Self-care and Teen Mental Wellness
Dear Caregivers,
Welcome to another edition of the Caregiver Courier. I hope you’ve enjoyed a positive and productive first quarter of the new year thus far. Are you remembering to slow down and practice self-care? It’s vital to do so year-round. Unfortunately, as we get swept away by life’s responsibilities, we often put discussing mental health on the back burner. Please do your best to make your self-care a priority.
World Teen Mental Wellness Day was recently observed across the globe. Annually, this special day puts a spotlight on the problems affecting teenagers and their families struggling to offer help and understand their loved ones’ challenges. Tackling mental health issues is problematic at any age, but for teens it’s especially difficult. Understanding and improving the mental health of young people transitioning to adulthood is more important than ever. We are fortunate to have caregivers like you, healthcare professionals, and advocates who make it their mission to raise greater awareness of mental health issues among teens, as well as provide education about removing the stigma that surrounds preventative mental health.
I believe we should always keep the following thoughts top-of-mind:
· Awareness is essential.
· The stigma needs to end.
· It’s okay to not be okay.
· Reach out and connect with others to help you through the tough parts of life.
In hopes that you will find them helpful, I’d like to offer you and your children the opportunity to attend a few virtual self-care classes designed for parents, teens, and tweens. I’ve attached flyers to the courses to the end of my message. These classes are available to the public courtesy of Nevada Health Centers (nvhealthcenters.org). Space is limited for the March and April classes, so register today.
Thank you for all that you do to remain educated about the importance of mental health. Together we are making a difference and helping to ensure that our children live a brighter future.
FOR RESOURCES
Sincerely,
Tim Burch
Clark County Administrator of Human Services
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RESPITE REIMBURSEMENT -
We support you
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The Department of Family Services supports and encourages caregivers taking foster children in their care on family vacations and trips. We are committed to support quality care and to making these opportunities for the foster children a reality.
Respite is a tool that when used effectively can make foster children a priority and focuses on normalcy for the child. The message we don't want to give children is that "we need a break from you"
To further support children and families that care for them DFS is offering reimbursement to our caregivers who use normalcy respite, need support for safe key, spring break or summer camps.
for more information.
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Spring Break & No School Days camps
Spring Break Camp - April 11-15, 2022
Las Vegas Department of Parks and Recreation
Multiple locations
Camp activities will include arts and crafts, sports, games, music, life skills, physical fitness and fun, all with trained adult supervision. Advance registration is required.
Broadway Spring Break Musical Theatre Camp (ages 10-18) April 11-15, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 S. Brush St.
Rainbow Company Youth Theatre and Contemporary West Dance Theatre have partnered to offer this dynamic musical theatre experience, which will highlight some of the most memorable moments captured from Broadway's most prominent musicals. Students will commit to a week-long intensive, led by renowned musical theatre artists and designers. Registration is open through April 11, or until full. For more information, call 702.229.ARTS (2787).
West Las Vegas Arts Center Spring Break Camp – “Journey Home” (ages 10-20) April 11-16, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
West Las Vegas Arts Center, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd.
“Journey Home” will be a five-day intergenerational program designed to teach the enrichment of African American history and culture through performing arts — music, movement, monologues, dance and spoken word. Registration is open through April 11, or until full. For more information, call 702.229.ARTS (2787).
No School Fun Days - March 14 and April 18
Multiple Locations
Las Vegas Department of Parks and Recreation will be offering a full day of fun, recreation and enrichment when the Clark County School District has teacher in-service days March 14 and April 18. For more information, visit:
YMCA
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Survey Says:
Prevent Child Abuse Nevada is currently working on a statewide prevention assessment. Your participation is very important to the process.
This is the first time a statewide assessment focused on prevention services is being done and full participation will be very beneficial.
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Canyon Ridge Sponsoring the Hope for the Journey Conference
Scholarships available for Foster/adoptive/Kinship Families and DFS workers.
Discover how you can connect with children experiencing a difficult time and help them heal and become all God desires for them to be. The Hope for the Journey Conference is a one-day conference led by the TCU Institute for Child Development for anyone who helps children from hard places find a better life.
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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,
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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
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March Trainings
March 14th 9am-12pm
NV TBRI Refresher Training
March 16th 9am-2pm
NV TBRI Implementation Day
March 23rd 6:00pm
Webinar-Regulation for Kids and Caregivers
March 30th and March 31st 9am-12pm
NV TBRI Introduction and Overview
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Clark County website:
-Search Adoption Profiles
Raise the future website:
-Click children we serve
-Click meet waiting children
-search Nevada
ADOPTUSKIDS website:
-search Nevada
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What is the history of the CASA program?
In 1977, a Seattle juvenile court judge concerned about making drastic decisions with insufficient information conceived the idea of volunteers in the courtroom speaking up for the best interests of children who had experienced neglect or abuse. That judge was David W. Soukup. From the first program, CASA has grown to a network of approximately 950 programs nationally, that are recruiting, training and supporting nearly 95,000 volunteers in 49 states and the District of Columbia. In Nevada, the late Judge Mendoza established the Clark County CASA program in 1980. The Eighth Judicial District Court CASA program, which consists of the CASA Program Administrator, four CASA supervisors, and two administrative staff, supports nearly 400 CASA volunteers and approximately 1000 children annually.
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For additional information, contact the CASA program at:
Phone: 702.455.4306
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Our mission is and always will be the children and their many needs whom are touched by the family and Juvenile Justice courts. Click below to
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Independent Living Corner |
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Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada announces the launch of RISE, a free mobile app to provide up-to-date information and resources for young adults in Clark County, in particular youth who are transitioning out of foster care or have already transitioned, homeless youth, and youth on the brink of homelessness.
RISE is an easy-to-use mobile app with links to housing information, food assistance, employment resources, education and more in the Clark County area. The app is available on Google Play and the App Store.
Nevada Partners STEM program has launched a new program. If you reside in North Las Vegas, you are eligible to participate. The program offers 8 -week community training courses in the areas of Solar Energy, Hydroponics, 3D printing and Drones. A certificate of skills training will be provided upon completion. For more information, please contact your IL worker. For more information about the program please click on the link below.
Scholarships:
For the third year in a row, University of Phoenix is pleased to offer a scholarship in honor of the late Nevada Assemblyman Tyrone Thompson. Assemblyman Thompson graduated from the University of Phoenix in 2010 with a Master of Arts in Organizational Management and was a great champion of education in our state, and the University.
This full tuition scholarship is open to 1 prospective University of Phoenix student seeking a Bachelor’s degree in the state of Nevada. The deadline to apply is March 15, 2022. Applicants may apply by clicking here
The Epicurean Charitable Foundation (ECF) is an organization comprised of more than 20 top food/beverage and hospitality executives who are dedicated to enriching the lives of deserving local students passionate about a career in hospitality or culinary arts.
In order to qualify for this full-ride last dollar up to $35,000 UNLV scholarship opportunity, students must meet the following criteria: a senior standing in a Clark County high school; cumulative GPA of 3.0; must plan to attend an accredited post-secondary institution as a full-time student following graduation; must major in hotel/hospitality/culinary management or related program; and must demonstrate financial need. Additionally, the foundation has extended its applicant pool to include current UNLV Students. ECF selects its scholarship recipients based on academic ability, extracurricular achievements, personal background and financial need. ECF awards numerous academic scholarships annually to Clark County high school graduates. Scholarship recipients receive full-ride last dollar financial support to UNLV or up to $48,000 to an out of state four year accredited college, that goes toward tuition, books and other fees. Students also benefit from the guidance and support of the Future Leaders of Hospitality Program, which pairs one student and board member together each year for the duration of the student’s education. The mentor provides guidance, support and assistance with job and internship placement upon graduation. More Information can be found at: http://ecflv.org/
2022 Scholarship Awards Program for Students who have experienced homelessness or Housing insecurities- The program itself is designed to highlight the incredible potential of young people in the United States who are struggling with homelessness, housing instability, or extreme poverty. This scholarship covers eligible educational expenses, up to $8,000. This can be used for any type of higher education, including but not limited to community college classes, trade school/trade certifications, bachelor’s degrees and so on. Students are eligible to apply if they are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity as defined under the McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program (MV) students in extreme poverty; or students whose family is currently going through a transition) to attain post-secondary education. A more detailed explanation of eligibility and to apply can be found at https://eequal.org/scholarships/. The application opens on November 1st, 2021 and will close on March 1st, 2022. We expect to notify recipients in May 2022.
FAFSA:
For youth attending college please be informed of the following deadlines for filing your FAFSA. The earlier youth apply the better access you will have to the most funding resources. Deadline for 2021-22 Aid: Thursday, June 30th
Academic year FAFSA open date Federal FAFSA deadline
2021-22 Oct. 1, 2020 June 30, 2022
2022-23 Oct. 1, 2021 June 30, 2023
The ETV program is now being managed by Social Services- Step Up program. For more information, please email ETV at the address provided: ETV@ClarkCountyNV.gov
Employment:
Family Services currently has a partnership with MGM. There are more opportunities for employment with MGM for youth who are18 and over. MGM also offers the program to interested youth ages 16 and up who are interested in working at MGM. Please ask your IL worker for more details and a referral.
Hollywood Aquatic Center and Aquatic Springs Pool. Desert Breeze, Hollywood, and Aquatic Springs coordinate all of the hiring for all of the seasonal outdoor pools throughout Clark County. Any questions by potential applicants or their case workers can be directed to either of these three facilities.
Part-time employment application for all positions
Aquatics employment information for all locations
DFS Foster Care is excited to announce a Resource Fair for Foster Parents & Foster Youth on Saturday, March 26th, 11:00a-4:00pm at 701 N. Pecos Rd, Child Haven Campus. Independent Living will be in attendance along with various community resources for youth ages 14-17. Please come out and see us. We will be there to answer any questions you may have and to provide youth with resources.
College Prep Please note, young people must RSVP for this event at College 101 - March 5th as food will be provided, and prizes will be given to all in attendance!!! This is a drop off event for young people. Caregivers should expect to drop off young people by 12:45PM for registration and return at 3PM for pickup.
Latino Youth Leadership Conference will be from July 19 - July 24, 2022.
All incoming juniors through exiting high school seniors, 16-18 years of age are encouraged to apply.
Participants stay at the UNLV dorms for six days, and five nights.
All accommodations and conference materials are provided at NO COST to the student or their families.
Selected participants are expected to stay for the entire duration of the LYLC.
Parents of selected participants are encouraged to attend a parent orientation the Friday prior to the LYLC.
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3-10-22, 3-24-22 , 4-7-22 4-21-22 all at 6p |
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Important Educational updates from DFS
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Family Engagement Program through CCSD
click the three links for further information
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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, March 14, 2022. Night out is Friday, March 18, 2022
What Do You Get Out of it?
Foster Parent Night Out -
Friday March 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.
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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
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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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2022 Tax Season Information |
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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.
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What is Quality Parenting Initiative? |
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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
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