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Foster Care and Adoption

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Or come to an orientation meeting Second Monday of each month, 7 p.m. Department of Family Services Pennino Building 12011 Government Center Parkway Fairfax, Virginia 22035 Due to holidays in October and November, orientations for those months will be on Monday, October 15 and Monday, November 19 at 7 p.m. For Information call 703-324-7639 TTY: 703-222-9452 Who are these children? There are children in Fairfax County who . . . Have their worlds turned upside down Need a safe haven during difficult times Need a foster home due to abuse or neglect Range in age from infant to 18 Come from diverse backgrounds Have experienced devastating losses of family and identity They search for a sense of belonging Have their confidence and feelings of self-worth shattered Are frightened and alone. Get to know some of the wonderful children available for adoption through the Department of Family Services. What do they need? Foster and adoptive parents Stable, nurturing homes Someone in their corner To learn to trust again Day-to-day guidance Support from loving adults. What is the Foster Care and Adoption Program? Today, over 300 Fairfax County children are in foster care. The Foster Care and Adoption Program offers placements for these children and services to help their families. When a child cannot return home safely, we seek adoption or other permanent placement. What is the difference between foster care and adoption? Foster care is the temporary placing of a child outside the child's home. This may occur as a result of abuse, neglect or other circumstances that put the child at risk, or when parents decide they cannot care for their child. During this time, family problems are addressed so that the child can return home safely, or plans are made for permanent placement of the child outside his or her birth family. Adoption meets the needs of children for permanent families. Who can foster and adopt? Resources provided . . . Training and supportive services Financial assistance Counseling Child care Ordinary people who . . . Care about children Want to make a difference in children's lives and futures Are 21 or older May be married, single, or divorced May work outside the home Must be able to provide a safe, loving home Ways to be a foster parent or mentor Foster parents offer children safety and stability until children can return to their families or go to permanent homes. Foster families offer different types of care: Regular Foster Home—Children stay for any length of time, often one to two years. Resource Home—These families are willing to both foster and adopt a child, depending on the child’s needs. Child-Specific—Children are placed with relatives or close friends who know the children’s background and circumstances. Mentor Home—These families give young adults aged 16 to 18 temporary housing and valuable guidance in choosing careers, extending education, and building practical skills. Supports for Foster Parents Our foster parents receive . . . Reimbursement for room, board, clothing and related expenses Ongoing training and support workshops social events monthly support group All medical and dental care through Medicaid or other sources Services the child may need such as day care respite care summer camp school fees and trips music lessons Parenting through adoption Children need families to call their own. With permanent homes come lifelong support systems, love, and a brighter future. More than 70 percent of our adoptive families begin as foster parents, then commit to adopting the child in their care. Some children in Fairfax County are still awaiting adoptive homes. Many are school aged and part of sibling groups. See some of the services Fairfax County's Foster Care and Adoption program makes available to adoptive parents.

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has proclaimed November 2012 as Adoption Awareness Month. Meet the Divelys - A special family who adopted three older children. Important Links Creating Connections for Life - Get to know some of the wonderful children available for adoption. SAFE Newsletter Adoption Related Services Subsidized Adoption Independent Living Program Becoming a Foster & Adoptive Parent Handbook (pdf)   “There’s always the uncertainty of what will happen to the child in the end, but an element of bonding takes place right away. With my daughters, it was love at first sight.” ~ David Vasquez, adoptive parent "When I’m playing basketball and I can hear my mom in the crowd ... I feel happy because somebody is there for me when I’m at my best." ~ Kahlil, foster son "Kids come in here and at first they’re frightened, scared. But you love them and you nurture them, and they leave a completely different child." ~ Margaret Taylor, foster parent It's the most demanding job you’ll ever love A child in your community needs you. The children in our care are creative, intelligent, and engaging. All of them are looking for a place to call home.