Welcome to the 2025 April 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. 

Online media is a big part of young people's lives, and it can have both positive and negative effects on their mental health. By modeling and encouraging positive online experiences, openly communicating with your children, setting age-appropriate boundaries, and keeping an eye out for warning signs, parents and caregivers can prepare young people to navigate the digital world in a healthy way. Learn more.

It’s hard to believe that it’s time to make plans for the summer. In fact, summer camp registration has already begun for many programs. It’s important for children to stay active and keep their minds engaged while school is on break. Summer camps can provide those opportunities while filling a need for children to be occupied during the workday. Here are a few tips, resources, and guidelines about summer camps. Check it out.

 

When a 16-year-old girl disengaged from treatment, lost all motivation, and spiraled into a mental health crisis, her devastated mother reached out to the Adoption and Kinship Assistance unit for support. Check out this success story to understand how this family got back on track with some help from our adoption assistance specialists, various therapies and community resources. Learn more. 

Did you know that Cakes4Kids is a non-profit organization that partners with local agencies to deliver birthday cakes to children and youth (ages 1-24) in Northern Virginia who otherwise could not afford them? These are not your ordinary run-of-the-mill cakes, but the spectacular custom cakes or sweet treats of every child’s dreams. These amazing one-of-a-kind creations are made by volunteers at no cost to the county or the families. They require two weeks’ notice to pull off these delightful desserts, so foster families should contact their assigned foster care resource and support specialist well in advance to request cakes for children and youth.

Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, nurturing, and stable environment. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month in Fairfax this April with a proclamation on April 22 at their Board Meeting. Participate in Wear Blue Day on Friday, April 4 or plant a garden of pinwheels (the national symbol for child abuse prevention), join the conversation on social media, or help raise awareness in other ways. Check out our resources and learn about the theme, “Our Future Matters: Stronger Families, Thriving Community.” 

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Monthly Foster Care Information Meeting
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
6:45-8:30 p.m.
Are you curious about becoming a foster parent? Are you or someone close to you ready for the next step to help children that need a temporary home? We need more foster parents, and information meetings are one of the ways we get to know prospective parents. Information meetings for prospective parents are by invitation only. To attend the meeting first complete a short interest form to help us get to know you better, and you will be contacted promptly by one of our specialists. The full 2025 meeting schedule and additional information are available online. Check it out and share it with others who might be interested.

Kids Day Out (Previously known as Respite Nights), hosted by Foster the Family D.C. During a Kids Day Out, we provide 3 hours of free childcare in a safe, fun, trauma informed space. These events are for any children, ages 0 - 12 in the home of local foster, adoptive, and kinship families. Spots are limited and first come, first serve. Registration will close the Monday before the Kids Day Out. 

• April 12 in Alexandria, VA
• April 12 in Manassas, VA

Foster the Family 5K and Family Fun Day at Lake Accotink Park
Saturday, April 26
9-11:30 a.m.
Registration is now open for this event. Local foster, adoptive, and kinship families can receive a free Fun Day admission using the code: FunDay. 

Awareness to Action—Supporting Foster Care Changes Lives! 
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
 5-7 p.m.
Lorton Library
9520 Richmond Highway
Lorton, VA, 22079-2124
Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of children in need? Have you ever wondered what foster care entails? Come learn about the foster care and adoption program in Fairfax County and how you can raise awareness and support your community. This National Foster Care Month Open House is an opportunity to understand the foster care system, the process involved, the rewards of being a foster parent, as well as other ways to be involved. Whether you are simply curious to learn more or seriously considering becoming a foster parent, this meeting is the perfect chance to get all your questions answered.

Spring Forward Foster, Adoptive and Kinship Family Fun Day hosted by Formed Families Forward
Saturday, May 3
8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
10900 University Blvd
Manassas, VA 20110
Keynote and licensed professional counselor Leigh McGinnis will kick off the morning of learning and connection for parents, caregivers and professionals. Children and youth enjoy a day of structured and engaging outdoor activities. The event concludes with a family lunch. Learn more. Register early to take advantage of Early Bird rates.

*SAVE THE DATE* Family Fun Day in the Park hosted by Fairfax County Foster Care and Adoption
Saturday, May 10, 2025 
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Lake Accotink Park
Fairfax County Foster Families join us for an open house in the great outdoors. There will be a fun movement learning activity for families and children to help with the development of their physical and emotional regulation skills. We’ll offer a light lunch, and snacks, and opportunities to enjoy the park’s amenities including boat rentals, carousel, trails, minigolf and more. Families must RSVP by May 2, 2025.

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, April 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.

Monday, April 7, 6:30-8 p.m. – Foster the Family D.C. Support Groups for foster, kinship, and adoptive moms throughout the region. Support group attendance may count towards training and recertification hours. Childcare registration is limited and will close by Friday, April 4.

• Prince William County
• Fairfax County
• Montgomery Count
• Tuesday, April 22, Alexandria, VA (No childcare available) 

Thursday, April 17, 6:30-8 p.m. – Formed Families Forward In-Person Fairfax Kinship Support Group for caregivers to safely share their experiences, concerns, and frustrations with their peers. In partnership with Fairfax County Government.

Wednesday, April 23, 7-8:30 p.m. – Formed Families Forward in-Person Peer Support Groups for foster, adoptive, and kinship families.

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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.

What is the difference between day care and summer camp?

Answer: Day care is a service provided to foster parents on a consistent basis, depending on the foster parents’ schedule and the child’s needs. Summer camp is a special activity or interest that is provided for youth in foster care.

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