Welcome to the 2025 May 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 |
During National Foster Care Month each May, Fairfax County raises awareness of issues related to foster care and acknowledges all the professionals, foster parents, volunteers, and community partners who help children and youth in foster care find permanent homes and connections. We could not do this work without you! Our theme “Awareness to Action – Supporting Foster Care Changes Lives!” is a reminder of the collective responsibility we share to support and uplift the most vulnerable members of our community. We encourage county residents, faith-based organizations, and other public and private organizations to recognize the importance of foster care, consider how they can make an impact, and commit to supporting children and youth in need. Start by inviting someone to our Community Special Event on Tuesday, May 20 at Burke Centre Library or download and share social media messages and graphics, from our Community Engagement Toolkit.
During Foster Care Month, we invite you to join us in saying a huge “Thank You!” to the dedicated Fairfax County foster parents who have reached important milestones in their partnership with our program. We could not do this important work providing safe, nurturing temporary homes to our children without your commitment, passion, and selfless attitudes. We see you and all the big and little things you do to make children feel loved and cared for during truly challenging circumstances. Out of respect for their privacy, full identification is not provided for everyone, but you can learn more about a couple of these families by clicking the links below.
Thank you for fostering over the past five years Katherine and William D.; Calvin D.; Alesia and Mario E.; Sze and Frank P.; Teniecia R.; Melanie and Gisle S.; Nathan U. and Megan L. We would also like to give special thanks to Aisha B.; Deirdre K.; Rebekah and Daniel T. for continuing to be foster parents with us for the last 10 years.
In this success story, a boy who entered foster care in Maryland, experienced such immense support and connection with a great uncle, that eventually, he was able to move into a foster placement with him. Check out this heartwarming example that shows that anyone with love in their heart and determination to the complete the process, can make a profound difference for a child in need. Learn more.
Join us in celebrating the Fairfax County foster parents who completed the training and certification process between May 2024 and May 2025. Becoming a foster parent is one-of-a-kind rewarding adventure, and we applaud the success of certifying 32 new resource families in the last year. Learn more.
Virginia’s Youth in Action (VAYA) the signature program from Voices for Virginia’s Children is taking applications for the 2025 cohort. VAYA is designed for young leaders ages 15 to 24 with lived experience who want to make a difference in their communities and influence the policies that affect their lives such as mental health, education, foster care, and economic justice. They’ll also build critical skills in storytelling, public speaking, community organizing, and legislative advocacy. There’s no “perfect” applicant—we’re looking for potential and passion, not perfection. The deadline to apply is May 12, 2025.
Housewarming baskets are a meaningful way to make sure that older youth in foster care have the essentials to get started in life. Individuals or organizations can fill housewarming baskets to help these youth get on their feet as they are transitioning out of foster homes into independent living. This is a great service project that can make a profound impact and help youth have the peace of mind to focus on their education and training to elevate themselves. Learn more!
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.
Mother's Day Events hosted by Foster the Family D.C.
These free events are celebrating foster, adoptive, and kinship moms from the DMV area. Limited spots and GIFTS for everyone that attends.
- Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m.-noon Prince William County Brunch: Register Here
- Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m.-noon Alexandria County Brunch: Register Here
- Monday, May 12, 6:30-8 p.m. Fairfax County Dinner: Register Here
- Monday, May 12, 6:30-8 p.m. Montgomery County Dinner: Register Here
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.
- May 10 in Washington D.C.: Register Here
- May 24 in Herndon, VA: Register Here
- May 24 in Silver Spring, MD: Register Here
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. Check your email for registration information. Families must RSVP by May 2, 2025.
Monthly Foster Care Information Meeting
Tuesday, May 13, 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.
Awareness to Action – Supporting Foster Care Changes Lives!
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
7-8:30 p.m.
Burke Centre Library
5935 Freds Oak Rd
Burke, VA 22015
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. Drop in or register online.
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, May 1, 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.
Thursday, May 15, 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, May 21, 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 I manage a youth's use of social media?
Answer: Child Welfare Information gateway has excellent information – Social Media: Tips for Youth in Foster Care | Child Welfare Information Gateway and Social Media: Tips for Youth in Foster Care.
Check out other frequently asked questions and answers from past issues.
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