General Overview of Child Welfare Network:
In April 2004, the Ritter Charitable Trust, in partnership with the Nevada Community Foundation, created the Child Welfare Network (formerly known as the Foster Care Task Force) to promote reform on behalf of childrens and families.
Initially, the focus was on better preparing late adolescents to live independently when they aged out of the system at the age of 18. During the last several years, the Network has evolved as our community’s challenges surrounding childrens and families have grown and changed. Since the Network’s inception, great strides have been made on a number of different fronts. Some of these accomplishments include:
Based on the need identified by the Foster Care Task Force, the Ritter Charitable Trust produced Into the World: A Life Book, a resource manual for young adults aging out of the foster care system.
Based on feedback from the Task Force, members implemented mentorship programs at their respective organizations.
The Foster Care Fund for Youth was established at the Nevada Community Foundation.
A member organization provided funding to Clark County to secure a part-time staff position dedicated to Diligent Search (searching for extended family members and relatives in whose care a youth might go instead of ever being placed in foster care). This program has proved to be quiet successful.
Completion of a broad scan of foster care issues and services in Clark County. Click here to view this report.
Completion of research regarding various child welfare-related public and private task forces/coalitians; this information will assist the group in future planning and collaborations. Click here to view this research.
The Child Welfare Network is comprised of a variety of public sector officials, private nonprofit providers, philanthropists, former foster youth, foster parents and concerned citizens who have used their respective strengths, knowledge and resources to positively impact the foster care system. More information on;
Click to view: NICRP Categorized Bill
Click to view:Children's Summit Policy
To be invited to upcoming meetings of the Child Welfare Network, Click here. OR Email Debbie Ward