Welcome to the 2020 March issue of Foster Family News, a monthly newsletter for current and potential Fairfax County foster parents.
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The Fairfax County Foster Care & Adoption Association (FCFCAA) is gearing up for spring! FCFCAA President Bethany Shively shares words of encouragement for foster parents and thanks to those who support them. She also shares information on the latest news and upcoming events impacting the foster care community in Fairfax County. If you’re new to fostering, please email fcfcaamail@gmail.com to be connected with the FCFCAA network.
Believe it or not, Spring Break will be here in just a few short weeks and summer is not far behind. Many families are thinking about vacation plans and one of the questions that might come to mind is, “Should I take a child in foster care on vacation with my family?” The good news is that with the proper planning a family trip can include a child in foster care. In fact, Foster Care and Adoption staff encourages vacations as a much-needed break from routine for every family. They are a great way to make lasting memories and bond.
Tax Season is upon us, and as a foster or adoptive parent you MAY be eligible for some tax credits for the children in your home. The Department of Family Services doesn’t employ tax experts, so we suggest that you talk with a tax professional for your individual income tax preparation decisions. However, we can offer some general tax information for your awareness.
The Fairfax County Department of Family Services is on Facebook now! Follow us at @FairfaxCountyFamilyServices for news, events, tips, stories, training opportunities and more! We support families and county residents of all ages and stages of life. Join our community and engage with us through social media. #FairfaxCountyFamilyServices
The work of this Fairfax Foster Care Unit is about helping to find permanent homes for children in care, as well as providing support to children and families in crisis and older youth who are on the verge of aging out of care. Supervisor Melody Vielbig shares about the team and what they're doing to help.
Community Sensory Day - Saturday, Apr. 4 (10 a.m.-1 p.m.)
For individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Learn best practices to keep children safe. Meet and greet county police officers. Enjoy refreshments, touch-a-truck, and other activities. For more information, contact MPO Jacobson. Public Safety Headquarters, 12099 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035.
Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation and Wear Blue Day - Tuesday, Apr. 14
Reception at 8:30 a.m., Proclamation at 9:30 a.m.
Fairfax County Government Center, Board Auditorium, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035
Foster Parent Appreciation Lunch - Saturday: May 2 (11 a.m.-1 p.m.)
Brio Tuscan Grill, 11776 Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax, VA 22033
Contact Patricia Aviles-Cubillos by email or call 703-324-7919.
More details coming soon.
Foster Care & Foster Family Proclamation - Tuesday, May 5
Government Center Board Auditorium 9:30 a.m.
Join us for breakfast at 8:30 a.m. (Room TBD)
Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 20035
For more information, contact Patricia Aviles-Cubillos by email or 703-324-7919.
Each newsletter will include this section to help answer questions, spotlight the people who support foster families, highlight the donors and sponsors who generously give to foster care programs and activities and friendly reminders for foster families to sign-up for trainings.
Question: How soon will a child join my family?
Answer: The timing of a child joining your family is dependent upon your openness, flexibility and availability. The need to place children in foster care can arise at any time. We need families who can accept and parent children of various backgrounds and needs. The background factors and needs a family is interested in will hopefully mirror the children who are awaiting a home. The more open your family is, the more likely you are going to have a child joining your family.
Check out other frequently asked questions and answers from past issues.
Why do Children Need Families?
People often ask what a child did to enter foster care. In the vast majority of cases, they didn’t do anything. Children almost always come into foster care because their parents are unable to care for them safely.
The top four reasons children enter foster care are:
- Neglect — 61%
- Parents’ drug use — 32%
- Parents’ inability to cope — 14%
- Physical abuse — 13%
Sources: Foster and Adoption Analysis Reporting System (2015) and Adoptuskids.org (2020).
Our partners and donors are the true power behind communities of care for Fairfax County Foster Care and Adoption. With them we can provide amazing support services, community events and after care resources. This issue highlights Fairfax County School Age Child Care program.
School Age Child Care Suitcase Drive: SACC Child Care Specialist Tina McKevitt coordinated a suitcase drive among staff in her unit to benefit children in foster care. Their generous contribution is greatly appreciated by staff and children in foster care.
Check out highlights of other donors and sponsors from past issues.
The following trainings and conferences are for Fairfax County foster parents only.
Foster to Adopt Training
Saturdays, Mar. 14 and second date to be determined
9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Pennino Building, (Room: 200/206) 12011 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035
Trainer: Julie Bowman, Hannah Park, Rebecca Marksteiner, and Amanda Macaulay
Contact Lauren DeFife by email or 703- 324-7439.
PRIDE Discipline
Postponed - new dates to be detemrined
6:30-9:30 p.m.
Pennino Building, (Room: 628) 12011 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035
Trainer: Lauren DeFife
Contact Lauren DeFife by email or 703- 324-7439.
Responding to Signs and Symptoms of Child Sexual Abuse
Tuesdays, Apr. 21, 28
6:30-9:30 p.m.
Pennino Building, (Room: 628) 12011 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035
Trainer: Lauren DeFife
Contact Lauren DeFife by email or 703- 324-7439.
Inservice (For certified Fairfax County foster parents. Registration required.)
Learn more and save the dates for upcoming trainings and conferences.
What do you want to see in Foster Family News?
Submit your suggestions to Angela Morlu.
Check out past issues of Foster Family News.