Foster Parent Resource Guide
The Foster Parent Resource Guide is a tool designed to assist Fairfax County resource parents in the vital role as caregivers and advocates for children in foster care. Whether new to fostering or with years of experience, this guide aims to provide valuable information, practical advice, and essential resources to help you navigate the unique challenges and rewards of fostering. It also provides a general overview of several frequently asked questions and policies unique to fostering with Fairfax County Department of Family Services. Learn more.
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EVENTS CENTRAL
Monthly Foster Care Information Meeting
Tuesday, September 8
6:45-8 p.m.
Virtual via Zoom
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. 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.
SUPPORT GROUPS
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. Learn more about changes to their services in the DC area. Maryland Support Groups.
Tuesday, Sept. 1, 7:30-8:30 p.m. – C.A.S.E. Ask An Adoptee Support Group fosters meaningful dialogue and connection for individuals impacted by adoption, foster care, and kinship care. Certain months will focus on specific audiences — including adoptees, those with foster care or kinship care experience, adoptive parents, and partners of adoptees creating supportive spaces to connect, learn, and grow together. Meets monthly on the first Tuesday.
Thursday, Sept. 3, 7-8:30 p.m. – C.A.S.E. Adult Adoptee Support Group fosters an environment where participants will be able to voice some of the challenges, triumphs, and identity work unique to adult adoptees.
Sunday, Sept. 13, 7:30-9 p.m. – Formed Families Forward Virtual Peer Support Groups for foster, adoptive, and kinship families.
Thursday, Sept. 17, 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.
Monday, Sept. 21, Noon-1 p.m.– Lunch Break Parent Support Group. Engage in thought provoking, honest conversations, receive support and guidance, and leave better equipped with expanded knowledge, skills, and confidence – knowing you are not alone. Meets monthly on the third Monday.
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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.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What do I do if my child gets sick?
Answer: The Medical Authorization form, which is given to foster parents at the time of the child’s arrival, explains explicitly what to do in a medical emergency. If a child has a fever or illness after hours, foster parents can take them to the emergency room or any medical facility that accepts that child’s insurance. Foster parents are asked to call the Foster Parent Support Line at 703-257-3974 to inform the on-call person that the child will be taken to the emergency room. Foster parents should take the Medical Authorization form and Provider Agreement with them in case the facility asks for it.
Check out other frequently asked questions and answers from past issues.
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