Nevadans interested in becoming foster parents in rural Nevada can join a free four-session virtual training course beginning March 19.
The Nevada Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) is working to recruit and train foster families in Nevada’s 15 rural counties to support children in need. DCFS is introducing new, streamlined foster parent training to reduce barriers to becoming a foster parent.
“The goal of this new format is to be able to provide more frequent, on-demand training for convenient scheduling and access while giving prospective foster parents the tools they need to be successful,” said Kevin Quint, Clinical Program Manager of the Advanced Foster Care Program.
The four-session online training is the first step in the licensing process. It is designed to help prepare prospective foster parents with sessions covering licensing steps, keys to success, caring for children who have special needs or have experienced trauma, and working with birth families. Guest speakers, including social workers, therapists, former foster youth, birth parents, and current and former foster parents, will join to share experiences and insights.
After completing the training, DCFS staff will provide individual support to each potential foster parent to complete the remaining requirements for foster care licensure, which include a background check and participation in a home study to ensure the home and family are a good fit for a child in foster care.
Rural foster parents can be single or married, work full or part-time, and rent or own a home. DCFS provides financial support to assist with the foster child’s food, housing, clothing, and educational supplies. Today, about 400 children are in foster care in rural Nevada, and this training opportunity is designed to increase the number of homes available to these children in Nevada’s 15 rural counties.
“The sacrifices foster parents make for themselves and their families to care for a child in need of a loving home do not go unnoticed. We want to make sure we are breaking down barriers to foster care licensure and meeting prospective foster parents where they are,” said Betsey Crumrine, Acting Deputy Administrator of Child Welfare.
Registration is now open for the four-session training. The sessions will be held on March 19, March 21, March 26, and March 28, 5:30 – 8 p.m., on the Microsoft Teams application (Available for free in the Apple IOS and Google Play stores).
To register for training, please go to www.ruralnvfostercare.com and click the Get Started button.
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