Department of Family Services – Children, Youth and Families

CONTACT INFORMATION: Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
703-324-7500 TTY 711
12011 Government Center Parkway, Pennino Building
Fairfax, VA 22035
Oriane Eriksen
Director

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May is Foster Care Month

May is Foster Care Month

Supporting Foster Care Changes Lives!

This year, Fairfax County’s theme for National Foster Care Month is “Supporting Foster Care Changes Lives!” We are actively engaging with Fairfax County community members to move them from awareness to action. Our Foster Care and Adoption program has a critical need for more dedicated foster parents and community partners to come alongside us.

We encourage county residents, faith-based organizations, and other public and private organizations to recognize the importance of foster care, consider how they can make an impact, and commit to supporting children and youth in need. There are a variety of ways to get involved through fostering, mentoring, volunteering, donating goods and services, providing respite care and other support for foster parents, and more. 

Join us this month — and throughout the year — in making a difference for Fairfax County children and youth in foster care.

Learn about the Department of Family Services' Foster Care & Adoption Program.

Fast Facts

  • In September 2022, a total of 368,530 children and youth were in foster care across the country (federal Children's Bureau)
  • In February 2025, there were 5,482 children in foster care in the Commonwealth of Virginia, 247 of whom were in Fairfax County. (Virginia Department of Social Services)
  • Foster parents can be as young as 18. Single, divorced and married (including LGBTQ couples) folks are all welcome!
  • Fairfax County’s greatest need is for loving homes for children in sibling groups and those 9 years of age and older.

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