Welcome to the 2024 October 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 |
We are thrilled to announce that 14 youth in foster care overcame significant challenges to successfully graduate high school, college or obtain a professional certificate this year. Over the summer, the Fairfax County Foster Care and Adoption Program joined with friends, family, and community partners to celebrate their accomplishments at a special event. It was a special event with lots of fun surprises. Learn more.
Working in foster care and helping children has been Danielle’s dream job since she was a kid. In her position as the supervisor of the Foster Care and Adoption South County Unit, Danielle gets to put all her professional experience in social work to good use leading a team as they support children in care and their families. Learn more about Danielle and her background.
In this moving case, a teen who was struggling to make it on her own and thought she had no one to turn to was given a second chance to reconnect with her mother and siblings. Check out this moving story about a mother who was willing to go the distance to get her daughter back.
The Virtual Career Academy provides paid job readiness training and professional development for youth and young adults in foster care in the Northern Virginia region. This year’s participants balanced completing six weeks of webinars, career interviews, and virtual assignments, like mock interviews, resume building, budgeting, and more. Learn more about their accomplishments.
After many years of effort by state advocacy groups, the Code of Virginia was amended this year to remove barriers and increase the percentage of children in child welfare that are placed with relatives or close family friends. The new legislation also makes it possible for those relatives to receive financial support to help with providing care for the children. Learn more.
October 5: Prince William/Fauquier Fall Family Picnic
Foster the Family invites you to gather with them for a fall family potluck picnic for all foster, adoptive, and kinship families located in or around Prince William County. This is open to the whole family. Register here.
Respite Nights hosted by Foster the Family D.C.
We offer occasional respite nights on Saturday evenings in three counties in the DMV area. During a respite night, we provide 3 hours of free childcare in a safe, fun, trauma informed space. Respite nights are for any children, ages 0 - 12 in the home of local foster, adoptive, and kinship families.
- October 12 in Alexandria, VA: Register Here
- October 26 in Fairfax: Register Here
- October 26 in Woodbridge: Register Here
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.
Tuesday, Oct. 1-Nov. 19, 6:30-8 p.m. – Stronger Together Youth and Young Adult Peer Support Group introduces teens and young adults (age 14 – 22) to skills to help navigate everyday challenges
Thursday, Oct. 3, 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.
Sunday, Oct. 6, 7:30-9 p.m. – Formed Families Forward Virtual Peer Support Groups for foster, adoptive, and kinship families to support and encourage each other.
Monday, Oct. 14, 6:30-8 p.m. – Foster the Family D.C. Support Groups for foster, kinship, and adoptive moms throughout the region. As of Jan. 2024, support group attendance may count towards training and recertification hours. Childcare is limited and will close by Friday, October 11.
- Prince William County, Register Here
- Fairfax County, Register Here
- Montgomery County, Register Here
Wednesday, Oct. 16, 7-8:30 p.m. – Formed Families Forward in-Person Peer Support Groups for foster, adoptive, and kinship families.
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 free/reduced lunch for school-age kids?
Answer: Please contact your foster care specialist. They will apply for free/reduced lunch for the child.
Check out other frequently asked questions and answers from past issues.
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