HSA’s Children’s Division has a primary focus of child protection and strives to achieve a permanent plan and placement that is best for the child. By welcoming a child into your home, you are restoring a safe and stable environment; as well as, showing them love and guidance. You also are allowing time for a family to heal. Troubled families receive services to remedy their problems, a process that works toward reuniting biological parents with their children. The goal is to provide permanency and well-being to children. If the child cannot reunify with their parents, you can choose to make a permanent commitment, and may consider becoming an adoptive family. An adoptive family provides a permanent home for one or more of Washoe County’s “legally available” children.
Are you ready?
How you can help
Adopt
Help children who would not otherwise have a family life, become members of a family that can give them the love, care, protection and opportunities essential for their healthy personal growth and development. Learn more about adoption and how you can be a hero to a child or teenager.
Foster
There are approximately 800 children in the Washoe County Human Services Agency Foster System and fewer than 400 foster families. You can help fill this void and make a difference in a child’s life. Learn more on how to become a licensed foster parent.
Mentor
Just an hour or more of your time each week can make a huge difference to a foster child. As a mentor, you will become a role model and friend to them. Start making a difference today.
Volunteer
Our volunteers are essential in keeping our many services going. We are happy to discuss with you how your skills and talents can best help the “Have a Heart” program and the children we serve.