands-on tactile experience for kids in a contained area such as a storage container."
Little Bins For Little Hands, 2023
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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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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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The Kinship Training Institute is proud to present:
Stronger Together Conference and Resource Fair
with Key Note Speaker Josh Shipp
at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino
September 30, 2023
9:30am-5pm
Stronger Together Conference & Resource brings together families, youth, professionals, and resources in the same room to gain support and learn from experts on kinship care and adoption. Lunch & refreshments provided.
We welcome all kinship, traditional foster parent, adoptive parents, child welfare/social service professionals AND teens/youth ages 13-22. Please note this event does not have child care available for children younger than 12.
Kinship Caregiver, Adoptive Parent , Foster Parent, and Professional Topics & Speakers:
- The Art & Science of Being that One Caring Adult with Josh Shipp, Renowned Inspirational Speaker, Teen Expert, & Author
- Blocked Trust & Parenting with Melissa Corkum, Author of Reclaim Compassion: The Adoptive Parent's Guide to Overcoming Blocked Care with Neuroscience and Faith
- Self-Care with Madyson Wier & Carly Aldis from Revival Therapy
- Advocacy for Thriving Children with Dr. Ali Caliendo, Founder & Executive Director of Foster Kinship & Adoptive Parent
- Rebuilding Burnt Bridges and Family Relationships after Permanency
- Panel Discussions including Q&A with Josh Shipp & Other Experts!
Teen Topics & Speakers:
- Speak Up! Advocating for ourselves and Others with Trista Miller, Youth & Kinship Advocate
- Safety for Teens with Joy & Phil Hoover, Advocates, Entrepreneurs, and Motivational Speakers
- Motivation, Success, and Leadership with Brandon Marshall, Founder of William-Marshall Cares
If you are needing a scholarship to attend the event, please contact Sasha Ritchie at Sasha@fosterkinship.org. There are a limited number of scholarships available for Kinship & Thriving After clients.
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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 AUGUST 18
from 6pm-9pm.
Register before August 14.
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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Welcome to the 2023-2024 School Year!
We wish you and your children all the best in the first month of school. Please know DFS is here to support you in advocating for your children educationally. Do not hesitate to reach out to your DFS Representative for any assistance or questions you have!
IMPORTANT DATES
Please read all of the education updates for information on technology devices, Infinite Campus parent accounts, back-to-school information and more!
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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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Just One Project: Leadership Academy
Now accepting applicants for Fall 2023. Youth will receive a weekly stipend of 50.00 for participating. Receive assistance with receiving your diploma or GED, Career and education planning, Financial literacy, Mental health and Lifestyle support, obtain CPR, OSHA, Forklift certifications, DMV fees, Driving school, all fees are covered, Basic emergency life skills training.
TheJustOneProject.org
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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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INDEPENDENT LIVING FOOD HANDLER CLASS
Register for the Certified Food Handler Class offered Thursday August 31st from 3pm-6pm through the Independent Living program. This course educates individuals on proper food handling and safety practices, and is required for food service workers in Southern Nevada. Many food service employers prefer to hire employees who have completed food handler training and have a food handler card. You can improve your job opportunities and career advancement by completing this training.
Register by emailing dfsindependentliving@clarkcountynv.gov.
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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 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.
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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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We are busy as always preparing for our 48th Annual Holiday Craft Boutique and Raffle, which is on Saturday, 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. Our members are all volunteers with no one receiving pay of any kind. Please come with your family and friends, kicking off the holidays in a wonderful way!
Here is a little sample of items we are making. Our President, Lynda Kreitlow, creating one of her beautiful wreaths, also cute cloth books for the kids made by Laura Robertson. Plus, we will have lots of homemade, delicious kitchen items for you!
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