Department of Family Services Strives to Help Youth Get Set for Life!

Dear Caregivers,

This past year marked a significant milestone for 108 young people in Clark County foster care thanks to an amazing program called LifeSet. As you can imagine, young people who have experienced foster care often struggle with transitioning to adulthood, especially while working to overcome childhood adversity. In 2020, the Clark County Department of Family Services (DFS) had the privilege of adopting the Youth Villages LifeSet model to serve as a bridge from foster care to successful adulthood for young people in the Las Vegas valley turning 17 in foster care. The evidence-informed model teams up young people with skillfully trained DFS specialists by their side to navigate the complexities of early adulthood. Participation in the youth-driven program is voluntary.
We understand the transition to adulthood is challenging for everyone. But young people who experience foster care have special needs and continue to be hit hard by the pandemic crisis. LifeSet aims to empower older youth and amplify their voices as they drive the decisions of their lives. Our goal is to increase the likelihood of positive outcomes for youth aging out of Clark County’s foster care system.

DFS specialists are available 24/7 to help the youth, who typically participate in the program for six to 12 months, based on individual needs. Specialists meet with young people at the location of the youth’s choosing, face-to-face weekly, helping them set and achieve their goals around housing, transportation, education, employment, health and relationships.
So, what are some young people saying about this life-changing program? Recently, we asked some participants to tell us a little about their experiences with LifeSet. Here are a few things they had to say!

Question: What do you like most about the LifeSet program?
“Having one worker that does everything is what I like most about the program. My worker is like having an Independent Living worker and a Social Worker rolled into one. The communication is better and easier with one person. My worker makes it all happen!”

Question: What have you learned since being enrolled in the LifeSet program?
“Since being enrolled in the LifeSet program, I have learned how to be more independent, be on my own and do adult things such as checking and banking.”

Question: What goals are you currently working on?
“Currently, my specialist and I are working on building my skills to get an apartment. She is teaching me how to read a lease, how to review my options, how to be in a safer community and how to understand the housing agreement.”  

This is the first program of its kind in Clark County, Nevada. If you’d like to know more about this life-changing opportunity for our foster youth, please email the Clark County Department of Family Services at DFSLifeset@ClarkCountyNV.gov.

Thank you, as always, for supporting our children!

Sincerely,
Tim Burch
Clark County Administrator of Human Services
February is Black History Month
Click here to find out free events or activities through out this month.
Foster Parent Champions

NEED YOU !!!

We are looking for experienced caregivers who have a desire to partner with DFS, other caregivers and the community.
 
Ideal candidates will be licensed caregivers who can assist others navigate the foster care system. They will have a general knowledge of resources in Clark County. A positive attitude and good communication skills are a must. Additionally, applicants must have a strong desire to MAKE CAREGIVERS LIVES EASIER, and build the Foster Parent Champion Program by help children and families.
 
This position is 20 hours a week, with some evening and weekend hours. Flexible scheduling may be available. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. Basic computer knowledge is required.

IF YOU ARE A LICENSED CAREGIVER
(RELATIVE, AGENCY OR DFS a min one year) AND INTERESTED IN WORKING WITH OUR GROWING TEAM,

CLICK HERE TO APPLY
 
PEGGY'S ATTIC

NEEDS VOLUNTEERS !!!


We are looking for volunteers to help in Peggy's attic. We are in desperate need of help sorting and putting away donations.

If you are able to volunteer two to three hours Mon through Thurs between 7a to 5p please call :

702 -455-5424 and ask to speak to Denise.


We all know teamwork makes the dream work.

Thank you in advance
2022 Payment Calendars - Foster/Adoption - AB350
New Nevada car seat law went into effect Jan 1, 2022



2022 Tax Season Information
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THE PAD CLIMBING GYM

We offer free membership to our climbing gym for foster families. This includes caregivers and of course the kids as well. More info can be found on our website

Visit our community page to get some ideas on what we do to support other organizations

Check out our open house.




Webinar:

Social Skill Development and Proactive Teaching
February 16th, 2022
6pm-7pm

Click here to register



ADOPTION CORNER
Meet - Allen Age: 12
·        Allen is a lovable kiddo who contagiously laughs
and smiles.
·        Allen likes to spend time playing with bubbles
and bounce in bouncy houses when he can.
·        He enjoys almost all snack foods and especially
enjoys putting teriyaki sauce on variety of foods.
·        Allen has “no fear” when it comes to trying
new things.
·        He likes to ride scooters, skateboards, and
get moving’ on anything with wheels!
·        He also loves to play with his sensory table at school.
·        Allen can bond with adults and caregivers he trusts.
·        Allen is now in the seventh grade.



Emotional/Behavioral Level: Mild to Moderate.
Grade(s): 7th grade
Legal Status: Legally Free
Special interests: bubbles, scooters, sensory items
Recruiter: Karen Blomquist karen.blomquist@clarkcountynv.gov
What is the process to become a CASA Volunteer?

CASA volunteers are appointed by a Judge to represent the best interest of abused and neglected children. These highly trained, court-appointed volunteers are responsible for making recommendations to the court about the safety, permanence, and well-being of their assigned child(ren).

Below are the basic steps to become a CASA volunteer for Eighth Judicial District Court. 
  1.  Send the CASA program your contact information – Contact Information Form
  2. RSVP for orientation - offered virtually after you submit your contact information
  3. Complete the online volunteer application –  Application Link
  4. Complete the supplemental background packet and return it to the CASA office by fax, email or in person – Packet Download
  5. Confirm fingerprinting appointment – CASA program staff will contact you to set an appointment
  6. Complete fingerprinting - there is no cost to you for fingerprinting
  7. Complete an Interview (45-60 minutes)
  8. Attend 30 hours of training - currently offered in person at the Government Center
  9. Take the CASA Oath of Office and be sworn in by a Judge - currently offered virtually and requires wifi access and ability to use video conferencing
  10. Receive your case file
  11. Pick up your CASA badge
 For additional information, contact the CASA program at:
 
·        Website: casalasvegas.org
Phone: 702.455.4306
Independent Living Corner
Our mission is and always will be the children and their many needs whom are touched by the family and Juvenile Justice courts. Ciick link below review a few of our history.

DFS Education Corner
Hi Everyone. 

Click below for important educational updates from DFS - February 2022

Family Engagement Program through CCSD
click the three links for further information

NORMALCY RESPITE REIMBURSEMENT
We received funding to reimburse normalcy respite providers that are identified by foster parents. Funding will be available starting today and will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis, until the funds are depleted. This funding will ONLY be offered for normalcy respite to strongly encourage the use of familiar caregivers or peer-to-peer support versus stranger care. 
Click HERE for more information.
Canyon Ridge Supports Caregivers

Open to all foster caregivers (licensed, unlicensed, relative, fictive kin) Please make sure to register your register yourself and each child that will be participating. Registration closes once all slots are filled. Must register no later than Monday, February 14, 2022. Night out is Friday, February 18, 2022

Click here to register

What Do You Get Out of it?
Foster Parent Night Out -
Friday February 18,2022

Being a Foster Parent is a tremendous responsibility and help to our community. We understand that with the increased responsibility it is difficult to find regular respite care. In the third Friday of every month, from 6p - 9p. Canyon Ridge Christian Church would like to serve the foster parents of our community by providing free respite care. During that time, we will provide your children and your foster children a fun, safe and nurturing environment so that you can take some time to rest, catch a movie, go out with your spouse and more! Space is limited to a first come, first serve basis. Please drop off your children between 6:00p - 6:30p as the doors will closed after that time for safety purposes. Fill out the registration form to sign-up today!

Please note - feed your children before drop-off (we will provide snacks, but not dinner).

Open for children ages birth - 5th grade.
Canyon Ridge
Support Groups


  • Foster Kinship Support Group
  • 2nd Tuesdays of the month
  • 6 pm - 7:30 pm
  • Room C110
  • Childcare Provided for 0 - 5th grade


  • Foster Support Groups
  • 1st, 2nd, 4th Fridays of the month
  • 6:30 pm - 8:45 pm
  • Childcare Provided for 0 - 5th grade

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.
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OMBUDSMAN SERVICES

The Mission of the Clark County Ombudsman for the Department of Family Services and Clark County Social Service is to review, resolve, track and report complaints in an effort to add increased accountability and facilitate systemic improvements to the local child welfare and Social Service systems.

For more information, call

702.455.1046.
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