Welcome to the 2026 August 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 |
|---|
| Feature Articles |
| Events Central |
| Support Groups |
| FAQs, Story in Stats & Foster Care Facts |
| Trainings and Conferences |
Honoring Family Reunification
This past June, the Fairfax County Department of Family Services and Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court held the fifth annual Reunification Month Celebration, honoring five families that worked diligently to improve themselves this past year so that they could be together. The theme of the event was “Family Reunification –Through Trials to Triumph.” Community supporters, family, friends and county staff who supported the families were all on hand to cheer the families on. Learn more.
“Children, youth, and teens who have been adopted, in foster care, or in kinship care have been through significant trauma, and they're often dealing with big emotions that they don't know how to handle.” If you are overwhelmed, then this article from the experts at Families Rising offers concrete de-escalation strategies you can start using today! Read more.
When the Department of Family Services first becomes involved with families, we often meet them at some of the lowest points in their lives. That was the case for a young woman, struggling to overcome her alcohol and substance abuse so that she could be reunified with her five‑year‑old and twelve‑month‑old daughters. Learn more!
Unfortunately, some children impacted by adoption, foster, and kinship care may react to new relationships with fear, uncertainty, and behaviors rooted in a need for safety. This C.A.S.E. blog post encourages understanding and curiosity. It also covers approaches to help children build trust and develop secure relationships. Learn more.
Formed Families Forward 2026 Summer Family Picnic and Service Project
Aug. 7, 2026
5-7 p.m.
Burke Lake Park
7315 Ox Rd, Shelter A.
Fairfax Station, VA 22039
Reconnect, relax, and play. There will be a service project and activities for the whole family, dinner, and a magic show! Parents and caregivers will have time to connect with other families and visit our exhibitors. This is NOT a drop-off event. Free! Register online.
Monthly Foster Care Information Meeting
Tuesday, August 11
5:30-7 p.m.
8350 Richmond Highway (Room 217)
Alexandria, VA 22309
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. Learn more about changes to their services in the DC area. Maryland Support Groups.
Sunday, August 2, 7:30-9 p.m. – Formed Families Forward Virtual Peer Support Groups for foster, adoptive, and kinship families.
Tuesday, August 4, 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. Register online.
Thursday, August 6, 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. Register online.
Monday, August 17, 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. Register online.
Thursday, August 19, 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, August 20, 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.
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 does DFS pay for college and/or training costs?
Answer: Education and Training Vouchers (ETV) for Youth (Ages 16-26) in Postsecondary Education: ETV funds are available to help pay necessary costs of attending college or vocational training degree or certificate programs, such as: tuition, grants, transportation, computers, and room and board. ETV may pay up to $5,000 a year of expenses that are not paid by grants, and should be utilized prior to Independent Living Funds, when available.
High School Diploma or GED is required. Applications must be processed and approved prior to funds being available. Contact DFSIndependentLiving@fairfaxcounty.gov to work with a Fostering Futures Specialist to begin the process.
Check out other frequently asked questions and answers from past issues.
What do you want to see in Foster Family News?