Welcome to the 2025 February 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.
| Table of Contents |
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| Feature Articles |
| Events Central |
| Support Groups |
| FAQs, Story in Stats & Foster Care Facts |
| Trainings and Conferences |
There’s no specific image or type of person that makes the perfect foster parent. The key thing is that foster parents need to have love and dedication to offer to children in foster care. Learn the real facts about what is important and what isn't when it comes to becoming a foster parent.
This recent Adoption Triad profile of Stacy Barr and his adopted son Dakota illustrates the rewards of choosing to foster a teen. Stacy was in his early 50s, and a successful, well-traveled businessman, who had led a fulfilling life. “He was happy but knew he wanted to share his joy with someone else.” That’s why he decided to become a foster dad to 14-year-old Dakota. It changed both of their lives for the better. Learn more.
Aging out of foster care without permanency isn’t easy. One young man in this situation benefited from the support of a dedicated foster care worker and community partners who came together to make a life-changing difference. Learn more.
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.
Kids Day Out (Previously known as Respite Nights), hosted by Foster the Family D.C.
Offering occasional Kids Day Out events on Saturday evenings in three counties in the area. During a Kids Day Out, we provide three hours of free childcare in a safe, fun, trauma informed space. These events are for any children, ages 0-12 in the home of local foster, adoptive, and kinship families. Spots are limited and first come, first serve. Registration will close the Monday before the Kids Day Out.
- February 8 in Alexandria, VA: Register Here
- February 22 in Manassas, VA: Register Here
- February 22 in Fairfax, VA: Register Here
Lunar New Year Celebration
Saturday, February 8, 2025
6-8 p.m.
Twin Lakes Golf Course
6201 Union Mill Road
Clifton, VA 20124
(3-Adult) Join us in celebrating the Lunar New Year at Twin Lakes Golf Course with crafts, traditional snacks, and a discussion about the history and culture behind the Lunar New Year. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. The event is free but registration is required.
Monthly Foster Care Information Meeting
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
6:45-8:30 p.m.
Do you have questions about becoming a foster parent? Are you or someone close to you ready for the next step to help children that need a temporary home? We need more foster parents, and information meetings are one of the ways we get to know prospective parents. Information meetings for prospective parents are by invitation only. To attend the meeting first complete a short interest form to help us get to know you better, and you will be contacted promptly by one of our specialists. The full 2025 meeting schedule and additional information are available online. Check it out and share it with others who might be interested.
Astronomy Festival
Saturday, February 15, 2025
5:30 p.m.
Turner Farm Park Observatory
925 Springvale Road
Great Falls, VA 22066
Enjoy activities including guided star gazing, looking through the telescope, and listening to ancient stories about the constellations around the campfire. Participate in other activities and games throughout the evening. Hot chocolate included with price of registration. Canceled if raining or snowing. Register now. $10.00
Family Night at Believe: Imagination Station, hosted by Foster the Family D.C.
Friday Feb. 28 at 6:30 p.m.
Offering another awesome Family Night at Believe: Imagination Station. This event is for foster, adoptive, and kinship families in the area. Snacks will be provided and there will be activities for the whole family. Register online by Feb. 27.
VA Families: Let’s Take a Hike! NPAC Families in Nature
Sunday, March 9, 2025
10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Calling all adoptive families of the Northern region of Virginia! Join us for a thrilling hiking adventure at Fountainhead Regional Park in Fairfax Station, Virginia! Lace up your hiking boots (or sneakers) and get ready to explore the trails of this beautiful park. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a nature enthusiast, this in-person event is perfect for families with adopted children in elementary and middle school. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to hike, connect with fellow adoptive families, make some trail mix*, complete some nature activities and create lasting memories. See you there! 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.
A variety of organizations offer support to adoptive, foster, and kinship care families in our region. Register online for a preferred support group.
Thursday, Feb. 6, 6:30-8 p.m. – Formed Families Forward Virtual Fairfax Kinship Support Group for caregivers to safely share their experiences, concerns, and frustrations with their peers. In partnership with Fairfax County Government.
Monday, Feb. 10, 6:30-8 p.m. – Foster the Family D.C. Support Groups for foster, kinship, and adoptive moms throughout the region. Support group attendance may count towards training and recertification hours. Childcare registration is limited and will close by Friday, Feb. 7.
- Prince William County, Register Here
- Fairfax County, Register Here
- Montgomery County, Register Here
Wednesday, Feb. 19, 7-8:30 p.m. – Formed Families Forward in-Person Peer Support Groups for foster, adoptive, and kinship families.
Thursday, Feb. 20, 6:30-8 p.m. – Formed Families Forward In-Person Fairfax Kinship Support Group for caregivers to safely share their experiences, concerns, and frustrations with their peers. In partnership with Fairfax County Government.
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.
How do we apply for WIC benefits for youth under 5, especially for formula for infants?
Answer: Check out this information from the Fairfax County Health Department.
Check out other frequently asked questions and answers from past issues.
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