Welcome to the 2023 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.
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Our intern Sarah saw a need in society and felt drawn to being someone who can support and advocate for children when they most need it. Once she got to college and learned more about the field of social work, she knew it was for her. We are thrilled to have her in our program this year as part of her Master of Social Work program at George Mason University. Learn more about Sarah.
Tantrums are a common occurrence. Children experience a trigger. They become agitated and anxious, which can lead to total meltdown. To help you get out ahead of these situations, we are sharing some possible triggers for children, some warning signs to keep in the back of your mind, and some techniques to de-escalate the tantrums. Learn more.
Check out this story illustrating the importance of making a permanent connection for kids in foster care. Learn about a young adult who through the efforts of dedicated foster care workers and persistent foster parents now has a supportive family to come home to for the holidays, and parents he can call for help with any day-to-day life issues.
Tax Season is upon us, and as a foster or adoptive parent you MAY be eligible for some tax credits for the children in your home. The Department of Family Services doesn’t employ tax experts, so we suggest that you talk with a tax professional for your individual income tax preparation decisions. However, we can offer some general tax information for your awareness.
Did you know that the state has launched a new online recruitment portal called Faster Families Highway? It streamlines the process for interested families to determine their readiness to become foster parents. It also will help DFS staff to determine if families are a good fit for our primary organizational goals of seeking reunification, safety, and permanency for children and families involved with foster care. Families will begin their journey to becoming foster parents by visiting our website, and accessing the Faster Families Highway Portal to complete an online form. Only once this is completed, will families be invited to an information session with our staff.
NOVA Parks Winter Light Shows
- Ice and Lights – The Winter Village at Cameron Run - Open through February 26, 2023
4001 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria VA 22304
These fun, outdoor, family-friendly experiences feature unique light displays, opportunities for family pictures or selfies with a variety of displays, refreshments and ice skating at Cameron Run. Learn more or buy tickets.
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.
Virtual Kinship Cafés hosted by the Department of Family Services’ Parenting Education Programs
Third Thursday Monthly
6:30-8 p.m.
Kinship caregivers can talk with others who understand how difficult and joyful it can be raising a child for a family member or friend. Join us to discuss topics such as communication, self-care, and family dynamics. The next Kinship Café will be held February 16 for a general discussion. Register by email or call 703-324-7720.
National Kinship Caregiver Support Group hosted by A Second Chance Kinship Care
Monthly on the Second Tuesday (except Wed, Feb., 15)
6-8 p.m.
Groups will alternate between in person and virtual meetings through July 2023. RSVP to Jasmine Dukes by email or call 703-228-1556.
Formed Families Forward Peer Support Groups for foster and adoptive parents and kinship caregivers. Each month, there's an in-person group in Fairfax meeting the third Wednesday from 7-8:30 p.m. and a virtual group meeting on the first Sunday from 7:30-9 p.m. The next meetings are February 5 and 15.
Formed Families Forward Stronger Together Youth Support Groups for teens and young adults (ages 14-22) meets weekly in person on Thursdays, February 9 through March 30 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in Fairfax City. Professional clinicians facilitate this peer support group which introduces skills youth can use to navigate everyday challenges and personal growth. A light dinner will be served each evening. FREE of charge but regular weekly attendance is expected.
Foster the Family D.C. Support Groups for foster and adoptive parents – In-person support groups are available in Fairfax County, Eastern Prince William County, Western Prince William County, and Montgomery County. Each group meets one evening a month from 6:30-8 p.m.
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.
Who is permitted to babysit?
Answer: Anybody the foster parent deems is fit to take care of their child in the parent’s absence can babysit a foster child. The Department of Family Services does not need background checks for babysitters. The expectation is that the foster parent has vetted a potential babysitter and this is not ongoing childcare or daycare. A child’s special needs should be considered by the foster parent when choosing a babysitter. Note that we do need background checks on childcare providers for the children in care.
Check out other frequently asked questions and answers from past issues.
What do you want to see in Foster Family News?