Welcome to the 2023 August 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.
Raising children can be one of the most rewarding things you do. However, child-rearing is not without its share of stressors, and trauma-informed parenting brings additional layers of complexity to the mix. Check out this article with some tips for reducing your levels of stress.
Several changes to laws related to Child Protective Services (CPS), Foster Care, and Resource Families took effect on July 1, 2023. Check out our summary of bill passed during the 2023 Session of the Virginia General Assembly. Read More.
Meet Jennifer, a social services specialist III with the Fairfax County Foster Care and Adoption program. She supports children who have been placed in foster care and their families as they work toward permanency for the children. Learn why Jennifer has a passion for helping families and what she loves about working for the Children, Youth and Families Division within Fairfax County Department of Family Services. Read More.
“No matter how much we have put into foster parenting, no matter how hard the days or how long the nights, no matter how emotionally draining it can be to see the things a child and family go through when they need to be in the foster care system – we never give into foster care as much as we receive back. The rewards of being a foster parent far outweigh any sacrifice we have made.” Check out what else Mr. and Mrs. D have to say about The Unexpected Rewards of Foster Parenting.
The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) informed local departments of social services that there would be a 5 percent increase to maintenance rates effective July 1, 2023. However, the state budget has not been fully approved by the Virginia General Assembly. As a result, the increased maintenance rates originally shared by VDSS will not take effect as originally shared. This information impacts Fairfax County resource families, adoptive families, and kinship caregivers, as well as those certified by child-placing agencies.
The Department of Family Services will continue to work with our state partners and provide you with any updates that become available. Thank you for your patience and understanding. If you have any questions, please contact your social services specialist or you may reach out to Julie Bowman, program manager for Foster Care & Adoption, Resource & Support through email or at 703-324-7131.
Current monthly payment:
| Age of Child | Basic (Room and Board) Maintenance |
|---|---|
| 0 through 4 | $521 |
| 5 through 12 | $609 |
| 13 and over | $772 |
| Independent Living Stipend | $800 |
On Demand Scheduling this Summer – Virtual Body Safety Classes
The Body Safety Program is now offering 30-60-minute virtual classes to any Pre-K through sixth grade students living in Fairfax County. These one-on-one or small group classes emphasize online safety. Offered in English or Spanish.
Friday, August 4, 5-7:30 p.m. – Family Summer Picnic in Van Dyck Park hosted by Formed Families Forward
Kinship, adoptive, and foster families are invited to this picnic to enjoy free food, games, a magic show, a service project, activities for teenagers, and more.
Saturday, August 12, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. – Textured Hair Care Workshop for transracial adoptive parents, foster parents, social workers, and caregivers offered by Foster the Family D.C. and Styles 4 Kidz. Includes an overview of basic hair care, types, textures, skincare, protective hairstyles, and practice styling. $30.
Tuesday, August 29, 7-8 p.m. – Starting the School Year Strong: Strategies for Foster, Adoptive, and Kinship Families webinar hosted by Formed Families Forward. Participants will gain strategies for creating effective routines, managing anxiety, helping children regulate, and building effective working relationships with school staff.
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.
A variety of organizations offer support to adoptive, foster, and kinship care families in our region. Register online for a preferred support group.
Sunday, Aug. 6, 7:30-9 p.m. – Formed Families Forward Virtual Peer Support Groups for foster, adoptive, and kinship families.
Monday, Aug. 14, 6:30-8 p.m. – Foster the Family D.C. Prince William County Support Group for foster, kinship, and adoptive moms.
Monday, Aug. 14, 7 p.m. – Foster the Family D.C. Mom’s Gathering at Caboose Commons in Fairfax.
Sunday, Sept. 3, 7:30-9 p.m. – Formed Families Forward Virtual Peer Support Groups for foster, adoptive, and kinship families.
Wednesday, Sept. 20, 7-8:30 p.m. – Formed Families Forward in-Person Peer Support Groups for foster, adoptive, and kinship families.
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 process for traveling out of state or out of the country with a child placed in my home?
Answer: Approval for out-of-country travel must be obtained from the director of the Fairfax County Department of Family Services. Efforts will be made to locate the birth parent to obtain permission for the trip. The foster care specialist will need the request eight weeks before an out of the country trip to ensure proper passports, visas, or other requirements for traveling out of country be obtained prior to the trip. For planned out-of-state travel, foster parents should notify the specialist at least one week prior to the departure. For emergencies, foster parents should notify the specialist as soon as possible. The specialist will need to assess whether such travel conflicts with other activities, such as visits with birth family members. Full answer available online. Read More.
Check out other frequently asked questions and answers from past issues.
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