Department Resources

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Foster Family News – Archive

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

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

December 2022

New Foster Parent Recruiter Seeks Fairfax County Foster Care Ambassadors!
The Foster Closet Supports Children in Foster Care
Foster Care Unit Success Story: Just a Few Days Makes the Difference of a Lifetime
Fairfax County Public Schools Special Education Handbook
A Guide for Youth to Participating in Foster Care Case Planning
Events Central
Kinship Corner
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Question: Why am I not getting a placement?
Story in Stats: African American children in foster care
Foster Care Myths: You can't foster or adopt someone you're related to
Trainings and Conferences

November 2022

Katie and Zak’s Foster Care and Adoption Journey
November is Adoption Awareness Month
Top 5 Reasons to Work with the Fairfax County Children, Youth and Families Division
Meet Adame and Ayana, two of the Children Awaiting Adoption
Adopting Children and Youth with Disabilities
Fairfax County Public Schools’ Resources
Events Central
Kinship Corner
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Question: How do I set up daycare?
Story in Stats: Adoptions 2021-2022
Foster Care Myths: Children end up in foster care because of their own juvenile delinquency
Trainings and Conferences

October 2022

Raising Grandchildren: Stressful and Delightful
Remembering Daphne Saunders
Foster Care Unit Success Story: A Mother Overcomes Substance Use and Mental Health Issues
Children’s Bureau Express Spotlight on Kinship Care
New Video: Skincare for Children in Transracial Families
Successful VPS Back-to-School Drive Supports Children in Foster Care
Events Central
Kinship Corner
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Question: What about transportation?
Story in Stats: LGBTQ+ youth in foster care
Foster Care Myths: You can’t foster if you are part of the LGBTQ+ community.
Trainings and Conferences

September 2022

Fairfax County Foster Care Honors 2022 Graduates
Fairfax County Holds Reunification Month Celebration
September is Kinship Care Awareness Month
New State Foster Care Legislation Effective July 1, 2022
Join the Fairfax County Teen Advocates Program
Events Central
Kinship Corner
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Question: How long does the court/administrative process take for reunification, termination of parental rights and adoption?
Story in Stats: foster care graduates
Foster Care Myths: I could never be a foster parent because I’d get too attached.
Trainings and Conferences

June 2022

2022 Fairfax County Foster Parent of the Year
June is Reunification Month
Unit Success Stories: A Family is Restored with the Support of the Foster Care Team
New State Office of the Ombudsman Opens
Sam Carrico and Rylynn, the Facility Dog, Continue Making an Impact
Fairfax County Foster Care Statistics Updated May 2022
Events Central
Kinship Corner
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?
Foster Care Myths: I can’t foster because I had a difficult time in my life.
Trainings and Conferences

May 2022

May is Foster Care Month
New Video: African American Hair Care for Transracial Foster and Adoptive Families
Unit Success Stories: Life Skills Services Help Foster Youth Transition to a Bright Future
Milestones: Foster Parent Length of Service Recognition
Appreciating Our New Foster Parents 2021-2022
Events Central
Kinship Corner
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Question: How do we register youth for free classes at rec centers?
Story in Statistics: Children entering foster care
Foster Care Myths: Parenting a foster child could hurt your children.
Trainings and Conferences

April 2022

Social Media Tips! What’s Normal for Youth in Foster Care?
Raise Awareness for Child Abuse Prevention Month
Unit Success Stories: A Long Way Home for a Youth in Foster Care
Understanding Virginia Child Welfare Terms and Abbreviations
Words Matter- Words of Encouragement for Children
Events Central
Kinship Corner
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Question: What does DFS pay for college and/or training costs?
Story in Statistics: Children involved with Child Protective Services
Foster Care Myths: DFS wants to remove children.
Trainings and Conferences

March 2022

Navigating Adoption Podcast - The Countdown
Complete Virginia's 2022 Foster Parent Survey
Unit Success Stories: Research Connects Youth in Foster Care with Their Birth Families
FREE Easter Baskets for Children in Foster Care
Events Central
Kinship Corner
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 Statistics: Children aging out of foster care
Foster Care Myths: I could never do what other foster parents do.
Trainings and Conferences

February 2022

New Video, “Impact a Child’s Life for the Better”
Foster Care Definitions
Foster Care Unit Success Stories: Adult Adoption Completes Family
Tax Deductions for Foster and Adoptive Parents
Donor Spotlight: Fairfax County Foster Care Grateful for Holiday Donations
Events Central
Kinship Corner
Frequently Asked Question: What is respite? How do I access it?
Story in Statistics: Child Sex Trafficking
Foster Care Myths: Foster parents can't be over 50.
Trainings and Conferences

January 2022

Get to Know Adame and Share His New Video
New Laws Affecting Child Welfare in Virginia
Unit Success Stories: Honoring Family Connections in Foster Care Placements Provides Stability
Parent and Caregiver Questionnaire SPICES Up Self-Care Routines
Donor Spotlight: Winter Coats Provide a Warm Hug!
Events Central
Kinship Corner
Frequently Asked Question: What about transportation?
Story in Statistics: Percentage of Children Who Enter Foster Care as Infants
Foster Care Myths: Foster families can't have pets.
Trainings and Conferences

2021 December

The Hardin Family’s Foster Care and Adoption Story
Pilot Program Connects Kids in Foster Care to Relatives in 30 Days
Keep it Confidential – It’s the Law!
Celebrating Adoption Month – A Message from our DFS Directors
Foster Care and Adoption Specialist, Kendall McFarland Joins the County Conversation Podcast
Childhood Experiences Matter More than Gifts
Events Central
Frequently Asked Question: How do I identify a medical provider for a child placed in my home?
Story in Statistics: FY 2020 Foster Care Stats
Foster Care Myths: Foster parents are responsible for providing medical Insurance for children in foster care.
Trainings and Conferences

2021 November

Monica Lizama Thompson Tells Her "Real Story of Adoption and Foster Care"
November is Adoption Awareness Month
Foster Care Unit Success Stories – Mature Parents Supported on Journey from Foster Care to Adoption
Meet Adame, One of the Children Awaiting Adoption
Technology and Sleep
Family Emergency Planning
Events Central
Frequently Asked Question: What is the Foster Parent Support Line and how and when do I access it? What is the Child Protective Services Hotline and how and when do I access it?
Story in Statistics: Finalized Adoptions
Foster Care Myths: You must be a parent.
Trainings and Conferences

2021 October

Kinship Caregiver Stories
Understanding Parental Postadoption Depression
Unit Success Stories: A Sibling Group Goes Home from Foster Care
Virtual Career Academy Prepares Youth in Foster Care to Move Ahead
Back-to-School and Diaper Drives Provide Supplies for Hundreds of Children Involved with Family Services
Foster the Family D.C. Offers Support for Foster Families
Events Central
Frequently Asked Question: What do I do if my child gets sick?
Story in Statistics: Services for Youth Transitioning Out of Foster Care
Foster Care Myths: You can’t work full time.
Trainings and Conferences

2021 September

Being A Foster Parent: Supporting Children and Their Families
September is Kinship Care Awareness Month
Unit Success Stories: Staff Helps Teen and Her Mom Restore their Relationship and Safely Reunify
Understanding the Impact of The Family First Prevention Services Act on Foster Care
Fairfax County Holds Virtual Graduation Ceremony
5 Tips to Prepare Children to Go Back to School During COVID-19
The Foster Closet
COVID-19 Relief – Deadline: Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021
Events Central
Frequently Asked Question: When do we engage relatives in the foster care process?
Story in Statistics: Children in Kinship and Foster Care
Foster Care Myths: Teenagers are the most difficult to foster.
Trainings and Conferences

2021 August

Become a Foster Care Ambassador
Training – It's Essential!
Unit Success Stories: Saying "Yes" Without Hesitation
Foster Care Family Appreciation
Children Awaiting Adoption
Positive Placements for Siblings
Events Central
Frequently Asked Question: How much can I spend on clothing for children placed in my home?
Story in Statistics: High School Graduates in Foster Care
Foster Care Myths: Children in foster care can't do normal things.
Trainings and Conferences

2021 July

5 Things About Julie Bowman, the New Program Manager for Resource and Support
Foster Care and Adoption Maintenance Rate Increase
Unit Success Stories: An Emergency Relative Foster Placement Leads to a Permanent Home
Foster Youth Shares How Legislation (H.R. 7947) Made a Difference in Her Life
Department of Family Services Welcomes New Facility Dog
June Foster Parent Breakfast Held In-Person
Events Central
Frequently Asked Question: How do we register youth for free classes at rec centers?
Story in Statistics: Ages of Children in Foster Care
Foster Care Myths: You need to own your home.
Trainings and Conferences

2021 June

Congratulations to the 2021 Foster Family of the Year
Children’s Bureau Express Highlights Reunification Month
How Can Birth and Foster Parents Partner to Achieve Reunification?
Foster Parents Connect through FAQ Breakfast
Overcoming the Odds – A Family Reunited
Raising A Relative’s Child? You Are Not Alone
2021 Summer Camps and Programs
Events Central
Frequently Asked Question: When do we engage relatives in the foster care process?
Story in Statistics: Children Reunified with Their Families
Foster Care Myths: I can’t foster, I would get too attached.
Trainings and Conferences

2021 May

May is Foster Care Month
Milestones: Foster Parent Length of Service Recognition
Celebrating New Foster Parents
Unit Success Stories: Defining Success – Adaptability in the Face of a Pandemic
How You Can Inspire Youth in Foster Care
Fairfax County Foster Care by the Numbers – Annual Statistics 2020
Financial Support Available for Former Foster Youth
Events Central
Frequently Asked Question: What is Fostering Futures?
Foster Care Myths: Foster kids are unfixable.
Trainings and Conferences

2021 April

Words from Fairfax County Foster Care and Adoption Association (FCFCAA)
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
How to Know When Your Child Has a Mental Health Concern
Unit Success Stories: Success Can Be the Smallest Steps
Support After an Adoption
Events Central
Frequently Asked Question: How do I manage a youth's use of social media?
Story in Statistics: Children Entering Foster Care
Foster Care Myths: You can’t be single.
Trainings and Conferences

2021 March

Older Adults Choose Foster Parenting: Make A Lasting Difference for Youth!
The “Factors that Matter” for Children and Youth
Social Workers are Essential
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
Contingency Fund Available to Support Foster Families
Events Central
Frequently Asked Question: What is the difference between daycare and summer camp?
Story in Statistics: Top 3 Reasons Adolescents Leave Foster Care
Trainings and Conferences

2021 February

Love Yourself: 5 Tips for Self-Care
Build Up Your Child’s Self-Esteem Through Praise
Parenting in Transracial Foster/Adoptive Families
Teen Gift Drive Exceeds Expectations
Events Central
Frequently Asked Question: What do Life Skills Coordinators do?
Story in Statistics: Parents Who Adopt Foster Youth
Sponsor and Donor Highlights
Trainings and Conferences

2021 January

In Case You Missed It – Adoption Snapshots!
Healthy Minds Fairfax Supports Children and Teens
New Online Adoption Resources
La Tika Jeffery 2020 Adoption Excellence Award Honoree
Spotlight on the South County Foster Care Unit
The Six Stuck Spots
Events Central
Frequently Asked Question: How do we apply for WIC benefits for youth under 5, especially for formula for infants?
Story in Statistics: Length of Time in Foster Care
Trainings and Conferences

2020 December

Words from Fairfax County Foster Care and Adoption Association (FCFCAA)
County Conversation Podcast featuring Tela Jones, Foster Care and Adoption Specialist
Ways that FC&A is Responding to COVID-19 Concerns
Watch the Annual Adoption Video – the Morales Family’s Adoption Journey!
New Mandated Reporter Portal Available
Walkers Raise Awareness for Support of Mental Health in Foster Care
Spotlight on the Adoption Unit
Events Central
Frequently Asked Question: How do I set up daycare?
Story in Statistics: Mental Health Issues in Foster Care
Trainings and Conferences

2020 November

Adoption Snapshots
County Conversation Podcast featuring Natalie Sposato, Permanency Coordinator
November is Adoption Awareness Month
Watch Our NEW Foster Parent Recruitment Video!
Grad Parade Celebrates Success
Spotlight on the Reston Foster Care Unit
Events Central
Frequently Asked Questions: What are the expectations between the Department and Foster parents regarding communication and response time?
Story in Statistics: Teens Waiting for Adoption
Trainings and Conferences

2020 October

Fostering Futures: La Tika Jeffery
Wondering about Hiring a Babysitter for a Child in Foster Care?
Join us at the Community Corner!
Spotlight on the Placement and Resource Unit
Healthy Minds Foster Futures Virtual 5K Walk
Parent and Student Support Programs
Events Central
Frequently Asked Questions: What is the role of the Permanency Coordinator and why was one assigned to my child’s case?
Story in Statistics: Extended Foster Care
Trainings and Conferences

2020 September

Words from Fairfax County Foster Care and Adoption Association (FCFCAA)
DFS Asks Community to Help Protect Children During COVID-19
County Offers Supporting Return to School (SRS) Program in Response to COVID-19
Back to School Routines
New Virtual Parent Café Offered with African American Cultural Focus
September is Kinship Care Awareness Month
Events
Frequently Asked Questions: How do we apply for free/reduced lunch for school-age kids?
Story in Statistics: Grandparents in Fairfax County Raising Children
Upcoming Trainings and Conferences

2020 July

Foster Family in Focus: Lesley Field
Supporting African American Children in Foster Care
Kelley Traver Selected as Reunification Hero
DFS Parenting Education Programs Answers FAQs
Spotlight on South County Foster Care & Adoption Unit
Advice for Youth in Foster Care
Events
Frequently Asked Questions: What do I do if my child gets sick?
Story in Statistics: Race and Ethnicity in Fairfax County Foster Care
Upcoming Trainings and Conferences

2020 June

Words from Fairfax County Foster Care and Adoption Association (FCFCAA)
Using Virtual Tools to Bridge the Gap
COG Recognizes Outstanding Foster Parents
Making Self-Care a Priority
Spotlight on Adoption and Kinship Assistance Unit
Speaking Your Child’s Love Language
Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth in Foster Care
Events Central
Frequently Asked Questions: What does DFS pay for college and/or training costs?
Story in Statistics: Children in the U.S. Reunified with Their Families
Upcoming Trainings and Conferences

2020 May

A Note of Appreciation for Foster Parents from the Director
Recognition of New Foster Parents
May is Foster Care Month
Bridging the Gap: Keeping Families Connected
Milestones: Length of Service Recognition
Parent Support Line and other Virtual Parenting Supports
A Staff Tribute to All Foster Parents
Spotlight on the Pre-Service Training & Home Study Unit
Events
Frequently Asked Questions: Can a child or youth have contact with their birth family via telephone, email, text, or social media?
Story in Statistics: Families Certified to Serve as Foster Parents
Upcoming Trainings and Conferences

2020 April

Foster Family in Focus: Shelley and Scott Daniel
Video Message from Sheila Donaldson and Kamonya Omatete
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
New Foster Parent FAQ Breakfast
Connect with Us through our DFS Facebook Page
Spotlight on Annandale Foster Care Unit
Individual Education Plan (IEP) Workshop
Upcoming Events
Frequently Asked Questions: What are the specific roles of the foster care specialist, resource specialist, adoption specialist, home study specialist and post adoption specialist?
Story in Statistics: Children Involved with Child Protective Services
Upcoming Trainings and Conferences

2020 March

Words from Fairfax County Foster Care and Adoption Association (FCFCAA)
Traveling with Children in Foster Care
Tax Reminder
New DFS Facebook Page
Spotlight on the Foster Care Case Carrying Unit for the Central Region of Fairfax County
Upcoming Events
Frequently Asked Questions: How Soon Will a Child Join My Family?
Story in Statistics: Top Four Reasons Children Enter Foster Care
Donors and Sponsors Highlights: SACC Suitcase Drive
Upcoming Trainings and Conferences

2020 February

Fostering Success: Joel Choi
Nurture Yourself in The New Year
Spotlight on the In-Service Training and Home Study Unit
Paint Party
Frequently Asked Questions: 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 Statistics: Children Adopted from Foster Care
Donors and Sponsors Highlights: Cakes4Kids
Upcoming Trainings and Conferences

2020 January

Foster Family in Focus: Carissa and Rouse Barker
Tax Deductions for Foster and Adoptive Parents
Spotlight on the Permanency and Life Skills Unit
Children Awaiting Adoption - Meet Elyas
Annual Holiday Party
Frequently Asked Questions: What is the difference between Foster Care and Adoption?
Story in Statistics: Siblings
Donors and Sponsors Highlights: Santa’s Workshop
Upcoming Trainings and Conferences

2019 December

Bethany Shively, FCFCAA president, Shares a Special Message
Reminder about Inclement Weather Policies
Applying to College
Online Training for Grief and Loss
November - Adoption Awareness Month
Frequently Asked Questions: What is respite? How do I access it?
Story in Statistics: Adoptions Finalized
Donors and Sponsors Highlights: Hug Wrap for Foster Care
Upcoming Trainings and Conferences

2019 November

Preparing Youth for Adult Responsibilities
Children Awaiting Adoption
Family Fun Picnic Slideshow
Event Central: Fairfax County School Year Calendar; Fairfax Kinship/Foster/Adoptive Parents' Night Out; Woven Together by Love
Frequently Asked Questions: What about transportation?
Story in Statistics: Minimum Age to Become a Foster Parent
Donors and Sponsors Highlights: Fairfax County Park Authority
Upcoming Trainings and Conferences: Nov. 16 Supporting Youth in Foster Care Through Their Teen Years and Beyond

2019 August

Bethany Shively, FCFCAA president, Shares a Special Message
Searching for Youth Advocates
Go Fast, Go Free: Bus Pass Program
Changes to Students Rights and Responsibilities Handbook
Event Central: Foster Family Focus Group; Summer Reading Event
Frequently Asked Questions: How long does the court/administrative process take for reunification, termination of parental rights and adoption?
Story in Statistics: The Average Time Youth Spend in Foster Care
Donors and Sponsors Highlights: Barnes & Noble
Upcoming Trainings and Conferences

2019 July

Bethany Shively, FCFCAA president, Shares a Special Message
New Foster Care Laws in Virginia
It's Immunization Time!
Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU) Campus Tour (Slideshow)
Training: It's What's Required
Event Central
Frequently Asked Questions: How do I identify a medical provider for a child placed in my home?
Story in Statistics: The Average Age of Youth Entering Care
Staff Spotlight: Sheila Donaldson
Donors and Sponsors Highlights: Touching Heart Schools on a Mission After-School Program
Upcoming Trainings and Conferences (Save the Dates!)

2019 June

Bethany Shively, FCFCAA president, Shares a Special Message
Success! Cordelia Cranshaw
Clearing the Air about Vaping
Foster Family in Focus: Sabrina Darden
Managing Expectations
Event Central
Frequently Asked Questions: Why haven’t I had a placement yet?
Story in Statistics: Aging out of Foster Care
Donors and Sponsors Highlights: American Systems
Upcoming Trainings and Conferences (Save the Dates!)

2019 May

Bethany Shively, FCFCAA president, Shares a Special Message
Bookbag: Foster Care Awareness Month Reading List
Foster Parent Training and Appreciation Event Slideshow
Event Central: Proclamation; Life Skills Workshop; “Broken Places” Documentary and Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions: What should I do if a child damages property in my home?
Story in Statistics: Percentage of Children Placed in Foster Care by Region (FY2018)
Donors and Sponsors Highlights: Canterbury Woods Elementary School
Upcoming Trainings and Conferences (Save the Dates!)

2019 April

Bethany Shively, FCFCAA president, Shares a Special Message
Supportive Services Survey
Frequently Asked Questions: When do we engage relatives in the foster care process?
Story in Statistics: Race of Children in Foster Care
Staff Spotlight: Mary L. Adamchak
Donors and Sponsors Highlights: OPHELIA Foundation
Upcoming Trainings and Conferences (Save the Dates!)

2019 March

Bethany Shively, FCFCAA president, Shares a Special Message
What is Normal: Cell Phones and Youth
Frequently Asked Questions: How do I arrange for summer camp? Who is responsible for payment?
Story in Statistics: Children in Fairfax County Foster Care
Donors and Sponsors Highlights: Hillmann Consulting LLC
Upcoming Trainings and Conferences

2019 February

Bethany Shively, FCFCAA president, Shares a Special Message
Success: John Craig-Lee
Event Central
Frequently Asked Questions: What is the process for traveling out of state or out of the country with a child placed in my home?
Story in Statistics: Children Who Have Left Foster Care in Fairfax County
Staff Spotlight: Keith Wong
Upcoming Trainings

2019 January

Bethany Shively, FCFCAA president, Shares a Special Message
What Is Normal: Social Media and Our Youth
Holiday Party
Frequently Asked Questions: How much can I spend on clothing for children placed in my home? What is reimbursable?
Story in Statistics: Age of Foster Care Children in Foster Care
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Upcoming Trainings

Department of Family Services – Children, Youth and Families

Department of Family Services Alert:

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