Welcome to the 2021 March issue of Foster Family News, a monthly newsletter for current and potential Fairfax County foster parents.
| Table of Contents | |
|---|---|
|
|
Meet some older adult foster parents who are making a lasting difference for youth in Fairfax County and encouraging others to give it a try.
“At this stage in your lives, you have so many relationship skills, life experiences and abilities to make some real lasting changes for children, who through no fault of their own, are in such great need,” said Scott and Marie Kokotajlos.
Learn more about older adult foster parents' stories.
According to Three to Succeed, if each young person in Fairfax County has at least one protective factor at home, at school, and in the community, it will improve their odds for success.
Foster parents have an opportunity to be that one person at home who can help support a child to make healthy decisions and cope well with life’s stresses.
Learn about these and all of the factors that matter.
Social Work Month is in March and this year’s theme is Social Workers are Essential.
Each day more than 700,000 social workers nationwide and 58,500 social workers in Virginia work toward making life better for others. They empower people, giving them the skills and encouragement that they need to overcome life’s challenges. Social workers also link individuals to resources they may need to live more fulfilled lives. Learn more about what social workers in Foster Care and Adoption do, and check out some of the profiles of the amazing social workers supporting our foster and adoptive parents.
Developmental disability is a broad term to describe an impairment in physical, learning, language, or behavior.
In the US, an estimated 17% of children aged 3-17 years have one or more developmental disabilities.
Among children in foster care that number is believed to be significantly higher.
Learn more about some helpful resources to help foster and adoptive parents be more supportive of children with disabilities.
The Contingency Fund is a resource offered to foster families who are approved through Fairfax County Department of Family Services or another Local Department of Social Services. It is designed to minimize out of pocket expenses to foster families when a child placed in their home causes loss or damages (accidental or intentional) to the parent’s home.
For more information about how to request contingency funds, please refer to our Foster Parent Frequently Asked Questions and check out #9.
Nutrition and Wellness Virtual Event hosted by Children’s Home Society of Virginia and the Northern Post Adoption Consortium
Part 1: Tuesday, March 9 between 5-7 p.m.
Part 2: Thursday, March 11 between 5-7 p.m.
Virtually via Zoom
This parent event is open to all adoptive families in the northern region of Virginia. Bethany Watkins, registered dietician and owner of Happy Body Wellness will lead this two-night parent workshop. Explore the topics of nutrition and movement and the interplay with mental wellness. As a foster parent, Bethany Watkins, will also provide insight in the importance nutrition in setting the stage for emotional regulation for children with a history of trauma. Register online.
Virtual Respite: Drama and Games hosted by Children’s Home Society of Virginia and the Northern Post Adoption Consortium
Monday, March 15, 2021 between 1-3 p.m.
Virtually via Zoom
During this two-hour day respite program, youth in the northern region of Virginia are invited to join the Northern Post Adoption Consortium (NPAC), Children’s Home Society of Virginia (CHSVA) and our friends at the Virginia Repertory Theatre for a drama-filled, fun-filled afternoon! Virginia Repertory Theatre actors will be on hand with theater-based fun and games. This activity is free to join, but registration is required.
Your Child’s Sensory World hosted by Children's Home Society of Virginia, Northern Post Adoption Consortium, and the Virginia Department of Social Services
Saturday, April 24, 2021 between 3-5 p.m.
Virtually via Zoom
Through this workshop, explore the sensory needs of your child and how to promote behavioral and emotional growth by focusing on and supporting sensory needs. This will also be a chance for support from your adoptive parent peers. This virtual workshop is free for adoptive parents in the Northern region of Virginia. Register online. Visit the Northern Post Adoption Consortium for other upcoming free events for adoptive parents and children in the northern region.
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 between 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 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 with only "Curbside and Virtual Services," 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 is the difference between day care and summer camp?
Answer: Day care is a service provided to foster parents on a consistent basis, depending on the foster parents’ schedule and the child’s needs. Summer camp is a special activity or interest that is provided for youth in foster care.
Check out other frequently asked questions and answers from past issues.
Top 3 Reasons Adolescents Leave Foster Care
61% Achieve permanency through adoption, guardianship, or reunification with birth parents.
14% Age out of foster care.
13% Run away.
Source: The Center for State Child Welfare Data, Nov. 2017. Understanding the Differences in How Adolescents Leave Foster Care.
Foster Parent College
Foster Parent College (FPC) is a great way to obtain training on key topics from the safety and comfort of your home. FPC provides newly approved and seasoned foster parents with a curriculum designed to build new skills and reinforce information acquired from New Generation PRIDE (formerly PRIDE). As approved foster parents with Fairfax County, all classes are free and available to you 24/7. You may choose to take any class you believe will be helpful for your own personal growth and development.
If you have questions or need additional support, please reach out to one of the in-service trainers Palinda Belcher or Terri Williams-Henderson. You may also contact FPC on 541-343-6636 or toll free on 1-800-777-6636, (PT) for technical difficulties. As always, once a class is completed, please email the certificate to either Palinda Belcher (if your last name begins with A-J) or Terri Williams-Henderson (if your last name begins with K-Z).
Orientation
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.