Families in Churchill and Lyon Invited to Learn About Foster Parents

Have you ever thought about being a foster parent? Why wait? There is no time like right now to give a home to a local child in need. Like most other states, Nevada faces a critical shortage of foster care families. The need for safe, secure, and loving homes far exceeds availability.   

Too often, siblings cannot remain in the same household, school, or community. In counties like Churchill and Lyon, displaced children are relocated to group facilities or placed far from home until space becomes available in their hometown - which may never happen.

The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) invites residents of Fallon and Fernley to a free Q&A on October 12 to learn about becoming foster parents. Consider opening your home and offering shelter and care to local children when they are most vulnerable.

Currently, all Fallon and Fernley foster homes 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,” stated Shelby Riley, LSW, rural foster care recruiter for DCFS. “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 open to the public. Current foster parents, social workers, and state officials will answer questions. Families can learn about the many ways to help foster youth in Churchill and Lyon counties.

Here are some common myths about becoming a foster parent.

1. I have to be married to be a foster care parent. On the contrary, many singles and unmarried couples are foster parents. They may work full or part-time and rent or own their own home. 
2. I need a lot of money: As long as you can prove you can meet your financial obligations independent of state reimbursement, you are eligible to become a foster parent. Foster parents receive a stipend to help with food, housing, clothing, and educational supplies. 
3. I must have a private room for a foster child: Children can be shared rooms if specific guidelines are met. 
4. I will have no say in accepting a child into my home: The selection process includes matching the child’s needs to the potential foster home. The decision to place the child is made jointly with you and the agency. 
5. I am not allowed pets: Pets are permitted in the home as long as they are in good health, good-natured, and up-to-date on vaccinations. 

Several types of foster care homes are needed, including respite, emergency, short-term, and long-term care. One of these may be for you. Join DCSF at the Q&A or attend one of their virtual foster parent orientations on the first Thursday of every month. For registration or more information on becoming a foster parent, visit RuralNVFosterCare.com. For more information on the foster care licensing process, call 1-888-423-2659. The Q&A will be held October 12 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Fallon Youth Club, 324 Pennington Circle in Fallon.