Welcome to the 2023 June 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.
Congratulations to LaToya Berryman and LaKisha Bell. They have been recognized as the 2023 Fairfax County Foster Parents of the Year by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. LaToya and LaKisha initially became foster parents to LaToya’s nieces in 2016, later adopting the children. They felt that they had more love to give to other children who needed a safe and loving home and continued fostering. LaKisha and LaToya have created a home that is filled with love and joy. They are understanding, thoughtful, intentional, and patient parents who with support from therapists, health professionals, and teachers, strive to constantly meet the individual needs of each child. Watch their video.
Each year during June, the American Bar Association observes Reunification Month. It’s a time of year to recognize the people and ongoing efforts around the country that help families stay together. This year's theme is "We Believe in the Resiliency and Strength of Families!" This is a reminder to those in the field that the primary goal of foster care is always reunification when it is safe enough to do so. It encourages everyone involved in child welfare to recommit to strengthening, improving, and increasing reunification efforts throughout the year. In this spirit, Fairfax County Foster Care and Adoption will hold our 2nd Annual Reunification Celebration on Tuesday, June 6. This gathering will recognize families reunified after children were placed in foster care. Learn More about Reunification Month.
For some people, the idea of unexpectedly taking responsibility for raising two young children might be intimidating. Despite his age and the financial impact, Mr. Williams* never hesitated to take on the role of first-time parent. In his words “Supporting family has always been important to me. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat!” Learn more about how Foster Care and Adoption has supported him as a kinship care foster parent.
The internet is an essential part of our daily lives, but without proper oversight it can pose significant risks for children and adolescents. Our Parenting Education Programs encourages parents and caregivers to take proactive steps to keep children from dangers such as online predators, cyberbullying, and inappropriate content. Learn more about what you can do.
On May 13, we celebrated the anniversary of the day that Rylynn and her handler, Sam Carrico, graduated from Canine Companions®. Rylynn is instrumental in helping families working with Children, Youth, and Families to openly share positive and negative experiences as well as accept and overcome challenges. This past year Rylynn, appeared in two magazines, attended college classes on two campuses, participated in her first grief group with London Towne Elementary School students, and so much more. Visit Rylynn’s page to learn more about this partnership and other ways she has supported children and families in our community.
We’ve updated this annual report to provide demographic information about the children, families, and services that comprise Fairfax County Foster Care. To learn more about the children entering foster care in Fairfax County, their foster care placements, and their outcomes, check out this data.
Respite Night hosted by Foster the Family D.C.
Saturday, June 3
4 p.m.-7 p.m.
Fairfax Community Church
11451 Braddock Road Fairfax, VA 22030
Registration is REQUIRED by May 31, 2023
Foster Parent Appreciation Dinner and Movie hosted by Foster the Family D.C. and Fairfax County Department of Family Services (For Fairfax County Foster and Adoptive Parents Only)
Saturday, June 10, 2023
Dinner and activities at 6 p.m.
Movie begins at sunset, around 7:30 p.m.
Fairfax Church of Christ
3901 Rugby Road
Fairfax, VA 22033
This is an outdoor event. Please, bring a blanket or some lawn chairs! Register online by Friday, June 2, 2023. For more information, please contact Rosario Phelps.
The Dad’s Gathering hosted by Foster the Family D.C.
Thursday, June 15
8 p.m.
Caboose Commons
2918 Eskridge Rd. Fairfax, VA
Foster, adoptive, and kinship dads are welcome to join our informal get together for dads in Merrifield, VA. Learn about how Foster the Family can be a support. Register online.
FREE Summer Baskets provided by Foster the Family D.C.
Thanks to generous partners and donors, Foster the Family, D.C. will be delivering fun-filled summer baskets to local families to help kick-off the season. Supplies are limited, and registration is required by June 4. 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 Cafés hosted by the Department of Family Services’ Parenting Education Programs
Thursday, June 15, 2023
6:30-8 p.m.
Hybrid (In Person/Virtual)
Providence Community Center
3001 Vaden Dr, Fairfax, VA 22031
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 for an open forum discussion of topics such as communication, self-care, and family dynamics. Refreshments served. Register by email or call 703-324-7720 to indicate virtual or in-person, and if child care is needed.
National Kinship Caregiver Support Group 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 through July 2023. 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. There’s a virtual group meeting on the first Sunday of each month (June 4) from 7:30-9 p.m. The in-person group is on hiatus. Register online.
The Night Owls – FREE Virtual Adoptive Parent Peer Support Group hosted by the Northern Post Adoption Consortium and Children's Home Society of Virginia
June 27, 2023
Virtual groups meet on the last Tuesday of each month from 8-9 p.m. Parents can talk with peers about the challenges and successes of raising adopted youth. Focus on self-care and receive strength-based, adoption competent support from folks with firsthand knowledge of the adoptive parent experience. Registration required.
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.
What is the Foster Parent Support Line and how and when do I access it? What is the Child Protective Services Hotline and how and when do I access it?
Answer: The Foster Parent Support Line is an answering service available to Fairfax County foster parents, residential facilities, and group homes after-hours emergencies seven days a week. The phone number, 703-257-3974, is written on the Foster Parent Code of Ethics. Families can also obtain the number from their resource specialist, foster care and adoption specialist, or placement coordinator. The Foster Parent Support Line is always monitored by a live person. Once a call is received, the individual from the support line will either patch the foster parent directly through to the resource specialist or placement coordinator on call, or take a message so the family can be called back. The Foster Parent Support Line is a conduit for the foster parent to pass on important information about the children in their home regarding a medical need or emergency, behavior challenges or changes, or to seek advice and reassurance.
The Child Protective Services (CPS) Hotline is a number used by a caller concerning the maltreatment of a child. Foster parents, along with other community members, are mandated reporters. The CPS Hotline is a 24-hour hotline. During business hours Monday through Friday, callers may call the Fairfax County CPS Hotline at 703-324-7400. After business hours and on the weekends, calls are rolled over to the Virginia Department of Social Services hotline in Richmond, Virginia.
Check out other frequently asked questions and answers from past issues.
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