Washoe County Human Services Agency Opens New Family Engagement Center

HSA provides a place of reunification for families and children.

Reno, Nevada. Dec. 6, 2017. The Human Services Agency (HSA) officially opened the first of its kind Washoe County Family Engagement Center on Wednesday.

The new 6,090 square foot family engagement center is located at 905 E. Prater Way, offering more expansive indoor and outdoor visitation space, a playground, and additional parking for birth and foster parents. The center is a multi-use facility, with an open, natural environment, featuring various fun activities for children of all ages.

“Visitation between parents and their children is a critical part of the reunification process. Studies show a natural, spacious place reduces anxiety and depression. A decrease in behavioral issues and reunification probability increases significantly when parents visit their children more frequently in a supportive, nurturing environment,” Washoe County HSA Director Amber Howell said. “I want to thank the Washoe County Commission and all of our community partners for recognizing the need and helping HSA provide a safe and secure place our families can use well into the future.”

The family engagement center offers the following:

• Visitation rooms
• Teen area
• Baby nurseries
• Family room
• Kitchen
• Dining room
• Sensory gym
• Playground
• Lobby
• Staff offices

The center was needed, due to the lack of space at the previous facility located at 350 S. Center Street. HSA hosts more than 15,000 visits for or with foster children each year.

The Washoe County Family Engagement Center was purchased with the help of a Victims of Crimes Act federal grant.

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