Fact: Unfortunately, this is often the perception held by the biological family of a child in foster care, and sometimes the negative stereotype that plays out in the media. In Fairfax County in 2021, more than 2,600 children were involved with Child Protective Services, however, only 83 children entered foster care in that time period.
The Department of Family Services’ Children, Youth and Families Division believes in using the most preventive, least restrictive interventions first. When necessary, to protect a child’s physical or emotional safety, DFS uses more intensive interventions, such as court action to initiate foster care and kinship relative placements.
If a child is removed, reunification with their birth family is set forth as the priority by DFS. A treatment plan is developed by a caseworker on behalf of the state to be followed by the biological parents. DFS partners with families to serve as an intentional and continuous effort to ensure engagement and meaningful involvement.
Based on the progression and performance of the parent(s) and their ability to make the changes required by the state, the child will either return home once it is deemed safe or, when all other options have been exhausted, the parental rights will be terminated. Other permanency options such as adoption are available at that point.
