Welcome to the 2022 October issue of Foster Family News, a monthly newsletter for current and potential Fairfax County foster parents.
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Jerry Shapiro, 65, often spends time with his grandsons after school and on weekends kicking a ball around the yard, riding bikes, or heading to the local playground. Jerry and his wife, Michelle, are raising their two grandsons Cayden, 9, and Cameron, 7.
While it’s not the way they envisioned their later years, Jerry and Michelle are grateful that they are able to provide a stable, loving home for their grandkids.
Read more about their experiences and the way they have been supported by county services.
Daphne Saunders, a Social Services Specialist with our Foster Care and Adoption program recently passed away.
Join us in honoring Daphne by celebrating her life and remembering the positive impact she had on our department, her family and friends, and the broader community we serve.
Learn more about Daphne.
At only 2 years old, Harper* was separated from her birth mother and father due to their ongoing mental health and substance abuse issues.
DFS and Harper's foster parents worked with this family through various ups and downs to reach an unexpected outcome. Learn about their journey.
The September issue of Children’s Bureau Express (CBX) highlights kinship care and how placing children in need of out-of-home care with relatives can help them maintain connections to family, community, and culture.
This message from Associate Commissioner Aysha E. Schomburg features the lived experience of a kinship caregiver that addresses the importance of providing support to families who take in the children of relatives. It also includes valuable resources for professionals and the families they serve. Learn More.
This video provides some basic skin care information to help ensure that your Black/African American or biracial child develops a healthy skin attitude, good skin care routine and prevents skin related issues.
This overview also provides specific information geared toward building the confidence of transracial foster and adoptive parents in this area.
In August, staff from our Children, Youth and Families Division joined with hundreds of community volunteers to ensure children in foster care were ready for the school year. This “Christmas is Not Cancelled,” event was coordinated by Comfort Cases at their offices in Rockville.
Volunteers worked together to fill more than 2,000 backpacks with donations for children in the region. Participants had the chance to meet Virginia native, actress, and foster to adoptive mom, Jen Lilley who is one of the founders of Christmas is Not Cancelled.
Stop Banging Your Head Against the Wall: Options for Dispute Resolution in Special Education presented by Formed Families Forward
Wednesday, October 12
7-8 p.m.
Virtual
This session will look at the options available when parents and caregivers do not agree with the school’s decision regarding their child’s identification (or lack thereof), evaluation, educational placement, or services. This session will examine the rights of foster, adoptive, and kinship caregivers regarding dispute resolution, learn about the pros and cons, and receive helpful hints for preparing for dispute resolution. 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 Support Groups hosted by A Second Chance Kinship Care
Second Tuesday Monthly beginning October 4
6-8 p.m.
Groups will alternate between in person and virtual meetings. The first virtual meeting is Tuesday, October 4, and the first in-person meeting is Tuesday, November 8. RSVP to Jasmine Dukes by email or call 703-228-1556.
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.
Wednesday, October 5 we’ll discuss The Joys and Challenges of Kinship Care. Wednesday, November 2 will feature a Panel Discussion with a Fairfax County Public Schools' Social Worker, Counselor, Psychologist, and Parent Liaison. Register by email or call 703-324-7720.
Formed Families Forward Peer Support Groups for foster and adoptive parents and kinship caregivers meet monthly through December 21. There is an in-person group in Fairfax meeting the third Wednesday from 7-8:30 p.m. and a virtual group meeting on the first Sunday from 7:30-9 p.m. Register online.
Formed Families Forward Stronger Together Youth Support Groups for teens and young adults (ages 14-22) meets weekly in person on Tuesdays, through November 1 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in Fairfax City. Professional clinicians facilitate this peer support group which introduces skills youth can use to navigate everyday challenges and personal growth. A light dinner will be served each evening. FREE of charge but regular weekly attendance is expected. Register online.
Foster the Family D.C. Support Groups for foster and adoptive parents – In-person support groups are available in Fairfax County, Eastern Prince William County, Western Prince William County, and Montgomery County. Each group meets one evening a month from 6:30-8 p.m. Visit Foster the Family D.C. to learn more about the group nearest to you, or to register online.
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 about transportation?
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