The UNLV-based Nevada Institute for Children, in partnership with the state Division of Child and Family Services, has been awarded a $750,000 grant to enhance adoption processes in Clark County.

The three-year grant comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The grant proposal from the institute and the state agency competed with proposals from across the nation.

The grant allows for the creation of a mentoring program that will identify "adoption buddies" across the valley, said institute director Vince Juaristi. The "adoption buddies" will be people with experience in Nevada's adoption system, preferably people who have successfully adopted children themselves, he said.

The buddies will help other families through the adoption system so children can be placed more easily and quickly in good, loving homes, Juaristi said.

For additional information, call Juaristi at 895-1040.