Welcome to the 2023 November 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. 

During Adoption Month in Fairfax, we celebrate all the families who have opened their homes to children through adoption. Last year, 30 children and youth were adopted from foster care in Fairfax County, and there are currently 10 children waiting to find their adoptive families. Across the nation more than 64,000 children are legally free for adoption and nearly 1,200 foster children in the commonwealth of Virginia are waiting for adoptive families. Learn more about how you can get involved, and explore the ways Fairfax County is observing Adoption Month this November including a proclamation by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

Many families have their own traditions and celebrations, and for children in foster care, those might not match up with what they are used to in their families of origin. It’s so important for foster families to be aware of these differences and support children who might be missing those cultural expressions they’ve grown up with or who are struggling with new traditions in your home. For guidance on navigating the holidays, read more.

Four children entered foster care after a significant incident of family violence resulted in their mother’s arrest. At that time, no one anticipated the full impact of their longstanding trauma and the road to recovery ahead of this family. Find inspiration in their eventual triumph over their challenges. Read more.

‘“When they hit their 21st birthday, they leave foster care and it’s not guaranteed that young people have long-lasting relationships that many other young people not in foster have with parents, families, siblings, mentors, church friends, and others,” says University of Connecticut School of Social Work Associate Professor Nate Okpych. Without these relationships, foster youth may be on their own to manage challenges with education, work, housing, food, and other needs.’ This reality led Okpych to explore the effects of long-lasting, supportive relationships on foster youth. Read more.

These are the true stories of Fairfax County Foster Care and Adoption. They are stories of hope, endurance, acceptance, sacrifice, belonging, and most of all love. These success stories reveal how lives have been improved and families formed, reunited, and strengthened through the support of professionals working in foster care and adoption. Check out our success stories.

“Parenting an adopted teenager can come with unique challenges and opportunities for parents. It is essential to recognize that adopted teenagers have needs and experiences that other teenagers may not have, especially if they have experienced trauma or instability. These experiences can add a layer of complexity to the development of teenagers during a time that is already made complex through normal growth and identity searching.” Check out these resources from the Adoption Triad.
 

Saturday, Nov. 18, 1-2:30 p.m. – A Puppy Party with Canine Companions for youth 14-21 years old in Fairfax County Foster Care. 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, November 18, 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. 

Saturday, December 2, 9:30-noon – 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! Registration closed due to capacity limitations.

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, 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. 

Monday, Nov. 13, 6:30-8 p.m. – Foster the Family D.C. Support Groups for foster, kinship, and adoptive moms. Fairfax County 

Wednesday, Nov. 15, 7-8:30 p.m. – Formed Families Forward in-Person Peer Support Groups for foster, adoptive, and kinship families.

Thursday, Nov. 16, 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, Dec. 7, 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.

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.

Why am I not getting a placement?

Answer: If a family is very specific about the type of child they are willing to parent, and children necessitating placement do not meet their criteria, it will take longer for a child to join their family. There may be a delay in placing a child with a family if the family has had recent or significant changes in the status of their home, such as a new household member, marriage, death or divorce. Families sometimes take a break following a very difficult fostering experience, either by their choice or based upon a recommendation from the Department.

Check out other frequently asked questions and answers from past issues.