Welcome to the 2026 April 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 |
A Foster-to-Adopt Success Story: Persistence, Support, and Family Growth
We all love a good news story! This success story began in 2003 in a Foster-to-Adopt training offered by Fairfax County. It culminates with loving parents launching two exceptional children into adulthood to pursue higher education and chart their own path. Meet the Lindo-Allens!
Looking for ways to connect with other resource parents? Ready to be a part of a supportive community of like-minded people? Look no further. We heard you! DFS Foster Care and Adoption is launching a series of in-person gatherings for YOU! CCL Groups are for Fairfax County foster, adoptive, and kinship parents. Learn more.
If you feel bad about what is in the news and you are having trouble talking about it, it’s likely that children are struggling too. We offer some advice on how their trauma might show up and how to respond to create feelings of safety despite the scary or violent things in the media. Read more.
In 2026, Fairfax County is recognizing National Child Abuse Prevention Month with the theme “Building Stronger Families: Solid Foundations for Family Well-being.” Just like a house, families need a strong foundation to thrive. Love forms the walls and roof, but other factors—such as a strong support system, a social network, community resources, parenting knowledge, self-care, and empathy—help keep everything stable. These family protective factors support the safety and well-being of children. It also reminds us that everyone needs support at different times in their lives. Learn more.
All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution. As immigration enforcement continues to expand, the Fairfax County Foster Care and Adoption program is sharing some resources to raise awareness among resource families and youth in foster care about how to exercise those rights. Learn more.
The Pennino Building, 12011 Government Center Parkway in Fairfax, remains closed until further notice due to damage caused by a water leak while remediation and repairs are completed. Walk-in services are unavailable at this time. Talk to your resource worker if you need in-person support. The public should visit one of our Human Services Centers in Alexandria, Annandale, or Reston for walk in support. Learn more.
Monthly Foster Care Information Meeting
Tuesday, April 14
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.
Spring Forward Foster, Adoptive and Kinship Family Fun Day hosted by Formed Families Forward
Saturday, April 18
8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
10900 University Blvd
Manassas, VA 20110
This day of learning and connection is open to parents, caregivers and professionals. The morning begins with a keynote, “From Surviving to Thriving: Redefining Success When You Can’t Control the Outcome,” presented by Melissa Corkum, CEO and Founder of RISE to Regulation. Children and youth can enjoy a day of structured and engaging outdoor activities. The event concludes with a family lunch. Learn more.
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.
*SAVE THE DATE* 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.
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. Childcare registration is limited. Learn more about changes to their services in the DC area. Maryland County Support Groups.
Thursday, April 2, 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.
Sunday, April 12, 7:30-9 p.m. – Formed Families Forward Virtual Peer Support Groups for foster, adoptive, and kinship families.
Monday, April 13 & 27, 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.
Wednesday, April 15, 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, April 15, 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 respite? How do I access it?
Answer: Respite is a service provided to foster parents when they need assistance caring for the child in their home. It is used to maintain or stabilize the family. Respite occurs when a child needs to stay with another foster family either overnight or for an extended period during the day. Respite may be used if the foster parents need to go out of town and are unable to take the child in their home. Respite funds may be used for preplacement visits or visits with siblings or when a youth is stepping down from a higher level of care. Respite is not to be used as punishment for a child. Foster parents can request respite through the foster care and adoption specialist, resource specialist or placement coordinator. The specialist may also request respite but should discuss it with the foster parent first. Respite can be provided in the home of the foster parent where the child lives or in the home of the foster parent providing the respite.
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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