SE Vegas News

Clark County leaders are hoping that residents will consider fostering a child after a report that the county has seen a rise in infants entering the program.

According to a news release provided by the Clark County government, residents who want to extend their families should ponder fostering a young child.

“We strive to help families overcome their challenges and remain together, but sometimes a home is too dangerous for a child,” Deputy County Manager Kevin Schiller said. “Foster parents step in during these times of crisis and give the children a loving and supportive home life and the strong foundation they need to be successful.”

Clark County reports that its foster system currently has 467 children under the age of 1 this year, which is on pace to surpass the 781 infants put in the system in 2020 and the 793 children in 2021.

“In life there is no greater gift than opening your home to a child and making them a part of your family,” Commissioner William McCurdy II said. “I strongly encourage anyone who has ever thought of becoming a foster parent to reach out to our Department of Family Services. These families and these children need us to give them a safe and loving home.”

Earlier this month, commissioners recognized May as National Foster Care Awareness Month and posted on Facebook that "there are about 3,400 kids in foster care in Southern Nevada and there is always a need for foster parents and adoptive parents.