Welcome to the 2022 November issue of Foster Family News, a monthly newsletter for current and potential Fairfax County foster parents.
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Meet Katie and Zak. Katie is a teacher with Fairfax County Public Schools and a single mom who became part of a large extended family when Zak came into her life when he was 2 years old. Their story shows how foster care and adoption can knit together the lives and hearts of people from different backgrounds, locations, and cultures to make something beautiful and affirming for everyone involved. Check out this video to learn more about Katie and Zak’s foster care to adoption journey.
Adoption Month is set aside each year to raise awareness about the need for adoptive families for children and youth in foster care. During this month we also celebrate all the families who have opened their homes to children through adoption. In Fairfax County, 26 adoptions were finalized in the last year. Check out our Adoption Month page to learn more about families formed through adoption and woven together by love. Help us spread the word.
Working in child welfare can be challenging, rewarding, and fulfilling. Wondering what it takes to work in Child Protective Services, Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention, Foster Care and Adoption or some other aspect of the field? Check out this article about the value of working with Fairfax County Department of Family Services.
Most of the children waiting for adoptive homes in Fairfax and the region are older children and youth, children in sibling groups, and children with special needs. They can benefit from the support of loving families to help them succeed in life. Please share their profiles and videos to help them find permanent families. Meet some of the wonderful children awaiting adoption through the Department of Family Services. There are additional children legally free to adopt in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
According to a brief from Child Trends, children and youth with special health care needs comprise at least 24 percent of the foster care population. These children tend to enter foster care for different reasons than their peers without special health care needs, and they may require unique services and resources during their time in foster care. Parents who adopt children with special needs acknowledge the profound impact on their families and often remark that they experience stronger family bonds and great fulfillment from parenting their children. Check out the September Adoption Triad for additional resources for families considering this step.
FCPS offers a variety of career and technical programs to all students at the middle and high school levels. The program areas include the following:
- Business and Information Technology
- Family and Consumer Sciences
- Health and Medical Sciences
- Marketing
- Technology and Engineering Education
- Trade and Industrial Education
For more information about Career and Technical Education, please call 571-423-4526 or visit the Career and Technical Education website. You can also check out this new video about the program. Visit this policy website for more information on ADA accommodations or to request accommodations.
Source: Fairfax County Public Schools
NOVA Parks Winter Light Shows
- Bull Run Festival of Lights - November 11, 2022 - January 8, 2023
7700 Bull Run Dr, Centreville VA - Meadowlark Botanical Gardens Winter Walk of Lights - November 11, 2022 - January 8, 2023
9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna VA 22182 - Ice and Lights – The Winter Village at Cameron Run - November 18, 2022 - February 26, 2023
4001 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria VA 22304
These fun, outdoor, family-friendly experiences feature unique light displays, opportunities for family pictures or selfies with a variety of displays, refreshments and ice skating at Cameron Run. Learn more or buy tickets.
Winter Wonderland Holiday Party presented by Foster the Family D.C.
Saturday, December 3
4-7 p.m.
205 Van Buren St. Herndon, VA 20170
This outdoor event for foster, adoptive, and kinship families features holiday-themed crafts, treats, and activities. There will be a magic show, face painting, balloon artist, petting zoo, Polar Express train and food trucks to enjoy. Each child will be able to visit with Santa and choose a gift. Register online by November 20.
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
Monthly on the Second Tuesday
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, 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: How do I set up daycare?
Answer: At the time of a referral, placement staff will ask foster parents if they need daycare and make a referral for child care assistance at that time. Foster parents will be asked if they have flexibility to remain at home until daycare is arranged. If daycare is necessary during a placement, a foster parent can request assistance from the foster care and adoption specialist or resource specialist.
Check out other frequently asked questions and answers from past issues.
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