Welcome to the 2019 December issue of Foster Family News, a monthly newsletter for current and potential Fairfax County foster parents.

Table of Contents
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

 

Well, it’s that time of year again. On a scale of, “it’s the most wonderful time of the year” to the “nightmare before Christmas,” how is everyone feeling? For many of us, we swing between the two on a daily basis. This season can have a way of conjuring up emotions like no other, sometimes based on memories we might not even realize are there. For many, especially children in foster care, this time of year can be a particularly painful reminder of all they’ve lost, or perhaps never had in the first place.

Maybe a child’s family had their own unique traditions this time of year; why not ask about it, and incorporate some of those within your own family’s traditions? Maybe their family didn’t celebrate or do anything special at all. Or, maybe, this time of year is filled with horribly painful memories that are only further amplified by all of the “happiness” and festivities going on around them.

Rather than burdening our kids with our own, often unfair, cookie-cutter expectations of what this season should look like, we should be sensitive in following their lead. That may mean simply giving them some space or doing things a little differently than we’ve done in the past.

And at the same time, we need to be prepared with extra patience and grace to meet our kids in the trenches and work with them through big emotions, and the behaviors that will no doubt come along with them.

And, for when we inevitably all need a break after this season comes to an end, be sure to save the date for the next Fairfax Foster & Adoptive Parents Night Out (PNO) events, hosted by McLean Bible Church. These are great, FREE, opportunities for you to get a break while your kids have some fun. The next PNOs are scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 29 and Saturday, Apr. 25. Stay tuned for more information in the new year.

I wish you and your families a joyous holiday season as you navigate this special time together and share in old, new and blended traditions. And I hope to see everyone at the DFS Holiday party later this month! As always, please reach out to me anytime at fcfcaamail@gmail.com with any questions, ideas or opportunities to connect with other foster families.

All the best,

Bethany Shively
President
Fairfax County Foster Care and Adoption Association (FCFCAA)

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Inclement weather impacts families and plans. Understand what happens to CYF's transportation services when there are school closings. Find out how Family Partnership Meetings are affected by government closings. Taking time to review inclement weather policies will help you better prepare.

 

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This is the time of year that many youths are planning for life after high school graduation. For those considering college and training school (or continuing it) there are some resources to help with financial support for your education such as the Educational and Training Vouchers Program (ETV) for Youths Aging out of Foster Care. 

 

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Grief and loss are an inevitable part of life. For foster parents, children in foster care and birth parents, it can be a significant issue. When you take training in this area, it can help you to recognize and respond to the signs of grief in the children you care for. It also helps foster parents to be better equipped to deal with the sense of loss you might feel when a child leaves your home.

 

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Foster Care and Adoption planned several activities in the month of November to raise awareness about children in foster care awaiting adoption. Check out some of the resources.

Adoption Awareness Month Event - Woven Together with Love

On Friday, Nov. 15, we celebrated Fairfax County’s adoptive families and all those who support them. There was a formal adoption ceremony, inspiring words by Miss USA D.C. 2018 Cordelia Cranshaw, followed by refreshments, face painting, caricature artists, music and live entertainment. To learn more about Cranshaw’s path from foster care to social worker and advocate, read her profile in the June FFN.