Welcome to the 2023 January issue of Foster Family News, a monthly newsletter for current and potential Fairfax County foster parents. Our monthly newsletter shares resources, news, tips, events, and trainings relevant to foster and adoptive parents, children in care, and the resource workers who support them.
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She’s learning the ropes with our Foster Care and Adoption Resource and Support Unit. Melissa is pursuing a master’s degree in social work at George Mason University where she’s in a specialized training program preparing social work students for a career in public child welfare. She expects to graduate in May 2023. We are thrilled to have her in our program this year. Learn about her passion for the work and what she plans to do with her degree.
In a similar model to several other Northern Virginia jurisdictions, Fairfax County is launching a dedicated kinship navigator position in order to more quickly locate relatives of children who are entering foster care. Check out this article to learn more about this initiative and the ways it is designed to lead to more positive permanency outcomes for children in foster care.
Learn about a local family that has provided care to an older youth in foster care since he was 16 years old. Their continuous support and efforts to bridge the gap with his biological family have made all the difference.
“The biggest issue facing all adopted people is achieving a sense of identity that requires some connection to their biological parents. Understanding where you came from—all of who you are—helps you to be whole.” Check out this advice for adoptive parents about navigating the teen years with children who seek out connection with their biological family.
Did you know that Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) provides registration fee scholarships and equipment vouchers to eligible youth participating in sports programs in Fairfax County? These scholarships and vouchers provide assistance to youth from low-income families who are not currently being served by existing scholarship or fee waiver programs to participate in youth sports leagues offered throughout the county. These scholarships are also available to children in foster care. Learn more about eligibility requirements.
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.
Families on Ice: NPAC Family Ice Skating sponsored by Children’s Home Society of Virginia and the Northern Post-Adoption Consortium in partnership with Virginia Department of Social Services
Sat, January 14, 2023
12-3:45 p.m.
3779 Pickett Road Fairfax, VA 22031
Adoptive families in the Northern Virginia region with adopted children ages 0-18 are invited to an exciting day of ice skating at the Fairfax Ice Arena. This opportunity is provided to families for free in our service region (up to five tickets per family). Register online.
Social-Emotional Milestones in Early Childhood presented by FCPS Parent Resource Center
Fri, January 20, 2023
10-11:30 a.m.
The first five years of life are a period of incredible growth in all areas of a child’s development. Social and emotional development includes the child’s experience, expression, and management of their emotions, and the ability to establish positive and rewarding relationships with others. Join this important webinar to learn about the social-emotional developmental milestones in early childhood.
Presented by Naomi H. Grinney, LCSW, Infant Mental Health Specialist, IMH-E® Clinical Supervisor/Behavioral Health Senior Clinician Infant-Toddler Connection of Fairfax – Falls Church
Learn more or Register online. Check out other webinars offered by the FCPS Parent Resource Center.
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. 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. Each month, there's 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. The next meeting is January 18. 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 should I do if a child damages property in my home?
Answer: Follow these steps if a child in your home damages property:
- As soon as damage is discovered, contact your foster care or resource specialist.
- The foster care specialist must review the damage in the home within 30 days of damage occurring.
- Within 7 days of the report to the foster care or resource specialist, the foster parents should file a claim with their own insurance for damages totaling $3,000 or more. All damages of $1,000 or more require a second estimate.
- For claims involving destruction, damage, or theft of property, the foster parent must produce evidence the items stolen or damaged were in their possession (pictures showing proof of damages, proof of purchase, etc.).
- An original signed estimate is required for claims involving repair or replacement of damaged property. A statement regarding the feasibility of repair, versus replacement, should be included. Additional estimates may be requested at the discretion of the Local Department of Social Services or Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS).
- A completed claim should contain the following: Foster Care Contingency Fund Claim Form, VDSS W-9 Form and all supporting documentation, to include a picture of the damage. These must be submitted to VDSS within 45 days of the discovery of the loss or damage.
- All damage or destruction of property claims are reviewed and approved by the Virginia Department of Social Services Regional Consultant.
Check out other frequently asked questions and answers from past issues.
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