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1. Do I have to live in Clark County to be an adoptive parent or foster care parent through Clark County Family and Children Services?

Families do not need to be Clark County residents to adopt children through Clark County Family and Children Services. For foster care, an inquirer living in an adjoining county of Clark County may fill out an application. However, those families living outside of an adjoining county should contact the local county agency to get more information.

2. How do children wind up under the care of Family and Children Services?

If children cannot remain safely within their own home, the agency will work with the children’s family to develop a temporary, safe living arrangement. If this is not possible, the agency may contact Clark County Juvenile Court to request removal of the child(ren) from the home.

In some cases, families voluntarily seek help from Clark County Family and Children Services to find their child(ren) a home until a family crisis subsides. The rules affecting children entering into foster care are set and monitored by federal and state laws.

3. How do we become an adoptive family?

First, families go through a free home study with Clark County Family and Children Services. The home study includes education, self-evaluation to help families prepare to adopt a child who needs a loving home, and the following (but not limited to): - 39 hours of training - Background checks and references - Fingerprinting - Fire inspection

4. Are there any additional requirements for being an adoptive family?

Adoptive parents must be at least 21 years old with a stable income and may be:
- Homeowners or renters
- Single, married, divorced or widowed
- With or without children

5. What are the foster parent requirements?

- 21 years old or older
- Able to provide a safe and healthy home for a child
- Desire to work closely with other team members to help a child and restore a family
- Enough living space for a child
- Income sufficient to meet the basic needs of the household
- Married or single

6. How long does it take to complete a home study?

About 10 to 12 weeks, depending on the family’s schedule and how quickly the required documentation is received.

7. What is the cost?

The required training and home study are free, but there are often attorney fees and court costs associated with adoption. These expenses may be eligible for reimbursement as non-recurring expenses.

8. What are subsidies?

Money that is available to help adoptive families care for adopted children. An eligibility specialist helps determine the amount that a family may receive. Children Services can assist families with adopted children until they turn 18. The agency may be able to assist children who qualify as developmentally delayed as defined by Developmental Disabilities of Clark County until age 21.

9. What benefits are available to foster families?

Foster families receive a monthly, non-taxable paycheck, 2 weeks of paid vacation per year, allowances for clothing and activities, medical coverage for the foster child, and mileage reimbursement.

10. How long does a placement take for adoption?

The amount of time it takes for a placement varies greatly. The more flexible you are regarding age, background and behavioral characteristics of an adoptive child, the sooner a placement may be made.

11. How soon is a child placed with a foster family?

This depends on a variety of factors. Children are matched with a foster family based on preferred characteristics such as: age, gender and special needs. By following the stated preferences as much as possible, the agency works to establish successful placements.

12. Does a foster family get to decide if a child is a good match?

Yes. Before making a placement, the agency asks the foster family if they would agree to care for a particular child who has been identified through the matching process.

13. How long does a child stay in a foster home?

This depends upon the child’s birth family and the progress made toward resolving issues in their home. Typically, children remain in foster care no longer than 12 months. After this time, the agency proceeds with establishing alternative permanency plans, which include, but are not limited to, adoption, planned permanent living and/or independent living.

14. Who are the adoptive and foster care children?

These children need love, affection and guidance. They represent all ethnic groups and ages, from infants to teens. Some may have disabilities and require special care. Others may have brothers and sisters who need to be placed together. They may be teenage mothers who need temporary homes for themselves and their children.

15. What are the general qualities a foster family needs to possess?

Overall, families must: - Love and understand children and want to make a lifetime commitment to parenting a child in need - Want to share their time and family life and give a child a place to call home - Be flexible, responsive and understand that there may be challenging times — and that the rewards last a lifetime