|
systems have
historically functioned in a nationally unique “bifurcated”
manner. Nevada has 17 counties, two of which possess
population bases of over 100,000 persons: Washoe (Reno) and
Clark County (Las Vegas). Historically, Washoe and Clark
Counties supervised and administered child protective
services, while the State’s DCFS supervised and administered
statewide foster care and adoption services, as well as all
residential therapeutic care. DCFS also supervised and
administered both child protective and child welfare
services in the 15 rural counties.
In 2001, the
Nevada State Legislature determined that the bifurcated
system was not conducive to promoting positive outcomes for
children and families. Through passage of the Legislature’s
Assembly Bill 1, the transfer of state foster/adoption care
services from the state to the counties with populations
exceeding 100,000 (Clark and Washoe) counties was mandated.
The state transferred child welfare foster care/adoption
services and staff to Washoe County Department of Social
Services (WCDSS) in January 2003. The transfer of staff and
services to Clark County Department of Family Services (CCDFS)
was completed in October 2004. DCFS remains responsible for
supervising and administering child protective/welfare
services in the remaining 15 rural counties. Further, DCFS
moves into a new oversight role for county-administered
child protective and child welfare services delivery
providing technical assistance, fiscal oversight for federal
monies, and quality improvement activities. Last, Nevada’s
systemic “bifurcation” remains in that DCFS retains
responsibility for administering higher levels of
out-of-home care for children in the custody of Washoe and
Clark Counties.
Nevada’s
child protective/welfare system ostensibly functions as
three regional services areas: the Rural Region operates as
a state supervised and state (DCFS) administered delivery
system, and the Northern and Southern Regions operate as
state supervised – county administered (WCDSS and CCDFS)
child welfare delivery systems.
Child
Welfare Agencies provide a continuum of services. The
foundation for case planning is the assessment and
comprehensive case management services that support the
child, the parents, and the caregivers. The continuum
includes emergency shelter care, foster family care
(including relative placements), group home care,
therapeutic foster care, respite care, residential treatment
care both in and out-of-state, and independent living
services. Additional services to support the child and
family include in-home counseling (family
preservation/intensive family services), early childhood
services, and other outpatient services. |
