Department of Family Services – Children, Youth and Families

CONTACT INFORMATION: Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
703-324-7500 TTY 711
12011 Government Center Parkway, Pennino Building
Fairfax, VA 22035
Oriane Eriksen
Director

Department Resources

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Foster Family News – Archive

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In case you missed them, these are the Foster Family News' past issues.

November 2025
  • November is Adoption Month: “Love Grows through Adoption”
  • VDSS Adoption Webinar
  • Foster Care Unit Success Story: Adame’s Journey
  • Children Awaiting Adoption
  • Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month
  • School Supports and Resources for Adoptees
  • Events Central 
  • Support Groups 
  • Frequently Asked Question: What should I do if a child damages property in my home? 
  • Foster Care Facts: An essential part of foster parent training is exploring past experiences and learning how they may impact you as a foster parent. 
  • Trainings and Conferences 
October 2025
  • Recognizing our Kinship Heroes
  • Kinship Symposium: Promoting Family Bonds for Life
  • Foster Care Unit Success Story: The Journey to Fatherhood
  • Resource Parent Pre-Service Training: New Training Curriculum
  • 5 Things to Know from the 2024-2025 Youth Survey
  • Fall into Self-Care
  • Events Central 
  • Support Groups 
  • Frequently Asked Question: How do we engage relatives in the foster care process? 
  • Foster Care Facts: Growing up as a part of a foster family can help your biological children develop into flexible, caring, accepting and empathetic people. 
  • Trainings and Conferences 
September 2025
  • Fairfax County Foster Care Graduation Celebration
  • 4-H Diamond Clover and Girl Scout Gold Projects Support Children in our Community
  • Foster Care Unit Success Story: Old Friends Support in a Time of Need
  • Understanding the Child and Family Services Review (CFSR) for Resource Families
  • Join Teens to Stop Dating Violence
  • Events Central
  • Support Groups 
  • Frequently Asked Question: How much can I spend on clothing for children placed in my home? 
  • Foster Care Facts: When a child enters foster care, the primary goal is reunification with their birth family when it is safe. 
  • Trainings and Conferences 
August 2025
  • Reunification Month
  • Former Foster Youth Benefit from Steady Support
  • Foster Care Unit Success Story: Court Liaisons Develop Early Warning System for Fracturing Families
  • You Can Be a Foster Parent Too: Mutual Family Assessment
  • Events Central
  • Support Groups 
  • Frequently Asked Question: How do we register youth for free classes at rec centers?
  • Foster Care Facts: Foster parenting is not a solo journey.
  • Trainings and Conferences 
July 2025
  • Summer Safety Tips for Families 
  • In-Service Training Shifts to New Unit
  • Foster Care Unit Success Story: Serving our Broader Community
  • Prenatal Drug Exposure and Adoption 
  • Guiding Teens into Extended Foster Care
  • Events Central 
  • Support Groups 
  • Frequently Asked Question: When do we engage relatives in foster care process? 
  • Foster Care Facts: You can’t age out of being a foster parent. 
  • Trainings and Conferences 
June 2025
  • New Video: 2025 Fairfax County Foster Parents of the Year
  • Foster Family Fun Day in the Park
  • Foster Care Unit Success Story: A Tale of Care, Crisis, and Change
  • County Conversation Podcast – Foster Care Awareness 
  • Fairfax County Foster Care Annual Statistics
  • Events Central
  • Support Groups 
  • Frequently Asked Question: What is Fostering Futures?
  • Foster Care Facts: Many foster families have pets. 
  • Trainings and Conferences 
May 2025
  • May is Foster Care Month
  • Foster Care Success Story: Finding Family in Unlikely Places
  • Welcome to the New Foster Parents Certified in FY 2025! 
  • Celebrating Our Foster Parents for Their Years of Support!
  • Virginia’s Youth in Action (VAYA) Program 2025
  • Foster Care Housewarming Baskets
  • Events Central 
  • Support Groups 
  • Frequently Asked Question: How do I manage a youth's use of social media? 
  • Foster Care Facts: Foster parents are not responsible for providing medical insurance for children in foster care. 
  • Trainings and Conferences
April 2025
  • A Guide to Helping Children Navigate the Digital World
  • Preparing for Summer: Tips for Foster Families 
  • Foster Care Unit Success Story: Fostering Mental Health Resilience
  • Making Birthday Dreams Come True
  • Our Future Matters – Recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month
  • Events Central 
  • Support Groups
  • Frequently Asked Question: What is the difference between day care and summer camp?
  • Foster Care Myths: You don’t need to have your own children to be a foster parent.
  • Trainings and Conferences
March 2025
  • Foster Care Joins Annual Fairfax County Uplift, Unite & Empower, Black History Month Celebration
  • Unscripted: Conversations about Sexual and Domestic Violence—The Impact of Violence on Child Development
  • Foster Care Unit Success Story: Bridging Families and Cultures
  • Foster Care Packages 
  • Spread Kindness with Handmade Donations
  • Events Central 
  • Support Groups 
  • Frequently Asked Question: What do Life Skills Coordinators do? 
  • Foster Care Facts: Many foster parents work outside the home. 
  • Trainings and Conferences 
February 2025
  • Who are Foster Parents?
  • Spotlight on Older Youth Adoption: A Conversation with Stacy and Dakota Barr
  • Foster Care Unit Success Story: Don’t Go Alone
  • Youth Sports Scholarship Program 
  • Events Central
  • Support Groups
  • Frequently Asked Question: How do we apply for WIC benefits for youth under 5, especially for formula for infants? 
  • Foster Care Facts: Teens in foster care are just like other kids their age.  
  • Trainings and Conferences 
January 2025
  • New Video: Becoming a Foster Parent
  • Tax Deductions for Foster and Adoptive Parents
  • Americans' Views of U.S. Foster Care and Adoption
  • Attend a Monthly Information Meeting 
  • Events Central
  • Support Groups
  • Frequently Asked Question: How do I set up child care?
  • Foster Care Facts: Normalcy guidelines help to encourage positive experiences for children in foster care.
  • Trainings and Conferences

December 2024
  • New Video: Angel’s Foster Care and Adoption Story
  • Celebrating Families in Honor of Adoption Awareness Month
  • Unit Success Story: Maintaining Family Connections through Adoption
  • Fostering Normalcy 
  • Events Central
  • Support Groups
  • Frequently Asked Question: What is the role of the Permanency Coordinator and why was one assigned to the child in my home? 
  • Foster Care Facts: Homeownership is not required to be a foster parent.
  • Trainings and Conferences 
November 2024
  • November is Adoption Month 
  • New Video: How to Tell Your Child They are Adopted 
  • The Our Children Fund Supports Children in Foster Care
  • Profiles in Adoption: Perspectives of Adults Impacted by Adoption
  • Maintaining Contact Between Birth and Adoptive Families
  • Events Central  
  • Support Groups 
  • Frequently Asked Question: What is the role of the Permanency Coordinator and why was one assigned to the child in my home? 
  • Foster Care Facts: You shouldn’t let a fear of getting too attached prevent you from becoming a foster parent. 
  • Trainings and Conferences
October 2024
  • Community Celebrates Achievements of Graduates in Fairfax County Foster Care
  • Spotlight on Danielle Rothrock
  • Foster Care Unit Success Story: A Mother and Child Reunion
  • Virtual Career Academy Readies Foster Youth for Job Market
  • New Legislation Puts Family First
  • Events Central
  • Support Groups 
  • Frequently Asked Question: How do we apply for free/reduced lunch for school-age kids? 
  • Foster Care Facts: A reliable, caring support system can make all the difference for kids in foster care.
  • Trainings and Conferences
September 2024
  • Family Reunification a Cause for Celebration 
  • Spotlight on Dana Wade 
  • Foster Care Unit Success Story: A Story of Resilience and Reunification  
  • A Mandate for Designated Safe and Affirming Foster Homes
  • Sponsor Spotlight: Foster Youth Innovation 
  • Events Central 
  • Support Groups 
  • Frequently Asked Question: What do I do if my child gets sick? 
  • Foster Care Facts: No matter your marital status, you can be a foster parent to a child in need.
  • Trainings and Conferences 
July 2024
  • Talking to Youth About Healthy Relationships: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers 
  • Spotlight on Jennifer Woods
  • Foster Care Unit Success Story: A Second Chance at a New Beginning
  • Help Celebrate Our 2024 Graduates!
  • Sponsor Spotlight: Reston Chapter of Jack and Jill of America
  • Events Central
  • Support Groups
  • Frequently Asked Question: What does DFS pay for college and/or training costs?
  • Story in Stats: National Outcomes for Former Foster Youth ages 19-21
  • Foster Care Facts: Financial resources are available for foster care expenses.
  • Trainings and Conferences 
June 2024
  • New Video: 2024 Fairfax County Foster Parent of the Year
  • Foster Parents Enjoy Connecting at Annual Appreciation Event!
  • Spotlight on Recent Foster Care Promotions: Nakejah Allen and Colleen Regan 
  • June is Reunification Month 
  • City of Fairfax Honors Foster Care Month 
  • Foster Care Recruitment in the Community
  • Events Central
  • Support Groups
  • Frequently Asked Question: Can a child or youth have contact with their birth family via telephone, email, text, or social media? 
  • Story in Stats: Fairfax County FY 2023 Foster Care Statistics 
  • Foster Care Myths Foster Care Facts: You can foster or adopt a relative’s child. 
  • Trainings and Conferences
May 2024
  • Foster Care Month: Engaging Youth. Building Supports. Strengthening Opportunities
  • Celebrating Our Foster Parents for Their Years of Support!
  • 5 Things You Should Know About Karen Roberts, Supervisor Foster Care & Adoption Placement and Resource Unit
  • Welcome to the New Foster Parents Certified in FY 2024! 
  • New Report on State-By-State Survey of Kinship Care Policies
  • Events Central 
  • Support Groups
  • Frequently Asked Question: Can the youth in my home have a cell phone? If they already have a cell phone, what are the parameters around allowing them to use it? Who pays for the cell phone? 
  • Story in Stats: Fairfax County Foster Care FY 2023 Entrance Demographics 
  • Foster Care Facts: Entering foster care is never a child’s fault. 
  • Trainings and Conferences
April 2024
  • Improvements in Relative Engagement and Kinship Placements from 2023 to 2024
  • Helping Children Manage Their ADHD Symptoms
  • Foster Care Unit Success Story: Family Commitment Leads to Success, Independence, and Belonging
  • Video: African American Hair Care for Transracial Foster and Adoptive Families
  • April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
  • Events Central 
  • Support Groups 
  • Frequently Asked Question: What is the difference between foster care and adoption? 
  • Story in Stats: Fairfax County Foster Home Recruitment Data FY 2023 
  • Foster Care Myths: You can’t foster if you are part of the LGBTQ+ community. 
  • Trainings and Conferences 
March 2024
  • Video: Adoptando a Alejandro (Adopting Alejandro)
  • Helping Children Manage Their Anger
  • Foster Care Unit Success Stories: Reston
  • The Fundamentals of Training
  • Appreciating and Empowering DFS Social Workers
  • Events Central 
  • Support Groups 
  • Frequently Asked Question: What is Respite? How do I access it?
  • Story in Stats: Children Entering Foster Care by Region (FY 2023)
  • Foster Care Myths: You can’t foster if you've had a difficult time in your life.
  • Trainings and Conferences 
February 2024
  • Foster Family In Focus: Meet the Perez Family
  • Building Trust with Your Teens
  • Foster Care Unit Success Stories: An Unfortunate Circumstance Yields a Positive Outcome
  • Unscripted: Conversations about Sexual and Domestic Violence Podcast
  • Faster Families Highway Gets a Refresh
  • Events Central 
  • Support Groups 
  • Frequently Asked Question: What about transportation? 
  • Story in Stats: Outcomes for youth in care 
  • Foster Care Myths: Parenting a foster child could hurt your own children. 
  • Trainings and Conferences 
January 2024
  • New Video: Smith’s Foster Care & Adoption Journey 
  • The Foster Closet Supports Children in Foster Care 
  • Foster Family News – Spotlight on the New Fostering Futures Unit  
  • Farewell to Mary Lou Withem, Long-Term Volunteer with Volunteer & Partner Services and Foster Care & Adoption 
  • Tax deductions for Foster and Adoptive Parents
  • Puppy Party Fosters Fun
  • Events Central 
  • Support Groups 
  • Frequently Asked Question: How long does the court/administrative process take for reunification, termination of parental rights and adoption?
  • Story in Stats: Outcomes for youth in care 
  • Foster Care Myths: DFS wants to remove children. 
  • Trainings and Conferences 

December 2023
  • What Parents and Caregivers Need to Know About Fentanyl 
  • Adoption Triad: Cultural Humility
  • Foster Care Unit Success Stories: The Power of Positive Connection
  • Creating a Kin-First Culture: The Power of Family Partnership  
  • Video: Comprender la Acogida Temporal y la Adopción  – Understanding Foster Care and Adoption (in Spanish)
  • Events Central 
  • Support Groups 
  • Frequently Asked Question: How do I identify a medical provider for a child placed in my home? 
  • Story in Stats: Fentanyl use among youth.
  • Foster Care Myths: I could never do what other foster parents do. 
  • Trainings and Conferences 
November 2023
  • November is National Adoption Month
  • Navigating the Holidays in Foster Care
  • Foster Care Unit Success Stories: Siblings Overcome Obstacles to be Together  
  • Social Work Research Explores the Effects of ‘Enduring Relationships’ for Older Youth in Foster Care
  • Foster Care Success Stories
  • Parenting Your Adopted Teenager
  • Events Central 
  • Support Groups
  • Frequently Asked Question: Why am I not getting a placement? 
  • Story in Stats: Adoptions in the last year. 
  • Foster Care Myths: Foster families can’t be over 50 years old. 
  • Trainings and Conferences 
October 2023
  • Globetrotting Grandmas Begin Ultimate Adventure as Adoptive Parents
  • Wondering About Hiring a Babysitter for a Child in Foster Care?
  • Foster Care Unit Success Stories: Twists and Turns Lead to Permanent Family Connection
  • Clifton Preschool Students Learn about Body Safety
  • Foster and Adoptive Mom of 15 years: “Teens are great!
  • The Department of Family Services Thanks Community for Successful 2023 Backpack and School Supply Drive
  • Special Events for Older Youth in Care
  • Events Central 
  • Support Groups 
  • Frequently Asked Question: What should I do if a child damages property in my home? 
  • Story in Stats: Number of Fairfax County Foster Families by Age 
  • Foster Care Myths: Foster families can’t have pets. 
  • Trainings and Conferences 
September 2023
  • Fairfax County Foster Care ConGRADulates Our 2023 Graduates
  • Tips for Back-to-School Success
  • September is Kinship Care Awareness Month
  • Child Welfare Workforce Development Month
  • Meet Mary, One of the Children Awaiting Adoption
  • Recruiting Teen Advocates
  • Events Central 
  • Support Groups 
  • Frequently Asked Question: When do we engage relatives in the foster care process? 
  • Story in Stats: Educational Status 
  • Foster Care Myths: Foster parents responsible for medical insurance. 
  • Trainings and Conferences 
August 2023
  • 5 Stress-Reducing Tactics for Parents and Caregivers 
  • New State Child Welfare Legislation 2023
  • Meet Jennifer Woods!
  • The Unexpected Rewards of Foster Parenting
  • Status of Foster Care and Adoption Maintenance Rates
  • Events Central
  • Support Groups 
  • Frequently Asked Question: What is the process for traveling out of state or out of the country with a child placed in my home?
  • Story in Stats: Why do Children Need Families?
  • Foster Care Myths: You have to be a parent. 
  • Trainings and Conferences 
July 2023
  • Foster Family Fun Appreciation Event!
  • VDSS Exceptional Circumstances Payment Pilot Program Extended
  • Foster Care Unit Success Stories: Moving from Tragedy to Triumph
  • Celebrating Families Who’ve Overcome Challenges to Reunification 
  • Meet Marquis, One of the Children Awaiting Adoption
  • Events Central 
  • Support Groups 
  • Frequently Asked Question: How much can I spend on clothing for children placed in my home? What is reimbursable? 
  • Story in Stats: decrease in the number of older youth in care
  • Foster Care Myths: You can’t work full time.
  • Trainings and Conferences
June 2023
  • Foster Parents of the Year
  • National Reunification Month 
  • Foster Care Unit Success Story: The Choice to Put Family First Touches Many Lives
  • Internet Safety: Protecting Children in the Digital Age 
  • Celebrating Rylynn’s 2nd Annual Gotcha Day 
  • Fairfax County Foster Statistics Updated May 2023
  • Events Central 
  • Kinship Corner 
  • Support Groups 
  • Frequently Asked Question: What is the Foster Parent Support Line?
  • Foster Care Myths: Teenagers are the most difficult to foster.
  • Trainings and Conferences
May 2023
  • National Foster Care Month - Strengthening Minds, Uplifting Families
  • Understanding Recertification for Foster Homes
  • Foster Care Unit Success Story: Preparing a Family for the Unique Dynamics of Raising a Grandchild as Kinship Caregivers
  • Foster Parents Reach 5 Years of Service 
  • Welcoming New Foster Parents Certified in FY 2023
  • Events Central
  • Kinship Corner
  • Support Groups
  • Frequently Asked Question: How do we register youth for free classes at rec centers? 
  • Story in Stats: mental health of kids in care
  • Foster Care Myths: Children in foster care can't do normal things.
  • Trainings and Conferences
April 2023
  • Exceptional Circumstances Payment Pilot Program
  • Training Opportunities for Foster Parents – Start Early and Be Consistent
  • Foster Care Unit Success Story: An Emotional Search Leads to a Loving Reunion
  • Spread the Word – April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
  • Megan Fedor – Starting Over as a Social Work Intern
  • Events Central
  • Kinship Corner
  • Support Groups
  • Frequently Asked Question: Who is permitted to babysit?
  • Story in Stats: kids involved with CPS
  • Foster Care Myths: You need to own your home.
  • Trainings and Conferences
March 2023
  • Filling Your Child’s Emotional Bank Account
  • DFS Spotlight – Karen Chaudhry, Resource and Support Specialist
  • Foster Care Unit Success Story: Raising Up a Child’s “Village”
  • Foster the Family D.C. Offers Support and Encouragement
  • Finding Normal
  • During Social Work Month, We Appreciate Our Workers
  • Virginia Department of Social Services Needs Your Feedback!
  • Events Central
  • Kinship Corner
  • Support Groups
  • Frequently Asked Question: What is Fostering Futures?
  • Story in Stats: kids entering foster care
  • Foster Care Myths: kids in foster care are unfixable. 
  • Trainings and Conferences
February 2023
  • Get to Know Sarah Conner – Foster Care and Adoption Intern
  • Managing Tantrums and Outbursts – Supporting the Emotional Growth of Children
  • Foster Care Unit Success Story: A Young Adult Chooses Adoption into a Family that’s Perfect for Him
  • Foster Family News - Tax Deductions for Foster and Adoptive Parents
  • Take Off on the Faster Families Highway
  • Events Central
  • Kinship Corner
  • Support Groups
  • Frequently Asked Question: Who is permitted to babysit?
  • Story in Stats: the impact of mentorship
  • Foster Care Myths: You can’t be single.
  • Trainings and Conferences
January 2023 
  • Workforce Welcome: Meet our Foster Care Intern, Melissa Alba!
  • New Fairfax County Kinship Navigator Puts Family First in Foster Care
  • Foster Care Unit Success Story: Helping a Youth to Navigate Adulthood
  • Helping Children Connect with Their Birth Parents
  • Youth Sports Scholarship Program
  • Events Central
  • Kinship Corner
  • Support Groups
  • Frequently Asked Question: What should I do if a child damages property in my home?
  • Story in Stats: Engaging relatives of children in foster care
  • Foster Care Myths: I can't afford to be a foster parent.
  • Trainings and Conferences

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