Clark County has announced a new leader for its Family Services Department, welcoming Frank Prado into the role as director — an appointment that brings with it both extensive professional experience and a promise for innovative community-focused change. In an announcement that came down yesterday, the Clark County Commission ratified Prado's appointment, with Deputy County Manager Abigail Frierson heralding his blend of leadership and dedication to child welfare, according to an official county statement.
Frierson stated, "We are thrilled to welcome Frank Prado as our new Clark County Family Services Director," as reported by the county's official website. Prado, who brings over two decades of expertise in the social services sector, joins the department after roles that include regional managing director for the Florida Department of Children and Families, as well as child protective investigator supervisor, circuit director of Florida’s Guardian ad Litem program, statewide director of operations, and a child welfare auditor. His past also includes consulting work with the Administration for Children and Families’ Office of Refugee Resettlement. His academic credentials are also considerable, with a Master of Arts in Public Administration from the University of Central Florida, a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Florida State University, and a certificate in Public Management from the Florida Center for Public Management at Florida State University.
In his acknowledgment of the new position, Prado said, "I am honored to join Clark County and to have the opportunity to contribute to the well-being of children and families in our community," as per the county's official website. His intent, as he communicated it, is to leverage his vast professional and personal experiences to ensure that all children receive the backing and resources necessary to succeed — he aims to collaborate with the dedicated team at Clark County to usher in culturally informed services that buttress families and guard children's welfare.
Prado succeeds Jill Marano, who held the position previously and will now head a new county office designed to integrate various services spanning mental health, behavioral health, and prevention sectors. This innovative cross-departmental collaboration is seen as a move that could enhance support for the community’s most at-risk demographics. Marano will oversee operations that include adoption services, a Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline, investigations into reports of abuse and neglect through Child Protective Services, foster home licensing, placing over 3,000 children at any given moment, case management, and the Parenting Project aimed at improving adult parenting effectiveness. With an impressive background at the helm, the department's nearly 1,000 employees and nearly $400 million budget will be directed by Frank Prado, as the county moves forward with its vision for improved support and outcomes for its children and families.
