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Foster Family News – 2022 April

Welcome to the 2022 April issue of Foster Family News, a monthly newsletter for current and potential Fairfax County foster parents.

Table of Contents
Social Media Tips! What’s Normal for Youth in Foster Care? Raise Awareness for Child Abuse Prevention Month Unit Success Stories: A Long Way Home for a Youth in Foster Care Understanding Virginia Child Welfare Terms and Abbreviations Words Matter- Words of Encouragement for Children Events Central	Kinship Corner Support Groups Frequently Asked Question: What does DFS pay for college and/or training costs? Story in Statistics: Children involved with Child Protective Services Foster Care Myths: DFS wants to remove children. Trainings and Conferences

Social Media Tips! What’s Normal for Youth in Foster Care?

Even though it may be tempting to forbid children and youth to use social media, this is seldom realistic. In addition, forbidding social networking may make it harder for youth in foster care to fit in with friends and relate to other teenagers in the community. Instead, foster parents should provide guidance and boundaries to help youth in their care use social media safely. Check out some tips.

Raise Awareness for CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH

Visit our 2022 Child Abuse Prevention Month website. It is full of resources and services in our community that provide supports to keep families connected and children safe and healthy. This year, the Child Abuse Prevention Month theme is Words Matter. Learn more about our Wear Blue Day, the Pinwheel Challenge, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisor’s Proclamation, and other ways you can get involved to support families and promote an end to child abuse and neglect.

Unit Success Stories: A Long Way Home for a Youth in Foster Care

We’re shining a spotlight on the work of the Foster Care Permanency Unit and their work covering the central region of Fairfax. In the midst of the challenges faced by a girl who entered foster care at 10 years old, COVID-19 created even more hurdles for workers to overcome. Staff and the foster family provided support and a sense of normalcy for this youth through it all. Check out this successful story.

Words Matter – Words of Encouragement for Children

During Child Abuse Prevention Month this April, Join the Words Matter Challenge.

Parents and caregivers, be intentional every day to speak encouraging words that build up children’s sense of worth!

We’ve compiled a list of creative ways to say how much you care, and give you some new ideas for showing support for children.

Check it out!

Understanding Virginia Child Welfare Terms and Abbreviations

Ever get confused by all the unfamiliar terms used by staff in Foster Care and Adoption?

We've created a handy cheat sheet to help understand the acronyms and abbreviations that you may hear from time to time! Check it out!

EVENTS CENTRAL

Child Abuse Prevention Month Wear Blue Day
Tuesday, April 1

Show your support for children in our community by wearing blue and posting a #WearBlueDay photo on social media as port of this statewide initiative.

The Hope for the Journey Conference
April 9, 2022
9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Fairfax Church of Christ
3901 Rugby Road
Fairfax, VA 22033

This event seeks to encourage and better equip parents and caregivers meeting the everyday needs of children impacted by adoption and/or foster care. Fairfax County will offer in-service training credit to foster parents who attend and provide documentation confirming full participation in the conference. Register online $15 per person or $25 per couple.

Spring Forward: Foster, Adoptive and Kinship Family Fun Day, sponsored by Formed Families Forward
Saturday, April 30
8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Colgan Hall, George Mason University
Science and Technology Campus
10900 University Boulevard
Manassas, VA 20110

While parents, caregivers and professionals are enjoying sessions presented by experts in education and support of foster, adoptive and kinship families, children ages 4 and older will have a blast at GMU's outdoor experiential learning program "The EDGE." Early Bird rates are available through April 2. Register online $$

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.

KINSHIP CORNER

Virtual Kinship Cafés hosted by the Department of Family Services’ Parenting Education Programs
First Wednesday and Third Thursday Monthly
6:30-8 p.m.
Kinship caregivers can talk with others who understand how difficult and joyful it can be raising a child for a family member or friend. Join us to discuss topics such as communication, self-care, and family dynamics. April 6 we'll dive deeper into discussing Managing Grief in Kinship Families (Part 2): presented by Susanne Maurer, LPC, Therapist, The Women’s Center. May 4 we’ll discuss Building Children and Teens’ Self-Esteem Through Praise. Register by email or call 703-324-7720.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Formed Families Forward Support Groups for foster and adoptive parents and kinship caregivers meet monthly: an in-person group in Fairfax on third Wednesday evenings from 7-8:30 p.m. and a virtual group on first Sunday evenings of the month 7:30-9 p.m. Register online.

Formed Families Forward Stronger Together Peer Support Group for teens and young adults (ages 14-22) meets twice monthly in person on Tuesday nights from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in Fairfax City. Register online.

Fairfax County Foster the Family Support Groups for foster and adoptive moms meet the third Monday of each month from 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. in Falls Church. Childcare is provided. Register online or send an email.

Prince William County Foster the Family Support Groups for foster and adoptive moms meet the first Thursday of each month from 6:15-7:45 p.m. in Nokesville. No childcare is available at this time. Register online or send an email.

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: What does DFS pay for college and/or training costs?

Chafee IL funds are available to youth 14 and older, who have an updated life skills assessment and transition plan; and have no outstanding receipts for previous purchases made using IL Funds. Expenses covered include:

High School Expenses

Up to $800 can be requested to cover senior year expenses, such as: yearbook, graduation announcements, cap and gown, senior fees, senior pictures, class ring, senior trip, senior school party, graduation tickets. Only one prom and one homecoming event per year are covered, at a maximum of $300 towards clothing and tickets. Teens, social workers and foster parents are encouraged to discuss all possible expenses related to senior year, and budget out the $800 ahead of time.
Up to $500 can be requested to cover underclassmen expenses, such as: class fees, yearbook, pictures. Only one prom and one homecoming event per year are covered, at a maximum of $300 towards clothing and tickets.
SAT testing & related fees (check with Guidance Office about getting waivers first)
SAT classes (up to $300)
NEW Computers/Printers for any youth 14+ (up to $600)
Special supplies or clothing required for high school class

College Preparation Expenses

College application fees (up to three applications)
College enrollment/acceptance/holding fees
Dorm Room deposit
Dorm Room items (up to $600; e.g. bedding, storage, hangers, towels, lamps, clocks)
Dorm Room appliances on case-by-case basis (up to $500; e.g. microwave, refrigerator, TV, vacuum)

Independent Living Expenses

Bicycles/helmet and related equipment (up to $300)
Household items for IL arrangement/apartment (up to $600)
Household appliances (up to $500)
Utility deposit
Independent Living conference or training fees
Luggage (up to $300)
Adult Education Classes
Clothing required for job interview or employment
Transportation to work/training (up to $200 for first month’s travel in gas or Smart Trip cards)
Additional transportation funds are available until August 31, 2022. Eligible youth can request up to $4000 to use toward the purchase of a car, car insurance, driving courses, public transportation costs and other transportation-related needs.
Car expenses (Availability limited on a case-by-case basis.) See local guidelines for more details.
Car insurance (if car is needed for school or work, can pay ½ of the first installment)
Up to $1,000/year for car down payments or repairs. Proof of income, youth’s name on car title, 2 repair estimates, or other documents may be requested.
Note: Use CSA funding for Driver’s Ed and Behind the Wheel instruction.

Aftercare Services for Youth 18-21 years old

Housing deposit (up to $1,000) - youth must have proof of income
First month’s rent
Utility deposit
Basic furniture (up to $600; e.g. sofa, tables, chairs, bed, desk)
Household items for apartment (up to $600; e.g. bedding, storage, hangers, towels, lamps,
clocks)
Household appliances (up to $500; e.g. microwave, refrigerator, TV, vacuum)
Transportation for emergency situations for school, work or medical
Emergency car repairs (Availability limited on a case-by-case basis.) - 2 estimates and proof of income required (up to $1,000/year)
GED/High School expenses (See limits in “High School Expenses” section)
Cell phones – Contact a coordinator for assistance in applying to Safelink for a free prepaid phone.

Education and Training Vouchers (ETV) for Youth (Ages 16-23) in Postsecondary Education

ETV funds are available to help pay necessary costs of attending college or vocational training degree or certificate programs, such as: tuition, grants, transportation, computers, and room and board. ETV may pay up to $5,000 a year of expenses that are not paid by grants, and should be utilized prior to Independent Living Funds, when available.

Available for ages 16-23 (services end at 23rd birthday)
High School Diploma or GED is required.

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

STORY IN STATISTICS

In Fairfax County alone, in 2021, more than 2,600 children were involved with Child Protective Services. Child abuse and neglect cuts across all demographic areas and impacts our entire community.

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: DFS wants to remove children.

Fact: Unfortunately, this is often the perception held by the biological family of a child in foster care, and sometimes the negative stereotype that plays out in the media. In Fairfax County in 2021, more than 2,600 children were involved with Child Protective Services, however, only 83 children entered foster care in that time period.

The Department of Family Services’ Children, Youth and Families Division believes in using the most preventive, least restrictive interventions first. When necessary, to protect a child’s physical or emotional safety, DFS uses more intensive interventions, such as court action to initiate foster care and kinship relative placements.

If a child is removed, reunification with their birth family is set forth as the priority by DFS. A treatment plan is developed by a caseworker on behalf of the state to be followed by the biological parents. DFS partners with families to serve as an intentional and continuous effort to ensure engagement and meaningful involvement.

Based on the progression and performance of the parent(s) and their ability to make the changes required by the state, the child will either return home once it is deemed safe or, when all other options have been exhausted, the parental rights will be terminated. Other permanency options such as adoption are available at that point.

Check out other myths from past issues.

TRAININGS AND CONFERENCES (For Fairfax County Foster Parents Only)

Foster to Adopt
Thursday, Apr. 14 and 21, 2022
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Virtual via Zoom

Come learn about the transition from fostering to adopting and meet other families considering the same process. The training will cover issues such as transracial adoption and cultural sensitivity; the impact of adoption on child development; ongoing birth family and sibling contact; Adoption Assistance and resources. RSVP to Zachary Landau by Friday, Apr. 8, 2022.

Foster Parent College Training Highlight (April 2022)
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.

Child Development
This course explores typical child development, the effects of abuse and neglect on development, risk factors, developmental milestones, red flags for development and behavior problems. It also outlines case studies for each developmental stage and provides an interactive opportunity to demonstrate knowledge.

*The training will take approximately 3.0 hours to complete and fulfills 4.0 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 – Child Development (Under the Parenting Strategies 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 Gaines. 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 Gaines (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

What 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.

Department of Family Services – Children, Youth and Families

Department of Family Services Alert:

Department Resources

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Foster Family News – 2022 April

Fairfax Virtual Assistant

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Department of Family Services – Children, Youth and Families

Department of Family Services Alert:

Department Resources

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Foster Family News – 2022 April

Answer to the Frequently Asked Question

Fairfax Virtual Assistant

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