(Posted 2026 July)
By Christie Lima, foster care specialist with the Home Study and Kinship Support Unit
When Jennifer* learned that her preschool student, Caiden*, was struggling in his kinship foster home, she and her husband, Steve*, immediately stepped in. His caregivers were overwhelmed and needed a short break, so Jennifer and Steve offered to provide respite care to support both Caiden and his kinship foster family. The Department of Family Services approved the plan, recognizing them as a natural support.
During his stay, it became clear how much Caiden had endured in just two years of life. He had already experienced multiple losses and moves, and he showed it through his behavior—he was often angry, whiny, and hard to soothe. His kinship foster parents had tried their best, but Caiden’s special health needs, combined with caring for other children in the home, became too much. They made the difficult decision to request that he be moved.
Seeing the connection growing between Caiden and his former teacher, Caiden’s DFS specialist asked Jennifer and Steve if they would consider becoming his full-time foster parents. This meant completing the process to become certified kinship foster parents, including training, background checks, and a comprehensive home assessment. Jennifer and Steve, who had always wanted to have children, thought carefully about the commitment and the uncertainty of foster care.
They quickly realized that Caiden already felt like part of their family. They said “yes” to Caiden as a full-time placement over a year ago, and they have never looked back.
The transition took time. Caiden had to learn that this new home was safe and that Jennifer and Steve were not going to leave. There were medical appointments, tears, and tough days as everyone adjusted. Jennifer and Steve worked closely with Caiden’s doctors, therapists, and DFS, and they put their foster parent training into practice, focusing on structure, patience, and nurturing care.
Slowly, they saw incredible progress. Caiden’s health stabilized, his behavior improved, and his playful personality began to shine. He formed a strong, secure attachment to Jennifer and Steve, and their love for him deepened every day.
Some extended family members were initially nervous about foster care and worried that Jennifer and Steve might be heartbroken if Caiden returned to his birth family. But as they watched Caiden thrive, those fears gave way to joy and support. Caiden quickly won over grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends, and soon he was surrounded by a wide circle of people cheering him on.
After several months, DFS and the court determined that adoption was in Caiden’s best interest, and Jennifer and Steve were selected as his pre-adoptive family. They began the adoption home study and moved through each step with hope and determination. Over time, the possibility of Caiden staying forever became a certainty.
With the full support of their family, friends, and DFS team, Jennifer and Steve moved forward with adoption. Caiden now has the safety and security of a forever home with the people who first knew him as a student and then chose him as a son.
Every child’s journey through foster care is unique. For Caiden, that journey led him home to his preschool teacher and her husband, who were willing to say yes—to respite, to fostering, and ultimately, to becoming his forever family.
*Names changed to protect confidentiality.
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.
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