Department of Family Services – Children, Youth and Families

CONTACT INFORMATION: Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
703-324-7500 TTY 711
12011 Government Center Parkway, Pennino Building
Fairfax, VA 22035
Oriane Eriksen
Director

Foster Family News – 2021 July

Foster Family Newsletter banner

Welcome to the 2021 July issue of Foster Family News, a monthly newsletter for current and potential Fairfax County foster parents.

Table of Contents
  • 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
  • Trainings and Conferences

 

5 Things About Julie Bowman, the New Program Manager for Resource and Support

Julie Bowman hugging dogWe’re excited to announce that Julie Bowman, LCSW has been promoted to the position of Foster Care and Adoption Program Manager for Resource and Support! Julie has spent 17 years serving in direct service positions in the child welfare system. Her professional experience includes positions in a private therapeutic foster care agency and a public child welfare agency. Most recently, she was a supervisor for the Adoption and Kinship Assistance Unit in Foster Care and Adoption. Get to know more about Julie!

Foster Care and Adoption Maintenance Rate Increase

four children stand side by side smilingEffective July 1, 2021, the foster care board rates will increase by 2 percent. New legislation requires the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) to adjust maintenance rates during the fiscal year following a fiscal year when salary increases are provided for state employees. The increase is to be based on inflation costs for raising a child. State employees received a salary increase in FY 2020 and as a result a two percent cost of living increase has been made available for foster care maintenance rate increases in FY2022. This increase should be also provided to families receiving adoption assistance who are getting the maximum allowable maintenance payment.

New Rates

Age of Child Room and board Clothing Personal Care, Recreation and Reading Monthly Allowance Total Payment
0 thru 4 $339 $62 $95 $0 $496
5 thur 12 $338 $80 $102 $10 $580
13 and older $470 $124 $109 $32 $735

Supplemental Clothing Allowance

Age of Child Clothing Allowance Amount
0 thru 4 $330
5 thru 12 $414
13 and over $497

There is no change in the monthly Independent Living stipend which remains at $644. The basic foster care board rate increase is applicable to all local and private child placing agency foster homes, as well as adoption assistance cases.

Please contact your Resource Worker with any questions.

Unit Success Stories: An Emergency Relative Foster Placement Leads to a Permanent Home

virtual call five people - South County Foster Care and Adoption unitPlease check out this story of how foster care staff worked with a dedicated young woman who volunteered for an emergency relative foster placement. Her unconditional love and dedication in caring for her younger relatives has been incredible and continues to this day!

 

Foster Youth Shares How Legislation (H.R. 7947) Made a Difference in Her Life

Fariha RahmanOn December 27, 2020, the Supporting Foster Youth and Families through the Pandemic Act (H.R. 7947), an important measure for foster children was passed as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act. It introduced several measures to help foster youth alleviate the damage done to the economy byCOVID-19.

As part of the act, children who otherwise would have aged out of foster care during the pandemic, were able to remain in care and continue receiving financial support and case management services.

One youth in Fairfax County Foster Care, Fariha Rahman, was able to contribute her perspective on what this legislation has meant to her. Check out this article by Christa Cooke in their June Youth News Magazine.

Department of Family Services Welcomes New Facility Dog

Rylynn resting on Samantha Carrico's lap posing graduation photoWe’re excited to announce that our first furry 4-legged staff member has joined the Children, Youth and Families Division!

Our new facility dog, Rylynn, is a 2-year-old Labrador Golden Retriever Mix. She has received extensive training by Canine Companions® and will provide emotional support to children and their families throughout a sexual abuse investigation.

Rylynn has been placed and certified as a Facility Dog Team with Samantha “Sam” Carrico, LCSW who works in DFS’ Children, Youth and Families Division. She will help reduce trauma and decrease the re-victimization of the children and families we serve. Check out this article to learn more about the work Rylynn is doing.

Like and Follow our Facebook page for more updates on Rylynn and her experiences with our community partners.

June Foster Parent Breakfast Held In-Person

group of foster parents standing on stepsOn Saturday, June 5, a group of newly approved foster parents, gathered in person for an outdoor picnic breakfast on the lawn area behind the Pennino Building in Fairfax. This quarterly FAQ breakfast is an opportunity for new foster parents to ask staff many of the questions that come up in the first few months of foster parenting.

This event also provided families with a chance to meet some other foster parents and begin to develop a network of support and a sense of community with others who can relate to their experiences. Many foster parents say that no one else really understands the joys and challenges they face. This makes a connection so significant.

We strongly encourage all our new families to participate in an FAQ breakfast. Save the date for the next breakfast on Saturday, Sept. 11 and keep an eye out in the coming months for the invitation. If you have questions, please contact Patricia Aviles-Cubillos by email or phone 571-585-2746.

Events Central

generic calendar graphicNorthern Virginia Parent Peer Support Group hosted by Northern Post Adoption Consortium, and Formed Families Forward.

Virtual Groups Meet via Zoom
First Sunday of every month.
July 4, Aug. 1, Sept. 5, Oct. 3, Nov. 7, Dec. 5
7:30-9 p.m.

In-Person Groups Meet in Fairfax City
Third Wednesday of every month.
July 21, Aug. 18, Sept. 15, Oct. 20, Nov. 17 and Dec. 15
7-8:30 p.m.

This free ongoing parent support group is led by trained peer leaders with personal and professional experience for families residing in Northern Virginia. Participants will experience a safe space for foster and adoptive parents and kinship caregivers to share experiences, concerns, frustrations and resources. Register online.


Formed Families Back Together Summer Picnic hosted by Formed Families Forward and Fairfax County Foster Care and Adoption Association
Friday, Aug. 6, 2021 5 -7:30 p.m.
Van Dyck Park 3720 Old Lee Highway Fairfax, 22030

This free summer fun family event is a chance for all foster, adoptive and kinship families from any jurisdiction to reconnect in person, help others through service, eat, play, relax and have fun! It kicks off with a brief community service activity for the whole family. Then, all will enjoy a picnic dinner in a pavilion. Main dishes and drinks will be provided; we ask families to bring individually-wrapped side or dessert items to share. Following dinner, children can participate in activities and games, supervised by GMU volunteers! RSVP and find more information online or call 703-539-2904.


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 is excited to bring you a variety of camp options taking place in person this summer! Registration is now open for 2021 NCS Summer Camps, which run from June through August 2021. Find out more specific information on each camp.

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.

Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL)
In-person library programming, hosted indoors or outdoors has resumed as of June 5. FCPL will continue to offer robust virtual programming for all ages, which can be found on the FCPL online calendar, YouTube channel and Facebook page. Learn about the top 10 ways to access FCPL resources at home. Get more information.

Department of Family Services graphic logoThe 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 to access a variety of 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.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

question marksQuestion: How do we register youth for free classes at rec centers?

The Fairfax County Park Authority offers a variety of activities, classes, programing, and recreation centers for county residents. Fairfax County youth in foster care often meet the criteria for scholarships or reduced fees for Park Authority classes. Find out more information about qualification criteria and steps to apply for fee waivers and scholarships.

In addition, Fairfax County Park Authority offers Rec-PAC Summer programs, and therapeutic recreational camp programs are available through Neighborhood Community Services.

Check out other frequently asked questions and answers from past issues.

STORY IN STATISTICS

There are over 200 children in foster care in Fairfax county.

  • 34% are age 5 and under.
  • 24% are ages 6-12 years
  • 42% ares 13-20 years.

Check out more statistics like these.

Story in Statistics: over 200 children in foster care in Fairfax county; 34% of children age 5 and under; 24% ages 6-12 years; 42% ages 13-20 years.

FOSTER CARE MYTHS

There are a lot of misconceptions about foster care, foster parents, and the children and families involved. This section aims to dispel some of those notions and provide clarity for those interested in supporting foster care.

Myth: You need to own your home.

Fact: Foster parents can either own or rent. The home must have adequate bedroom space for the children. Each child must have their own bed.

Check out other myths from past issues.

TRAININGS AND CONFERENCES (For Fairfax County Foster Parents Only)

orange mechanical gearsSupporting Youth in Foster Care, Teen Years and Beyond
Saturday, July 17, 2021 9 a.m.–noon
Virtual via Zoom

Join the Fairfax County Department of Family Services’ (DFS) Permanency and Life Skills Unit to learn about how DFS can support foster families and the youth in their home through an annual life skills assessment and the development of a transitional living plan. Families will also learn about strategies and services that aid teens in developing independent living skills to prepare them for healthy, productive lives. RSVP to Zachary Landau by Tuesday, July 13, 2021.


Cultural Awareness
Note: There are two (2) sessions in this class. Both must be attended to receive a certificate of completion.
Saturday, Aug. 7 and Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Virtual

Join the Fairfax County Department of Family Services, in partnership with Cheryl Cook, to learn about the influence of culture on identity formation in children and youth. In this training we will discuss the value of diversity, while learning tips and best practices for applying positive parenting strategies in a multi- cultural context. RSVP to Zachary Landau by Monday, Aug. 2, 2021.


Foster Parent College Training Highlight (July 2021)

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.

Understanding Sex Trafficking
his interactive class is hosted by Priscilla Pegeese and led by Jennifer Shimer, MS, developer of curricula for the Prevention of Human Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation. Understanding Sex Trafficking will provide information to help resource parents safeguard children in care by exploring commercial sexual exploitation, what it is, and how parents can recognize signs that a child is being sexually exploited. (Also available in Spanish.)

*The training will take approximately 1.5 hours to complete and fulfills 2.0 hours of on-line in-service training. You may take the class at your own pace.

Register online

  • Log In with your log in credentials.
  • Scroll and select the course titled – Understanding Sex Trafficking (under the Behavior Management tab).
  • Select Enroll to begin the course.

If you have questions or need additional support, please reach out to one of the in-service trainers; Terri Williams-Henderson or Palinda Belcher. You may also contact FPC at (541) 343-6636 or toll free at 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.

SUGGESTIONS

envelopeWhat do you want to see in Foster Family News?

Submit your suggestions to Angela Morlu.

 

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Check out past issues of Foster Family News.

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