LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Nearly 4,000 children are in foster homes across Clark County, and county leaders say there is still an urgent need for more foster parents.
Clark County Family Services said it is consistently recruiting for foster parents due to increased need. The county said it has stepped up recruitment and outreach so children don’t have to stay in emergency shelters.
“So we foster kids from zero to 18 years of age. We often have an influx of babies from zero to five that do need homes,” said Allyson Manumaleuna, family services supervisor for Clark County Family Services.
Clark County Family Services said demand constantly shifts.
“It kind of ebbs and flows,” said Manumaleuna.
Foster home numbers grow, but need outpaces capacity
The number of licensed foster homes has grown since 2023, jumping from around 300 to about 426 today. The county said even with that growth, need continues to outpace capacity.
“So, the biggest reason is abuse or neglect, and when there’s a failure to provide safety and care for the children,” said Manumaleuna.
The county is actively looking to recruit another 200 foster parents.
“And so, our goal is really to have a home for every child that comes into care so that they’re not having to spend any time at our emergency shelter,” said Manumaleuna.
As of today, between 70 and 92 children remain waiting for a placement.
“We need some stable, safe, secure, loving caregivers that can provide a temporary home for children and really ensure that they are being successful while their parents are working on reunifying with them,” said Manumaleuna.
Support extends to foster parents
The county wants potential caregivers to know support does not stop with the children — it extends directly to foster parents as well, ensuring families have the resources they need to provide a safe, stable home.
For anyone interested in learning more, Family Services is hosting an information event Thursday at 4 p.m. at Mountain Crest Community Park.
County officials note that becoming a foster parent does not mean committing to permanent adoption. The primary goal in most cases remains safe family reunification.
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