(Posted 2023 March)
Our partners at Foster the Family D.C. recently hosted a site visit with a team from Children, Youth, and Families including Rylynn, our facility dog. It was a great opportunity to learn more about this organization and the work they do to make life less stressful for foster, adoptive, and kinship families in our region.
Many of our families know that the first week--specifically the first 24 hours--of a new foster or kinship placement is the most trying for a child and family. Vulnerable children have to make emotional and physical adjustments as they try to fit into a new family often in a new location. Meanwhile families also adjust certain aspects of their homelife to welcome and accommodate the children placed in their care. The sudden nature of placements can make it a real challenge to make this transition smoothly.
Foster the Family D.C. engages faith communities to donate time and resources for the purpose of supporting and encouraging foster and kinship families. This includes both immediate, emergency support and ongoing, holistic care.
In the first 24 hours, the Foster the Family D.C. team will deliver a care package to the doorstep of a foster or kinship family including practical necessities such as a meal, children’s clothing, a comfort item, toiletries, baby supplies when needed, and information connecting the family to support groups. Families can request supplies and support by submitting an online form.
In addition, Foster the Family offers ongoing support groups in Montgomery, Fairfax and Prince William Counties, as wells as occasional trainings, retreats, and family fun events. You are encouraged to learn more about the services provided by Foster the Family, or to find out how you can get involved in supporting their work benefitting vulnerable children and those families who care for them.
This article posting is part of the Foster Family News monthly newsletter designed to keep foster parents informed about all the new and notable happenings in Fairfax County.
Learn about what the Foster Care and Adoption program has planned for foster families - stay on top of trends, participate in trainings and learn about policy changes.