Welcome to the 2025 March 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 |
|---|
| Feature Articles |
| Events Central |
| Support Groups |
| FAQs, Story in Stats & Foster Care Facts |
| Trainings and Conferences |
Black History Month is a time to reflect on the incredible contributions, resilience, and strength of the African American community throughout history. This year, the Department of Family Services’ Foster Care & Adoption Program joined the annual Fairfax County Uplift, Unite, & Empower, Black History Month Celebration.
In addition to celebration, it’s important to acknowledge the need for more foster families within our communities. Currently there are approximately 250 children in foster care and more than 37% of children are a part of the African American community. There is an ongoing need for loving and supportive homes for children who are in foster care, and we believe that African American families can play a vital role in providing these children with the care and guidance they deserve.
If you are considering becoming a foster parent or know someone who is, we encourage you to reach out and learn more about how you can make a difference. Together, we can help create brighter futures for children in need, while continuing to honor the legacy and strength of the African American community.
How does violence impact a child’s development? On this episode of Unscripted, host Kendra Lee sits down with Brittany Vera, child witness to domestic violence coordinator, and Counseling Services Supervisor Kathryn Harlow—both with Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS)--to talk about how exposure to violence, whether directly or as a witness, can have far-reaching, negative consequences for children and how to disrupt the impact of trauma. Listen to this enlightening conversation.
Foster parents often play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between children and their biological families. These foster parents ultimately support the journey towards relative care. In this story, a pair of sisters stayed connected to members of their biological family and thrived while in foster care only due to the patience and support of their foster family. Learn more.
As a reminder, our community partner Foster the Family D.C. offers support to families when they welcome a new child into their home. Just fill out this form and within 48 hours, a trained volunteer will deliver practical support to your doorstep! Foster Care Packages include a meal for the family; information about resources and support; a bag of age and gender-appropriate clothing, hygiene items, supplies, and comfort items for the child(ren) in care. Foster the Family D.C. also offers support groups, events, respite care, and more. Many of these resources are listed each month in the Foster Family News.
Looking for ways to support children in foster care? Donating handmade items to children is a powerful way to spread kindness, warmth, and comfort. These gifts are more than just physical items; they are symbols of care, love, and hope at a time when children most need compassion. Our Volunteer and Partner Services Program is always in need of donations, particularly handmade items that have a personal touch. Whether you’re an expert knitter, a skilled seamstress, or someone who loves to paint, there are endless ways to make meaningful gifts for children in need. You can even designate items specifically be given to children in foster care. Check out these suggestions!
VA Families: Let’s Take a Hike! NPAC Families in Nature
Sunday, March 9, 2025
10 a.m.-12 noon
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.
Monthly Foster Care Information Meeting
Tuesday, March 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.
Kids Day Out (Previously known as Respite Nights), hosted by Foster the Family D.C. During a Kids Day Out, we provide 3 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.
- March 29 in Herndon, VA
- March 29 in Rockville, MD
Foster the Family 5K and Family Fun Day at Lake Accotink Park
Saturday, April 26
9-11:30 a.m.
Registration is now open for this event. Local foster, adoptive, and kinship families can receive a free Fun Day admission using the code: FunDay.
Awareness to Action—Supporting Foster Care Changes Lives!
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
5-7 p.m.
Lorton Library
9520 Richmond Highway
Lorton, VA, 22079-2124
Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of children in need? Have you ever wondered what foster care entails? Come learn about the foster care and adoption program in Fairfax County and how you can raise awareness and support your community. This National Foster Care Month Open House is an opportunity to understand the foster care system, the process involved, the rewards of being a foster parent, as well as other ways to be involved. Whether you are simply curious to learn more or seriously considering becoming a foster parent, this meeting is the perfect chance to get all your questions answered.
Spring Forward Foster, Adoptive and Kinship Family Fun Day hosted by Formed Families Forward
Saturday, May 3
8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
10900 University Blvd
Manassas, VA 20110
Keynote and licensed professional counselor Leigh McGinnis will kick off the morning of learning and connection for parents, caregivers and professionals. Children and youth enjoy a day of structured and engaging outdoor activities. The event concludes with a family lunch.
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, Mar. 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, March 10 and Tuesday, March 25, 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, Mar. 7.
- Prince William County, Register Here
- Fairfax County, Register Here
- Montgomery County, Register Here
- *New Support Group* Alexandria, VA on March 25: Register Here (No childcare available)
Wednesday, Mar. 19, 7-8:30 p.m. – Formed Families Forward in-Person Peer Support Groups for foster, adoptive, and kinship families.
Thursday, Mar. 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.
What do Life Skills Coordinators do?
Answer: They are responsible for the following:
- Life Skills (Casey) Assessments: Self-rating by youth of knowledge, skills, permanency and “looking forward.” CLSA scores are considered in Transition Plans
- Transition Plans: A youth-driven, team plan of the goals, roles, responsibilities and services for moving from foster care into adulthood.
- “Chafee” (IL) Funds: Pays certain costs of high school, college prep and independent living (or aftercare for ages 18-21).
- Education and Training Vouchers: High school graduates or GED earners may receive up to $5000 for necessary costs of a degree or certificate. For FC&A youth; for Va. foster care adoptees after 16th birthday.
- Life Skills Training: Through Life Skills Coordinators, private provider, other persons serving a youth. Goals chosen using life skills assessment results.
- Work Skills Training: Youth Employment Services, SkillSource Centers, EYE summer employment program.
- NYTD: National Youth in Transition Database. Youth surveys. IL outcomes reports, action.
More resources: Great Expectations; Youth Advisory Committee; conferences, graduation.
Check out other frequently asked questions and answers from past issues.
What do you want to see in Foster Family News?