Welcome to the 2021 February issue of Foster Family News, a monthly newsletter for current and potential Fairfax County foster parents.
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In February, a month when it is common to celebrate love, this is a reminder that it is vitally important for foster parents to be proactive in showing love for themselves through self-care.
Self-care practices vary by gender, relationship status, health status, and financial status, but we can all agree that they are essential to help keep balance in one’s life. Read on for some suggestions for how to be more consistent about self-care.
Praising children is one of the ways that you can build up a child’s self-esteem and self-worth. Having a strong, positive sense of self is important for a child’s development.
Check out these suggestions from our Parenting Education Programs’ staff for how to impact a child’s behavior through praise.
Looking for information about parenting in a diverse or multiracial household?
Transracial foster and adoptive parents can’t pretend to be colorblind, but must invest in strategies that promote a healthy, racial socialization, identity development, and a positive sense of well-being for the children in their care.
We offer some resources and tips that can help.
The Fairfax County Democratic Committee’s gift drive for youth in foster care provided holiday gift bags, birthday, and graduation presents for every teen in our Foster Care and Adoption program. The program is grateful for this generous giving of volunteers and committee members which raised enough to contribute a significant amount to the emergency fund, allowing us to be prepared for what is anticipated to be a tough winter for our community’s most vulnerable. Learn more about this story in The Volunteer Post Newsletter.
The county is offering some in-person events at county facilities. In addition, our partners at Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services, Fairfax County Public Library, and the Fairfax County Park Authority continue providing exploration and fun through online resources.
Neighborhood and Community Resources
NCS Connects: After School is a virtual program for youth to explore areas of interest to them Monday-Friday from 3-6 p.m. at bit.ly/ncsconnects.
Fairfax County Park Authority offers programs and classes for all ages. All classes are conducted according to Health Department and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention safety guidelines. Outdoor, indoor and virtual class options are available in a wide range of interest areas. You can get details about dates, times, and fees or register for programs at Parktakes Online. Check out information about the schedule at other park facilities and amenities.
Check out information about the schedule at other park facilities and amenities and visit the Virtual Exploration Center – a collection of resources to help you stay healthy, connected and engaged.
While COVID-19 has Fairfax County Public Library’s physical locations operating under "Express Services" conditions, library staff is busy creating and providing many programs, events and services families can participate in from home.
- Check out the calendar of upcoming Digital Programs and Events.
- Read about Library Services Available During Limited Opening Status.
The Department of Family Services supports families and county residents of all ages and stages of life – and that definitely includes foster parents and families! Like and Follow @FairfaxCountyFamilyServices for news, events, tips, stories, training opportunities and more.
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: What do Life Skills Coordinators do?
Answer: They are responsible for the following:
Life Skills (Casey) Assessments: Self-rating by youth of knowledge, skills, permanency and “looking forward.” CLSA scores are considered in Transition Plans.
Transition Plans: A youth-driven, team plan of the goals, roles, responsibilities and services for moving from foster care into adulthood.
“Chafee” (IL) Funds: Pays certain costs of high school, college prep and independent living (or aftercare for ages 18-21).
Education and Training Vouchers: High school graduates or GED earners may receive up to $5000 for necessary costs of a degree or certificate. For FC&A youth; for Va. foster care adoptees after 16th birthday.
Life Skills Training: Through Life Skills Coordinators, private provider, other persons serving a youth. Goals chosen using life skills assessment results.
Work Skills Training: Youth Employment Services, SkillSource Centers, EYE summer employment program.
NYTD: National Youth in Transition Database. Youth surveys. IL outcomes reports, action.
More resources: Great Expectations; Youth Advisory Committee; conferences, graduation.
Check out other frequently asked questions and answers from past issues.
Parents Who Adopt Foster Youth
95 percent of parents who adopt foster youth said they would make the same decision again.
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 and thanks the Peterson Companies.
We would like to thank the Peterson Companies, the parent company of Fairfax Corner.
In the fall of 2020, their staff supported Fairfax County’s Channel 16 video crew by providing a secure location for the filming of our annual Adoption Month video featuring the Morales Family.
Once the video was completed and staff at the Peterson Companies watched the final video, they were so moved that they decided to raise awareness for the Foster Care and Adoption program by sharing the video through Fairfax Corner’s social media account.
In addition, the Peterson Companies generously provided the Morales family with an assortment of gift cards that they can use at Fairfax Corner stores and eateries.
We thank them for their kindness to the Morales Family and encouragement of others to help children and teens in foster care. In case you missed it, check out the video.
What do you want to see in Foster Family News?