The Division Director for Children’s Services in Washoe County Says the Coronavirus Pandemic Affected Foster Care Providers Severely

NEVADA – Washoe County’s Children’s Services Director says the coronavirus outbreak affected foster care hard.

Cara Paoli, division director, they hope to increase sales.

201 licensed foster homes are in Washoe County. 40 dwellings and 175 beds less than before the pandemic.

As of this publication, there were 664 foster kids.

Human Services Agency and Washoe County foster parents have observed the problem and hope more families become licensed.

“It’s hard.” Washoe County foster parent Zack said it’s hard labor. “As a firefighter, I find it very fulfilling. I’ve provided care that saved a patient’s life. Foster parenting is more significant.

Zack’s surname’s name is hidden to protect his family’s privacy. His family has fostered 11 kids in the last 6 years.

COVID created burnout in several regions, he said.

Agreed Paoli.

“We always spend in quality care for children, thus foster families struggled,” she said.

Now she thinks finding childcare is harder due to inflation and the economy.

Zack advises new foster families and says the county struggles to keep them for the first year.

Being a great foster parent takes time, he noted. “In that first year, you learn about medical providers for a child, how to co-parent with birth families, and how to navigate the judicial system for foster children and families.”

You’re also caring for a child in one of their toughest moments.

Paoli: “These kids have experienced trauma, so they test parents.”

She says it’s worth it for families who want to help while biological parents try to get them back.

“We celebrate reunion and attempt to bring kids back to their birth parents, which can be hard for foster parents,” Paoli added.

20 youngsters without homes are residing in the “Kid’s Kottage” Paoli says the children receive tremendous care, but being around others suffering through tragedy is traumatic.

“It forces them to adjust to events they can’t control, which expects a lot from them,” she said.

Paoli says more foster families means more kids may choose where to live and less bouncing about. This improves system stability.

If you’re interested in fostering a child through Washoe County, visit theirs Have a Heart page.

Washoe County has a terrific mentorship program where you can take a youngster along to do your favorite things and be their shoulder as they negotiate huge life changes.

Credits: Fox Reno