(Posted 2025 March)
When Maria* and Carla* came into the Smith home in September 2022, they were young school-age girls who spoke mainly Spanish and very little English. Mrs. Smith, who spoke both languages, immediately made them feel comfortable sharing their needs. The Smith family helped the girls register for school for the first time and worked with their foster care specialist to arrange visits quickly with their mother, Sofia, and eventually their aunt who also lived locally.
Unfortunately, due to numerous obstacles, their local aunt was not able to fully care for the girls. However, she remained a good support to Maria, Carla, and the team. Mrs. Smith helped bridge the gap by developing a relationship with the girls’ family members. She participated in visits and meetings and helped the girls with the transition to school. She helped them maintain their native language skills while learning fluent English.
A Devastating Turn
Things were moving towards reunification, with Sofia working hard on necessary changes. Several months after the case began, Sofia was detained by ICE. This was devastating for the girls, their family members, and the whole team. The Smith family helped Maria and Carla process the loss of regular visits. The foster care specialist maintained contact with Sofia, despite her frequent relocations between detention centers.
Finding a New Family Connection
Thanks to the team’s diligent efforts, the children’s maternal grandmother, Ana, in Honduras was located and stated she could be a placement option. With help from the CASA, the team communicated efficiently with Ana overseas. Ana quickly completed the international home study, and the department started virtual visits. Mrs. Smith downloaded WhatsApp, which Ana used to communicate, and helped the girls speak to their grandmother in Spanish, translating when needed.
Mrs. Smith provided Ana with insights about the girls’ likes, dislikes, and daily routine, fostering a bond. Ana worked on her travel visa to be able to help the foster care specialist on the flight back to Honduras with the girls. Over the summer, Ana visited the U.S. and saw the girls in person for the first time in years. Shortly after, the Judge granted the department the ability to get passports for Maria and Carla, and the foster care specialists worked with the Smiths to complete this process.
Preparing for the Big Move
The Smiths were instrumental in getting the girls' passports, travel immunizations, and apostilled birth certificates, enabling them to become dual citizens of the United States and Honduras. They encouraged Maria and Carla throughout the lengthy process and kept in touch with Ana and Sofia through virtual visits and regular updates. Sofia had been officially deported and was living near Ana with relatives, ensuring continued contact with Maria and Carla.
A Joyful Reunion and Successful Transition
Finally, in the winter, everything came together for the girls to be placed with their grandmother in Honduras. Ana was flown to the US, stayed overnight, and then traveled back with the foster care specialist, Maria and Carla. Upon arrival, the entire immediate and extended family greeted the children. Sofia ran up to the girls and scooped them up in the biggest hug. Everyone cried.
Our foster care specialists continued working with International Social Services for six months post-placement, with a local social worker visiting Ana and the girls monthly. They sent reports, regular updates, and pictures. The girls quickly re-learned Spanish and adjusted to their new school. The Smith family stayed in regular contact with Ana, Maria, and Carla even after the case was officially closed and custody transferred.
A Lasting Impact
Without the Smith family, Maria and Carla would not have had such a successful international custody transfer. To this day, the Smith family is in contact with Ana and receives updates. They played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between children and their biological families, ultimately supporting the journey towards relative care. They will forever be an important part of Maria and Carla’s stories.
*Names changed to protect confidentiality.
This article posting is part of the Foster Family News monthly newsletter designed to keep foster parents informed about all the new and notable happenings in Fairfax County.
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