Welcome to the 2022 December issue of Foster Family News, a monthly newsletter for current and potential Fairfax County foster parents.
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The Fairfax County Department of Family Services is excited to announce that Maya Mohindroo joined the Foster Care & Adoption, Resource and Support Program as our foster parent recruiter in October 2022. She will be engaging with and educating our community about the need for resource parents, advocating for and sharing the needs of children in foster care, and building and enhancing relationships with our partners. She is also looking for a team of volunteer foster parent ambassadors to assist her. Learn more!
Often children come into foster care late at night, with only the clothes on their backs. The Foster Closet provides new and gently used gear, clothing, and toys at no charge to kinship (relative) families and foster parents when they receive a placement. Learn more about this free community resource and ways to support children in foster care.
“I continue to stand in awe of this exceptional young person and the joy she has brought me and our family. My journey to parenthood started a bit late, but the two of us have made a lifetime of memories…” Learn more about all the amazing first experiences this family has shared during the teen years and beyond, all because one person said yes to “just a few days” of respite care.
The FCPS Special Education Handbook for Parents includes details of the special education process. This process occurs sequentially, over a period of time, with each step building upon the previous step(s).
It is important for families to understand how the special education process works, so they can effectively participate and collaborate with school staff members in making appropriate decisions regarding their child’s educational needs. Families are an integral part of the decision-making team.
The Special Education Handbook for Parents is available in Arabic, English, Korean, Spanish and Vietnamese. Contact the Parent Resource Center (PRC) at 703-204-3941 or email with any questions.
Source: Fairfax County Public Schools
All young people in foster care deserve to be meaningfully involved in their case planning so that they get the supports and services they need to work toward the future they want. You have a unique perspective on what is best for YOU. Check out some tips on how you can be engaged in the process and speak up to make positive changes in your life and the lives of others.
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.
Meet the Author Series Webinar: Dr. Gary Chapman, “The 5 Love Languages of Teenagers: The Secret to Loving Teens Effectively” presented by FCPS Parent Resource Center
Saturday, December 2
10-11 a.m.
Teenagers face a variety of pressures and stressors each day. Despite this, it’s still families who can influence teens the most, and “The 5 Love Languages of Teenagers” equips parents and caregivers to make the most of that opportunity. Join Dr. Gary Chapman as he invites parents and caregivers to step into their teen’s world and shares his insights about loving our teens. Learn more or register online.
Abide Retreat hosted by Project Belong
Fri, December 2, 2022 4:00 p.m.
Sun, December 4, 2022 11:00 a.m.
White Sulfur Springs
4500 Milligans Cove Rd
Manns Choice, PA 15550
Abide is a weekend retreat for foster + adoptive + kinship moms seeking to rest, recharge, and connect with other women walking through similar life experiences. This is a faith-based event, but all are welcome. There is a registration fee. Register online for this or other Project Belong Events.
IEP Palooza and Community Resource Fair hosted by SEPTA
Saturday, December 3
9 a.m.-noon
Annandale High School
4700 Medford Dr.
Annandale, VA 22003
Visit a resource fair to learn about community supports, watch a simulated IEP meeting, and attend breakout sessions explaining various parts of the IEP. The event is geared towards parents, caregivers, school staff, and students aged 14 and up. Recertification CE credits are available for FCPS staff. Register in advance for the free event.
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.
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. The next Kinship Café will be held December 15 for a general discussion. Register by email or call 703-324-7720.
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. RSVP to Jasmine Dukes by email or call 703-228-1556.
Formed Families Forward Peer Support Groups for foster and adoptive parents and kinship caregivers meet monthly through December. 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.
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: Why am I not getting a placement?
Answer: If a family is very specific about the type of child they are willing to parent, and children necessitating placement do not meet their criteria, it will take longer for a child to join their family. There may be a delay in placing a child with a family if the family has had recent or significant changes in the status of their home, such as a new household member, marriage, death or divorce. Families sometimes take a break following a very difficult fostering experience, either by their choice or based upon a recommendation from the Department.
Check out other frequently asked questions and answers from past issues.
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