Lori Shyaka Lsw, Rsw Email & Phone Number

Elko, Nv, Us

United States

Collaborate with Clark County Family Services (CCFS) on identifying cases of children in foster care (in Clark County, NV) with no possibility of reunification and no identified adoptive resource. Conduct training sessions for other professionals who voluntarily serve as Permanency Round Table (PRT) Role-Members, who apply a specific skillset to effectively participate in PRTs, following their prescribed model and intention. Coordinate, oversee, and participate in PRT meetings which involves critically and creatively brainstorming possible paths to permanency. Develop a concrete action plan during the PRT meeting, and assist the Permanency Team with task completion.

Spearheaded this pilot program in partnership with the Division of Child & Family Services (DCFS) in Nevada, which sought to assist DCFS caseworkers with seeking out and contacting extended family of children being placed in foster care, within state mandated deadlines.

Elko, Nevada, United States

Implemented the Wendy's Wonderful Kids model of child-focused recruitment in order to attain permanency for children in foster care across rural Nevada. The model involves completing an intensive case record review, diligently searching for extended family or other important connections to the children, building and supporting current relationships who can provide healthy lifelong support, and connecting with the children on a monthly basis to better understand their needs and desires in a forever home.

Sudbury, Ontario

Received referrals from local schools to facilitate peer mediation group training sessions and 1-on-1 conflict mediation between students at risk of suspension or other consequences.

Sudbury, Ontario

Successfully completed the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies (OACAS) Pathways to Authorization training series and Authorization Candidacy Exam. Assisted with investigations, home visits and supervised access visits, assessed risk and provided referrals to community resources.

Sudbury, Ontario

Assessed client needs and barriers and formulated comprehensive plans of care focused on obtaining and maintaining housing. Provided advocacy and outreach services; successfully maintained collaborative relationships with community agencies, social assistance programs, housing authorities, property managers and landlords. Efficiently maintained demographic data and statistics in order to submit monthly and annual reports. Also coordinated agency food bank and assisted in other areas including student supervision, fundraising, group programming for incarcerated women, court support and bail supervision.