(Posted 2025 May)
By Kate Burbach, with the Resource and Support Unit
It has been a privilege to work with the Lyon family and witness their familial strength and commitment to each other. Derek* first entered foster care in Maryland in March 2022, at the age of 11.
Derek remained in placement in Maryland for two years, all the while his great uncle Jack*, a Virginia resident, visited weekly. Since the onset of the foster care case, Jack expressed his desire and intent to care for Derek.
Jack participated in joint therapy and frequent visitation with Derek. Jack, a single man in his 50s, has spent the last decade living with a long-time friend who had been widowed, along with their houseful of cats, whom they love dearly. Due to their life circumstances these two men had never parented or spent much time with children.
Once Maryland Department of Social Services sought a permanency plan other than reunification, an Interstate Placement of Children (ICPC) request was submitted to Virginia. Jack and his housemate got to work quickly to meet the standards required of them, both in readying themselves as individuals as well as their physical living arrangement, to be considered for placement.
Jack completed the required training to gain greater insight into teenage development, acquire parenting skills, and have a better understanding of the larger foster care system. He learned about what would be required of him to work with social workers, educators, health professionals etc. Jack has, on several occasions, mentioned how much he enjoyed the training, and he continued his pursuit of growing as a parent through opportunities offered through Foster Parent College.
Derek has resided with his great uncle Jack for approximately eight months. During this time, Jack has ensured that Derek’s IEP needs have been met by navigating FCPS’ system in seeking private day school, and he has met many other logistical needs in caring for Derek’s mental and physical wellbeing.
It is most heartwarming to see these men and their cats (Derek got to bring his from his home of origin), care for each other emotionally and share vocally their love and commitment for each other. Jack ensures that Derek sees his siblings regularly, along with other extended relatives living in neighboring states. There is no doubt that Derek will forever be connected to his family.
Furthermore, Jack enjoys taking Derek and his friends from his prior residential program, out to K1 for go kart racing. Derek remains in close communication with his friends through continued gaming. Jack acknowledges and encourages Derek in his artistic interests and unique talents, and he has encouraged Derek to decorate his room with family photos and art that he likes.
Derek and Jack’s story navigating the foster care system really highlights the contributions of so many, to include the Maryland DFS system in identifying and locating relatives and completion of an ICPC, Fairfax County’s permanency and resource teams, and of course especially that of Jack and Derek.
*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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