Welcome to the 2026 May issue of Foster Family News, a monthly newsletter for current and potential Fairfax County foster parents. Our monthly newsletter shares resources, news, tips, events, and trainings relevant to foster and adoptive parents, children in care, and the resource workers who support them.
| Table of Contents |
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| Feature Articles |
| Events Central |
| Support Groups |
| FAQs, Story in Stats & Foster Care Facts |
| Trainings and Conferences |
College Tour Ignites Inspiration
Our Fostering Futures program for older youth in foster care hit the road for an inspiring two-day college tour, giving seven teenagers, ages 15–19, a firsthand look at life after high school and what their futures can truly hold. Learn more about this dynamic road trip.
During National Foster Care Month each May, we recognize the role of foster care in providing children with safe, caring, temporary homes. Fairfax County works to engage the community around foster care, recruit new foster parents, and develop partnerships to support children in foster care and their permanency. This year, we are hosting a Community Special Event at Herndon Fortnightly Library on Tuesday, May 5, and a Foster Parent Info meeting on Tuesday May 12. Join us, invite someone, or download and share social media messages and graphics, from our Community Engagement Toolkit to spread the word about the needs of children in care.
Starting out as a foster parent during COVID-19 was not easy. There were a variety of challenges, but Ms. R stuck it out and has experienced many rewards that come with helping families and children in need of a helping hand. The world is a much brighter place due to her decision to open her heart and home and give of herself. Read more.
Join us in celebrating Fairfax County foster parents who have reached significant milestones in their partnership with our program. We also want to recognize the foster parents who have just begun their journey with us in the last year. We hope that many of you will be with the program for years to come! Learn more.
For youth with lived experience in foster care, this is an opportunity to share your insights to help create change in the system. Foster youth perspectives are needed to create a child welfare system that effectively serves and uplifts the most vulnerable. Join the “From the Margins to the Center” project and help inform researchers at Rutgers and Vanderbilt universities as they engage youth in envisioning and articulating a reimagined child welfare paradigm. Learn more.
Substance use is a common factor in foster care, kinship placements, and adoption which can impact the stability of placements, child outcomes, and a caregiver’s relationship with the child’s birth parent. To be an effective caregiver, it’s important to understand this complex relationship. Learn more.
The Virginia Department of Social Services' Parent Advisory Council is currently looking for new members! The Parent Advisory Council is made up of parents of children with lived experience in the child welfare system, such as having a Child Protective Services and/or Foster Care case. We are looking for parents who are willing to partner with VDSS to provide input on state-level changes and develop their own leadership skills. Contact VDSS for more information.
Awareness to Action – Supporting Foster Care Changes Lives!
Tuesday, May 5
7-8:30 p.m.
Herndon Library
768 Center Street
Herndon, VA 20170
Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of children in need? Have you ever wondered what foster care entails? Come learn about the foster care and adoption program in Fairfax County and how you can raise awareness and support your community. This National Foster Care Month Open House is an opportunity to understand the foster care system, the process involved, the rewards of being a foster parent, as well as other ways to be involved. Whether you are simply curious to learn more or seriously considering becoming a foster parent, this meeting is the perfect chance to get all your questions answered. Drop in or register online.
Family Fun Day in the Park hosted by Fairfax County Foster Care and Adoption
Saturday, May 9, 2026
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Lake Accotink Park
Fairfax County Resource Families, please join us for an open house in the great outdoors. There will be a special presentation honoring YOU, our resource families, as well as an interactive resiliency training with an expressive arts activity. You'll explore how connection, community, and nature can strengthen family resilience and support healthy family functioning. There will be a light lunch and snacks, and opportunities to enjoy the park’s amenities including boat rentals, carousel, trails, minigolf and more. Families must RSVP by Friday, May 1.
Monthly Foster Care Information Meeting
Tuesday, May 12
6:45-8:30 p.m.
Are you curious about becoming a foster parent? Are you or someone close to you ready for the next step to help children that need a temporary home? We need more foster parents, and information meetings are one of the ways we get to know prospective parents. Information meetings for prospective parents are by invitation only. To attend the meeting first complete a short interest form to help us get to know you better, and you will be contacted promptly by one of our specialists. The full annual meeting schedule and additional information are available online. Check it out and share it with others who might be interested.
The Department of Family Services supports families and county residents of all ages and stages of life – and that definitely includes foster parents and families! Like and Follow @FairfaxCountyFamilyServices for news, events, tips, stories, training opportunities and more.
A variety of organizations offer support to adoptive, foster, and kinship care families in our region. Register online for a preferred support group.
Various dates, 6:30-8 p.m. – Foster the Family Support Groups for foster, kinship, and adoptive moms throughout the region. Support group attendance may count towards training and recertification hours. Child care registration is limited. Maryland County Support Groups.
Sunday, May 3, 7:30-9 p.m. – Formed Families Forward Virtual Peer Support Groups for foster, adoptive, and kinship families.
May 4 & 18, Jun 1, 15 & 29, 6:30-8 p.m. Community Caring & Learning: A Support Group for Fairfax County Resource Parents. CCL Groups are a supportive community for foster, adoptive and kinship parents offering an environment of camaraderie, a space to discuss topics related to foster care and adoption as well as learn tips and skills from other resource parents. All sessions are facilitated by seasoned resource parents. Register for child care. In-service training hours will be provided.
Thursday, May 7, 6:30-8 p.m. – Formed Families Forward Virtual Fairfax Kinship Support Group for caregivers to safely share their experiences, concerns, and frustrations with their peers. In partnership with Fairfax County Government.
Wednesday, May 14, 6:30-8 p.m. – Formed Families Forward In-Person Fairfax Kinship Support Group for caregivers to safely share their experiences, concerns, and frustrations with their peers. In partnership with Fairfax County Government.
Wednesday, May 20, 7-8:30 p.m. – Formed Families Forward in-Person Peer Support Groups for foster, adoptive, and kinship families.
Each newsletter will include this section to help answer questions, spotlight the people who support foster families, highlight the donors and sponsors who generously give to foster care programs and activities and friendly reminders for foster families to sign-up for trainings.
What is the difference between foster care and adoption?
Answer: Foster care is meant to be temporary. The goal of foster care is to work with the birth parents and relatives so that a child in foster care can successfully return home or be placed with relatives. Foster care has a permanency timeline of one year to work towards achieving reunification. However, this time can be extended if significant progress is being made towards achieving the goals, but outside circumstances prohibit success within the specified timeframe. An example of this might be substance abuse services, mental health treatment or a relative obtaining a mutual family assessment and completion of foster parent training.
Adoption is meant to be permanent. The purpose of adoption is to help children whose parents are unable to continue with their parental responsibilities become legally part of a permanent family. The goal of adoption is considered either with relatives or nonrelatives, in order to provide children with permanent family connections. Adoption has a permanency timeline, of twenty-four months, from the time a child enters foster care in which to finalize an adoption.
Check out other frequently asked questions and answers from past issues.
For Youth in Fairfax County Foster Care or Fostering Futures
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