Did You Know? for Foster Parents

 There is a public Child Care “Portal” where you can view any licensed childcare center or home daycare inspections? Additionally, if the center has had a complaint it is right there on the public site! Here is the link!

 Washoe County Department of Social Services has a new Department Director? Amber Howell was selected by the Board of Commissioners for our Department Director in June, she started with us this summer. She has held many positions and has a great wealth of experience, most recently she came to us from DCFS (Division of Child and Family Services) as the Administrator for DCFS. A native of Reno, Amber states she is extremely excited to join Washoe County as its new Director.

 Every month the staff of WCDSS (Washoe County Department of Social Services) collects money to go towards a local nonprofit charity? We fondly refer to it as our “Jean Money”. If a staff member contributes they are allowed to wear jeans any day of the week (as long as it is appropriate to do so). Some of the recipients of the “Jean Money” have included; Awaken, Smile Restore, CAAW, Food Bank, Eddy House, Women and Children’s Center of the Sierra, Solace Tree, B.A.C.A., St. Jude’s, American Heart Association, TIPS (Trauma Intervention Program), UNR John Gancarek Social Work Endowed Scholarship fund, and more!

 Washoe County Department of Social Services has an adoption transition specialist that is a resource for all flexible fasmilies, foster families and adoptive families? The primary function of the transition specialist is to assist with transitioning children from foster to flexible/adoptive homes. There will be a chance to meet Susanne Ketring, M.A., MFT at the foster family support group on September 9th.

 About the Foster Parent Nook that is located on the 1st floor of the Social Services Building? The Nook is a place that foster parents can go to when your foster children are in the visit. There are toys for your other children, coffee to keep you going and more! Check it out!

 That you cannot park in the parking garage at Social Services? They will put a sticker on your car that is impossible to get off (I speak from experience!) Please utilize street parking or parking in the back of the building.

 That if you call the Social Services office before 9am they will not page your worker unless it's a true emergency? This is a designated “quiet time” for staff to work on case notes, court reports and other tasks.

 That the QPI website is available for EVERYBODY!! It has great information, trainings, and links to regulations.

 That Washoe County Department of Social Services have Adoption Specialists? Even if you are licensed as a family foster home, you can talk to them if you have any questions at all about adoption.  Ask for Mary Encarnation or Kathleen Beeler.

 That there is a Biker Club called Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA). Here is their website: Great organization doing great things. If you feel that a child in your home would benefit having them in their life, please let your Caseworker know.  BACA’s brochures can be found in the foster parent “Nook”

 That you can possibly get a computer for your foster children from the Lion’s Club? Darryl Feemster, Reno Cigar Lions Club.

 That you can join a Quality Parenting Initiative committee? And did you know that the minutes from the committee’s are on the website? Take a look! if any of them interest you, go ahead and email the committee leader.