TTY: 703-222-9452
Our Foster Care Program provides safe and nurturing care in foster families to children temporarily placed outside their home as a result of abuse, neglect or serious family problems. Read a recent interview with a Fairfax County foster parent.
Make a difference in a child's life
—
become a foster parent ...
Our need for foster parents is
ongoing, especially
foster parents for ...
- infants
- older children
- sibling groups
- African-American and Hispanic children, and
- children with different language needs.
Foster parents ...
- must be at least 21
- may be married or single
- may work outside the home
- must be able to provide a safe, structured, happy home.
Supports to Foster Parents ...
To help with the cost of caring for a child in foster care, our foster parents receive:
- Reimbursement for room, board, clothing and related expenses – $326/month for a child 0-4 years old; $381 a month for a child 5-12 years old; and $483 for a youth 13-21 years old.
- Ongoing training and support including workshops, social events and a monthly support group.
- The department is responsible for all medical and dental care through Medicaid or other sources. The department also pays for services the child may need such as day care, respite care, summer camp, school fees and trips, and music lessons.
A valuable resource for foster parents is the Fairfax County Foster Care and Adoption Association.
Learn more about becoming a foster or adoptive parent. Come to our
Orientation Meetings
2nd Monday of each month
Human Services Center, Pennino Building
12011 Government Center Parkway
Fairfax, Virginia
No registration required
For more information: 703-324-7639
Read about ...
- Foster Care in Fairfax County and becoming a foster parent
- Statistics on foster care: Advisory Social Services Board 2006 Annual Report (see Foster Care and Adoption section)
- Providing short-term, Emergency Foster Care
-
Providing permanent care for children: Fairfax County's
Adoption Program - Volunteering with our department.
Q: Who can become a foster parent?
Married couples or individuals over 21 who live in Fairfax County or surrounding Virginia counties may apply to become foster parents. Applicants may work full time outside the home, as long they can meet the needs of the child. Couples should be married for at least one year before applying.
Q: What is involved in becoming a foster parent?
When you apply to become a foster parent, a social worker will set up a visit with you in your home. Next, you attend evening or Saturday training sessions with other prospective foster parents. Later, personal interviews and background checks are completed.
To learn more about becoming a foster parent, call 703-324-7639 or come to our informational meetings the second Monday of each month, 7:00-8:30 p.m., at the Pennino Building, 12011 Government Center Parkway in Fairfax, Virginia. Call 703-324-7639 for directions or more information.
Q: Who pays expenses for the child?
The department provides basic room and board payments and a $300-$450 yearly clothing allowance to offset the cost of care. Currently, the monthly stipend for a child age 0 to 4 is $368; for a child 5 to 12, $431; and for children 13 to 20, $546. In addition, Medicaid covers medical and dental costs.
Q: How long will the child stay with me?
It is difficult to predict how long a foster child will stay in your home. Generally speaking, it may be from 5 days to 14 months, or longer, depending on their individual needs and those of their family.
Read what a Fairfax County foster parent has to say about foster parenting.
www.connectforkids.org
Connect for Kids — Guidance for Grownups
www.fcfcaa.org
Fairfax County Foster Care and Adoptive Parent Association
www.fostercare.org
Foster Parents Care — Child Advocates Resource Exchange