April 4 event to connect kids with foster families

It began as a community event to celebrate the start of spring, but after realizing the urgent need for foster families in the community, Ward 6 Las Vegas City Councilman Steve Ross partnered with Clark County in a foster and adoption information event.

For its third year, the Spring Celebration and Foster Connection is set from noon to 4 p.m. April 4 at Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs, 9200 Tule Springs Road.

“I’m always looking for an opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives — whether that be in a small way or huge way,” Ross said. “Last year, we connected 25 families to children.”

The event is set to include foster care and adoption information and presentations, amusement rides, a farmers market, a petting zoo, jump houses, music, games, horseback rides and a clothing drive.

People are also encouraged to donate gently used T-shirts, shoes, pajamas and jeans, personal hygiene items, female formal wear and accessories, including costume jewelry.

“This will be a great community event,” Ross said. “It’ll give a chance to connect kids with families while showing the community the agriculture side of Las Vegas.”

The Easter Bunny plans to make an appearance, and students from Arbor View High School are scheduled to take photos for a donation.

Foster families and former foster youths are set to speak about their experience, and community members plan to discuss their work.

“We are in need of parents who are willing to help the kids of Clark County who have been abused or neglected,” said Michael Knight, assistant director of Clark County Family Services. “Becoming a foster parent is a big family decision. We invite those who are interested to come out and get information to learn about the process.”

Clark County has more than 3,000 children in foster care, according to Knight.

That figures includes approximately 1,100 children in relative care, 1,100 children in a licensed foster care home and 300 children in a group or specialized foster care setting in the county, Knight said.

Children and youths from birth to 18 years old or older are in need of foster families.

Although most of the children need a place to reside temporarily before they are returned to their biological families, there are also children who can’t return home and are waiting to be adopted.

The age requirement to be a foster parent is 21 or older, and foster parents can come from any part of Clark County.

The process begins with an information session, which describes the foster care system.

Next is a pre-screening of the prospective foster parent or parents’ background. Once approved, fingerprints are checked. Approved families then attend a 30-hour training course, complete a home study and fill out an application.

A home study is a document that describes the applicant and the applicant’s family and the reasons why they would like to foster or adopt a child. After successfully finishing these requirements, families are licensed to provide foster care.

The event is exclusive to foster families from 10 a.m. to noon and open to the public from noon to 4 p.m.

Admission to the park and event is free.

“This is an opportunity to raise awareness and connect quality foster parents with youths,” Knight said. “We’re always in need of foster families. These kids have been through trauma, but our goal is to reunify families. Foster parents play a crucial role in the process.”

For more information, call 702-229-8100.

Contact North View reporter Sandy Lopez at slopez@viewnews.com or 702-383-4686. Find her on Twitter: @JournalismSandy.