Clark County Department of Family Services (DFS) and The LGBTQ Center of Southern Nevada will host “Safe Homes, Open Hearts,” a community resource fair aimed to support LGBTQ+ families on Thursday, Feb. 22 from 5-8 p.m. The event will provide essential resources and information for families interested in becoming foster caregivers and changing the lives of children and teens in foster care, including LGBTQ+ youth.

Space is limited so registration is strongly encouraged at bit.ly/safehomeopenhearts. Those who register by Feb. 14 will have a chance to win tickets to Omega Mart.

The evening of education and engagement will feature a panel of foster and adoptive parents, including Jason Smith, a local Las Vegas parent whose inspiring foster care journey has been recognized on NBC’s “Today” and People magazine. The panelists will share personal experiences, offering valuable insights into the foster care system and adoption.

A multitude of community partners, including Raise the Future and CASA Las Vegas, will be onsite providing resources and information to create a loving and inclusive home environment. Attendees will have the opportunity to initiate their foster care application and undergo fingerprinting right at the venue.

“The need for new foster parents in our community is significant,” said Clark County Family Services Deputy Director Patrick Barkley. “Loving foster and adoptive parents from all backgrounds, including the LGBTQ+ community, are pivotal in providing stability and care for our youth. DFS is committed to providing resources to help those who step up to the plate for this noble cause.”

For more information on fostering in Clark County, visit clarkcountyfostercare.com.