Welcome to the 2023 October 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.
When you first meet Gina Marquez-Rey and Antoinette Robilliard D'Onofrio, the first thing that strikes you is their shared warmth and open personalities. These Latina women have a lot of love to share with others around them and it shows particularly in the way they care for their young son Alejandro. Sharing their Hispanic culture is one way these abuelas make a difference for children in foster care. Learn more in this Hispanic Heritage Month profile.
Foster parents, it’s no question that taking time for self-care is essential so that you can be the best possible caregiver for the children in your life. If you are wondering if there are any conditions that you need to consider when hiring a babysitter for a foster child, check out this article.
In November of 2021, a couple received their first call to take in a 3-month-old baby girl who had been separated from her parents due to their mental health and substance abuse issues. They were brand new foster parents and they weren’t sure what to expect. They quickly fell in love with the baby girl while committing themselves to build lasting bonds with her biological family. Read More.
The Department of Family Services’ Body Safety program staff had an opportunity to teach a class at Clifton Presbyterian Church Preschool, where they model and guide children to show respect and kindness to themselves, their classmates, and their teachers. During the Body Safety classes, instructors reinforced the ideas that children deserve to be respected and safe on the inside and on the outside. Learn more about this program and the difference it makes in our community.
Melissa, a foster and adoptive parent of 15 years, explains, “When I started, I was like ‘I want to care for babies.’ For a while, I only fostered babies. But one summer, my oldest daughter went away to a ballet camp. That’s when I took in my first teen. After that, I thought, ‘You know what, teens are great!’ I’ve had a few teens over the years and honestly, the stuff that they bring to the table is just amazing.” Learn more.
DFS’ Volunteer & Partner Services program was overwhelmed with the outpouring of community donations of backpacks and school supplies this year. We are so appreciative for the support that our donors and partners provided to the children and families we serve. Thanks especially to Fairfax County Democratic Committee, Comfort Cases, His Church Life Acts Community Care, Amyx – A Tetra Tech Company, and Touching Heart for their donations. Learn more.
Do you have older foster youth placed in your home? If so, they might be interested in checking out these two Fostering Futures’ Independent Living events.
Keys to Your Financial Future is a virtual 8-session series, for youth ages 16-21, starting Tuesday, Oct. 3. MVB Bank professionals will lead discussions about how to manage your money, including paying bills and budgeting, understanding your income, banking, saving and investing, establishing credit, getting loans, and more.
A Puppy Party with Canine Companions on Saturday, Nov. 18 is for youth, 14-21 years. They can meet the Department of Family Services’ facility dog Rylynn. Learn about puppy raising, the role of service and facility dogs, and play with puppies! Contact us to learn more.
Saturday, October 14, 4-7 p.m. – Foster the Family D.C. Respite Night. Free activities, dinner and a movie for any and all children (ages 0-12) living in foster, adoptive, and kinship families. Register by Oct. 9.
Saturday, October 21, 4-6 p.m. – Warrenton Fall Family Picnic hosted by Foster the Family D.C. for all foster, adoptive, and kinship families. Light refreshments provided. RSVP requested.
Friday, October 27, 2-3p.m. – Webinar: Exploring Kinship Caregiver Support. Join this panel to discuss the unique rewards and challenges of kinship caregiving. Explore how to handle family dynamics and boundaries, and how to find support and resources.
Saturday, December 2, 9:30-noon – Save the date for A Winter Wonderland hosted by Foster the Family D.C. for all foster, adoptive, and kinship families. Enjoy expanded family activities, a gift for every child in the family, meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, and participate in other festive surprises! Register by Nov. 19.
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.
Thursday, Oct. 5, 6:30-8 p.m. – Formed Families Forward Virtual Fairfax Kinship Support Group provides a safe, nurturing, and healthy environment for caregivers to share their experiences, concerns, and frustrations with their peers. In partnership with Fairfax County Government.
Monday, Oct. 16, 6:30-8 p.m. – Foster the Family D.C. Support Groups for foster, kinship, and adoptive moms.
Wednesday, Oct. 18, 7-8:30 p.m. – Formed Families Forward in-Person Peer Support Groups for foster, adoptive, and kinship families.
Thursday, Oct. 19, 6:15-8 p.m. – Formed Families Forward In-Person Fairfax Kinship Support Group provides a safe, nurturing, and healthy environment for caregivers to share their experiences, concerns, and frustrations with their peers. Offered through a partnership with Fairfax County Government.
Thursday, Nov. 2, 6:30-8 p.m. – Formed Families Forward Virtual Fairfax Kinship Support Group provides a safe, nurturing, and healthy environment for caregivers to share their experiences, concerns, and frustrations with their peers. Offered through a partnership with Fairfax County Government.
Sunday, Nov. 5, 7:30-9 p.m. – Formed Families Forward Virtual 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 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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