Carson City, NV October 07, 2024
Residents of Fallon and Fernley are invited to learn about becoming a foster parent at a free Q&A event hosted by the State Division of Child and Family Services.
Churchill and Lyon counties illustrate the dire need for more rural Nevada foster families. Currently, all Fallon and Fernley foster homes licensed to take children into care are full or do not have the capacity to keep siblings together.
“Foster families provide a safe and temporary home to children whose parents or caregivers may be struggling. They help keep children in their own community, close to their friends, adults they know, and in familiar schools,” said Shelby Riley, LSW, rural foster care recruiter for Division of Child and Family Services. “All of these factors lend a sense of normalcy and stability. Parent visits and reunification are easier when children can enter foster care in their home communities.”
The foster parent Q&A is free to attend, open to the public and will include a panel discussion with current foster parents, social workers and State officials. No commitment is required but families can learn about the many ways to help foster youth in Churchill and Lyon counties.
Foster parents can be single or married, work full or part time, and rent or own their own home. Foster parents also receive a stipend to help with food, housing, clothing and educational supplies. Several types of foster care homes are needed, including respite care, emergency care, short-term care and long-term care.
Additionally, virtual foster parent orientations are offered the first Thursday of every month. For registration information, visit RuralNVFosterCare.com. For more information on the foster care licensing process, call 1-888-423-2659.
DETAILS
WHAT: Foster Care Q&A Night
WHEN: Oct. 12, 11a.m. – 1 p.m.
WHERE: Fallon Youth Club, 324 Pennington Cres, Fallon, NV 89406
WEBSITE: RuralNVFosterCare.com
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About the Nevada Division of Child and Family Services
In partnership with families, community supporters, and other governmental agencies, the Nevada Division of Child and Family Services provides support and services to help Nevada’s children and families reach their full human potential. Visit https://dcfs.nv.gov/ to learn more about the division.