Welcome to the 2026 March 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 |
Summer Camp Resources for Foster Families
Believe it or not, it’s time to register for summer camps. These programs are such an important way for children to stay active, keep their minds engaged, and make friends while school is on break. If you are looking for a local camp guide, some affordable options, and some tips about preparing kids to go to camp, check out this article.
Wondering how to get children to help more around the house, do their homework without a battle, and go to bed on time? Check out the advice from our parenting education facilitators to prevent power struggles and promote motivation. Learn more.
When a baby boy was just six months old, his world changed in ways no child should have to face. His mother, Tania, a young teenager herself, entered foster care after enduring abuse and neglect in her own home. Daniel’s journey was a difficult, but hopeful one with many challenges. Learn more.
In this Adopt Us Kids profile, Keeshann and her husband discuss the strategies they have learned from parenting more than 20 children. These parents of five biological children also welcomed more than 16 additional children through guardianship and adoption from foster care. Keeshann has learned that one approach that works with a child one time might not work the next and she stresses the importance of taking care of yourself. Learn more.
Monthly Foster Care Information Meeting
Tuesday, March 10
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 2025 meeting schedule and additional information are available online. Check it out and share it with others who might be interested.
Upcoming events from Center for Adoption and Education
C.A.S.E. has several fun events in the coming months. Check these out and more on their events page!
- Mar. 7: Teen Identity Group providing a safe space to make connections and share feelings.
- Mar. 21: Explore More Discovery Museum family fun event in Harrisonburg.
- Apr. 18: Skyzone family fun event in Springfield.
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. Register by Friday, March 20 for each family member to take advantage of Early Bird rates.
*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 Foster Families 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 that is guaranteed to get you out of your seats. 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.
Sunday, Mar. 1, 7:30-9 p.m. – Formed Families Forward Virtual Peer Support Groups for foster, adoptive, and kinship families.
Thursday, Mar. 5, 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, Mar. 18, 7-8:30 p.m. – Formed Families Forward in-Person Peer Support Groups for foster, adoptive, and kinship families.
Thursday, Mar. 29, 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 about transportation?
Answer: DFS foster parents’ primary responsibilities include: transportation of the child to and from community activities, school/college; recreation/leisure time activities; therapy; medical appointments; and Family Partnership Meetings (FPMs). It is important for foster parents to accompany the child for medical and psychological appointments.
Dependent on the foster parent’s employment and family commitments, DFS will support foster parents by sharing responsibilities on transportation related to court hearings, birth parent/child visitations, FAPT meetings, and training events related to independent living programs. Read more about these responsibilities and services to support foster parents such as mileage reimbursement in the full answer on our FAQ page.
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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