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Foster Family News – Archive

In case you missed them, these are the Foster Family News' past issues.

July 2026

Youth in Foster Care Level Up their Future at Education Expo
Help Support our Graduates in Foster Care!
Foster Care Unit Success Story: From Student to Family
Kids & Screen Time: Guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics
KARE Supports Kinship Caregivers and Connects Them to Resources
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Question: Can a child or youth have contact with their birth family via telephone, email, text, or social media?
Foster Care Facts Foster parents shouldn’t be afraid of getting too attached.
Trainings and Conferences

June 2026

Family Fun Day Brings Fairfax County Foster Parents Together
2026 Foster Parents of the Year
Foster Care Unit Success Story: Family Flourishing
Celebrating the Strength and Resilience of Families
Donate Foster Care Packages
DFS’s Jennifer Madison “Humbled and Honored” to Receive 2026 Sharon Bulova Award
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Question: Can the youth in my home have a cell phone?
Story in Stats: Annual Foster Care Data
Trainings and Conferences

May 2026

College Tour Ignites Inspiration
May is Foster Care Month
Foster Care Success Story: Short Term Care Leads to Lifetime Bonds
Celebrating Our Foster Parents for Their Years of Support!
Share Your Insight and Help Create System Change
How Substance Use Disorders Affect Family Systems in Foster Care and Adoption
VDSS Parent Advisory Council Seeks New Members
Events Central
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Question: What is the difference between foster care and adoption?
Foster Care Facts: A consistent, reliable, caring support system can make all the difference for kids in foster care.
Trainings and Conferences

April 2026

A Foster-to-Adopt Success Story: Persistence, Support, and Family Growth
Announcing Community Caring & Learning: A Support Group for Fairfax County Resource Parents!
Supporting Children After Violence is in the News
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
Understand Your Constitutional Rights
Pennino Building Remains Closed to the Public
Events Central
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Question: What about transportation?
Foster Care Facts: There are financial resources to help offset the cost of becoming a foster parent.
Trainings and Conferences

March 2026

Summer Camp Resources for Foster Families
The Secret for Nurturing Cooperation and Confidence
Foster Care Unit Success Story: A Journey of Hope and Family for Daniel
Taking Care of Yourself Helps you Take Care of Your Children
Events Central
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Question: What about transportation?
Foster Care Facts: There are financial resources to help offset the cost of becoming a foster parent.
Trainings and Conferences

February 2026

Stories From Foster Families Series: The Melvin Family
Resource Parents – Understand and Respond to Mental Health Crises Better
Unit Success Story: Caring Foster Family Helps Youth to Make Her Dreams a Reality
Developing Best Practices to Improve Outcomes for Young Adults Experiencing Foster Care
Tax Deductions for Foster and Adoptive Parents
Foster Parent Research Participants Wanted
Events Central
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Question: How long does the court/administrative process take for reunification, termination of parental rights and adoption?
Foster Care Facts: You can foster or adopt a relative’s child.
Trainings and Conferences

January 2026

A Day in the Life of a Foster Parent
DPWES Packs Foster Care Housewarming Baskets
Foster Families Enjoy Magical Children’s Holiday Party
Protecting Children from Addictive Social Media
Supporting Children Who Have Experienced Trauma
New Fairfax County Paid Work Program for Students
Events Central
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Question: How do I identify a medical provider for a child placed in my home?
Foster Care Facts: Children enter foster care through no fault of their own.
Trainings and Conferences

December 2025

The Johnson’s Foster Care & Adoption Story
Celebrating Our Adoptive Families
Foster Care Unit Success Story: Overcoming Obstacles to Reunification
Watch Webinar Exploring Kinship Adoption
What Happens to Youth Aging Out of Foster Care?
Events Central
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Question: Why am I not getting a placement?
Foster Care Facts: LGBTQ individuals and couples can be foster parents.
Trainings and Conferences

November 2025

November is Adoption Month: “Love Grows through Adoption”
VDSS Adoption Webinar
Foster Care Unit Success Story: Adame’s Journey
Children Awaiting Adoption
Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month
School Supports and Resources for Adoptees
Events Central
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Question: What should I do if a child damages property in my home?
Foster Care Facts: An essential part of foster parent training is exploring past experiences and learning how they may impact you as a foster parent.
Trainings and Conferences

October 2025

Recognizing our Kinship Heroes
Kinship Symposium: Promoting Family Bonds for Life
Foster Care Unit Success Story: The Journey to Fatherhood
Resource Parent Pre-Service Training: New Training Curriculum
5 Things to Know from the 2024-2025 Youth Survey
Fall into Self-Care
Events Central
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Question: How do we engage relatives in the foster care process?
Foster Care Facts: Growing up as a part of a foster family can help your biological children develop into flexible, caring, accepting and empathetic people.
Trainings and Conferences

September 2025

Fairfax County Foster Care Graduation Celebration
4-H Diamond Clover and Girl Scout Gold Projects Support Children in our Community
Foster Care Unit Success Story: Old Friends Support in a Time of Need
Understanding the Child and Family Services Review (CFSR) for Resource Families
Join Teens to Stop Dating Violence
Events Central
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Question: How much can I spend on clothing for children placed in my home?
Foster Care Facts: When a child enters foster care, the primary goal is reunification with their birth family when it is safe.
Trainings and Conferences

August 2025

Reunification Month
Former Foster Youth Benefit from Steady Support
Foster Care Unit Success Story: Court Liaisons Develop Early Warning System for Fracturing Families
You Can Be a Foster Parent Too: Mutual Family Assessment
Events Central
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Question: How do we register youth for free classes at rec centers?
Foster Care Facts: Foster parenting is not a solo journey.
Trainings and Conferences

July 2025

Summer Safety Tips for Families
In-Service Training Shifts to New Unit
Foster Care Unit Success Story: Serving our Broader Community
Prenatal Drug Exposure and Adoption
Guiding Teens into Extended Foster Care
Events Central
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Question: When do we engage relatives in foster care process?
Foster Care Facts: You can’t age out of being a foster parent.
Trainings and Conferences

June 2025

New Video: 2025 Fairfax County Foster Parents of the Year
Foster Family Fun Day in the Park
Foster Care Unit Success Story: A Tale of Care, Crisis, and Change
County Conversation Podcast – Foster Care Awareness
Fairfax County Foster Care Annual Statistics
Events Central
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Question: What is Fostering Futures?
Foster Care Facts: Many foster families have pets.
Trainings and Conferences

May 2025

May is Foster Care Month
Foster Care Success Story: Finding Family in Unlikely Places
Welcome to the New Foster Parents Certified in FY 2025!
Celebrating Our Foster Parents for Their Years of Support!
Virginia’s Youth in Action (VAYA) Program 2025
Foster Care Housewarming Baskets
Events Central
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Question: How do I manage a youth's use of social media?
Foster Care Facts: Foster parents are not responsible for providing medical insurance for children in foster care.
Trainings and Conferences

April 2025

A Guide to Helping Children Navigate the Digital World
Preparing for Summer: Tips for Foster Families
Foster Care Unit Success Story: Fostering Mental Health Resilience
Making Birthday Dreams Come True
Our Future Matters – Recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month
Events Central
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Question: What is the difference between day care and summer camp?
Foster Care Myths: You don’t need to have your own children to be a foster parent.
Trainings and Conferences

March 2025

Foster Care Joins Annual Fairfax County Uplift, Unite & Empower, Black History Month Celebration
Unscripted: Conversations about Sexual and Domestic Violence—The Impact of Violence on Child Development
Foster Care Unit Success Story: Bridging Families and Cultures
Foster Care Packages
Spread Kindness with Handmade Donations
Events Central
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Question: What do Life Skills Coordinators do?
Foster Care Facts: Many foster parents work outside the home.
Trainings and Conferences

February 2025

Who are Foster Parents?
Spotlight on Older Youth Adoption: A Conversation with Stacy and Dakota Barr
Foster Care Unit Success Story: Don’t Go Alone
Youth Sports Scholarship Program
Events Central
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Question: How do we apply for WIC benefits for youth under 5, especially for formula for infants?
Foster Care Facts: Teens in foster care are just like other kids their age.
Trainings and Conferences

January 2025

New Video: Becoming a Foster Parent
Tax Deductions for Foster and Adoptive Parents
Americans' Views of U.S. Foster Care and Adoption
Attend a Monthly Information Meeting
Events Central
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Question: How do I set up child care?
Foster Care Facts: Normalcy guidelines help to encourage positive experiences for children in foster care.
Trainings and Conferences

December 2024

New Video: Angel’s Foster Care and Adoption Story
Celebrating Families in Honor of Adoption Awareness Month
Unit Success Story: Maintaining Family Connections through Adoption
Fostering Normalcy
Events Central
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Question: What is the role of the Permanency Coordinator and why was one assigned to the child in my home?
Foster Care Facts: Homeownership is not required to be a foster parent.
Trainings and Conferences

November 2024

November is Adoption Month
New Video: How to Tell Your Child They are Adopted
The Our Children Fund Supports Children in Foster Care
Profiles in Adoption: Perspectives of Adults Impacted by Adoption
Maintaining Contact Between Birth and Adoptive Families
Events Central
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Question: What is the role of the Permanency Coordinator and why was one assigned to the child in my home?
Foster Care Facts: You shouldn’t let a fear of getting too attached prevent you from becoming a foster parent.
Trainings and Conferences

October 2024

Community Celebrates Achievements of Graduates in Fairfax County Foster Care
Spotlight on Danielle Rothrock
Foster Care Unit Success Story: A Mother and Child Reunion
Virtual Career Academy Readies Foster Youth for Job Market
New Legislation Puts Family First
Events Central
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Question: How do we apply for free/reduced lunch for school-age kids?
Foster Care Facts: A reliable, caring support system can make all the difference for kids in foster care.
Trainings and Conferences

September 2024

Family Reunification a Cause for Celebration
Spotlight on Dana Wade
Foster Care Unit Success Story: A Story of Resilience and Reunification
A Mandate for Designated Safe and Affirming Foster Homes
Sponsor Spotlight: Foster Youth Innovation
Events Central
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Question: What do I do if my child gets sick?
Foster Care Facts: No matter your marital status, you can be a foster parent to a child in need.
Trainings and Conferences

July 2024

Talking to Youth About Healthy Relationships: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers
Spotlight on Jennifer Woods
Foster Care Unit Success Story: A Second Chance at a New Beginning
Help Celebrate Our 2024 Graduates!
Sponsor Spotlight: Reston Chapter of Jack and Jill of America
Events Central
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Question: What does DFS pay for college and/or training costs?
Story in Stats: National Outcomes for Former Foster Youth ages 19-21
Foster Care Facts: Financial resources are available for foster care expenses.
Trainings and Conferences

June 2024

New Video: 2024 Fairfax County Foster Parent of the Year
Foster Parents Enjoy Connecting at Annual Appreciation Event!
Spotlight on Recent Foster Care Promotions: Nakejah Allen and Colleen Regan
June is Reunification Month
City of Fairfax Honors Foster Care Month
Foster Care Recruitment in the Community
Events Central
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Question: Can a child or youth have contact with their birth family via telephone, email, text, or social media?
Story in Stats: Fairfax County FY 2023 Foster Care Statistics
Foster Care Myths Foster Care Facts: You can foster or adopt a relative’s child.
Trainings and Conferences

May 2024

Foster Care Month: Engaging Youth. Building Supports. Strengthening Opportunities
Celebrating Our Foster Parents for Their Years of Support!
5 Things You Should Know About Karen Roberts, Supervisor Foster Care & Adoption Placement and Resource Unit
Welcome to the New Foster Parents Certified in FY 2024!
New Report on State-By-State Survey of Kinship Care Policies
Events Central
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Question: Can the youth in my home have a cell phone? If they already have a cell phone, what are the parameters around allowing them to use it? Who pays for the cell phone?
Story in Stats: Fairfax County Foster Care FY 2023 Entrance Demographics
Foster Care Facts: Entering foster care is never a child’s fault.
Trainings and Conferences

April 2024

Improvements in Relative Engagement and Kinship Placements from 2023 to 2024
Helping Children Manage Their ADHD Symptoms
Foster Care Unit Success Story: Family Commitment Leads to Success, Independence, and Belonging
Video: African American Hair Care for Transracial Foster and Adoptive Families
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
Events Central
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Question: What is the difference between foster care and adoption?
Story in Stats: Fairfax County Foster Home Recruitment Data FY 2023
Foster Care Myths: You can’t foster if you are part of the LGBTQ+ community.
Trainings and Conferences

March 2024

Video: Adoptando a Alejandro (Adopting Alejandro)
Helping Children Manage Their Anger
Foster Care Unit Success Stories: Reston
The Fundamentals of Training
Appreciating and Empowering DFS Social Workers
Events Central
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Question: What is Respite? How do I access it?
Story in Stats: Children Entering Foster Care by Region (FY 2023)
Foster Care Myths: You can’t foster if you've had a difficult time in your life.
Trainings and Conferences

February 2024

Foster Family In Focus: Meet the Perez Family
Building Trust with Your Teens
Foster Care Unit Success Stories: An Unfortunate Circumstance Yields a Positive Outcome
Unscripted: Conversations about Sexual and Domestic Violence Podcast
Faster Families Highway Gets a Refresh
Events Central
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Question: What about transportation?
Story in Stats: Outcomes for youth in care
Foster Care Myths: Parenting a foster child could hurt your own children.
Trainings and Conferences

January 2024

New Video: Smith’s Foster Care & Adoption Journey
The Foster Closet Supports Children in Foster Care
Foster Family News – Spotlight on the New Fostering Futures Unit
Farewell to Mary Lou Withem, Long-Term Volunteer with Volunteer & Partner Services and Foster Care & Adoption
Tax deductions for Foster and Adoptive Parents
Puppy Party Fosters Fun
Events Central
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Question: How long does the court/administrative process take for reunification, termination of parental rights and adoption?
Story in Stats: Outcomes for youth in care
Foster Care Myths: DFS wants to remove children.
Trainings and Conferences

December 2023

What Parents and Caregivers Need to Know About Fentanyl
Adoption Triad: Cultural Humility
Foster Care Unit Success Stories: The Power of Positive Connection
Creating a Kin-First Culture: The Power of Family Partnership
Video: Comprender la Acogida Temporal y la Adopción – Understanding Foster Care and Adoption (in Spanish)
Events Central
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Question: How do I identify a medical provider for a child placed in my home?
Story in Stats: Fentanyl use among youth.
Foster Care Myths: I could never do what other foster parents do.
Trainings and Conferences

November 2023

November is National Adoption Month
Navigating the Holidays in Foster Care
Foster Care Unit Success Stories: Siblings Overcome Obstacles to be Together
Social Work Research Explores the Effects of ‘Enduring Relationships’ for Older Youth in Foster Care
Foster Care Success Stories
Parenting Your Adopted Teenager
Events Central
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Question: Why am I not getting a placement?
Story in Stats: Adoptions in the last year.
Foster Care Myths: Foster families can’t be over 50 years old.
Trainings and Conferences

October 2023

Globetrotting Grandmas Begin Ultimate Adventure as Adoptive Parents
Wondering About Hiring a Babysitter for a Child in Foster Care?
Foster Care Unit Success Stories: Twists and Turns Lead to Permanent Family Connection
Clifton Preschool Students Learn about Body Safety
Foster and Adoptive Mom of 15 years: “Teens are great!
The Department of Family Services Thanks Community for Successful 2023 Backpack and School Supply Drive
Special Events for Older Youth in Care
Events Central
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Question: What should I do if a child damages property in my home?
Story in Stats: Number of Fairfax County Foster Families by Age
Foster Care Myths: Foster families can’t have pets.
Trainings and Conferences

September 2023

Fairfax County Foster Care ConGRADulates Our 2023 Graduates
Tips for Back-to-School Success
September is Kinship Care Awareness Month
Child Welfare Workforce Development Month
Meet Mary, One of the Children Awaiting Adoption
Recruiting Teen Advocates
Events Central
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Question: When do we engage relatives in the foster care process?
Story in Stats: Educational Status
Foster Care Myths: Foster parents responsible for medical insurance.
Trainings and Conferences

August 2023

5 Stress-Reducing Tactics for Parents and Caregivers
New State Child Welfare Legislation 2023
Meet Jennifer Woods!
The Unexpected Rewards of Foster Parenting
Status of Foster Care and Adoption Maintenance Rates
Events Central
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Question: What is the process for traveling out of state or out of the country with a child placed in my home?
Story in Stats: Why do Children Need Families?
Foster Care Myths: You have to be a parent.
Trainings and Conferences

July 2023

Foster Family Fun Appreciation Event!
VDSS Exceptional Circumstances Payment Pilot Program Extended
Foster Care Unit Success Stories: Moving from Tragedy to Triumph
Celebrating Families Who’ve Overcome Challenges to Reunification
Meet Marquis, One of the Children Awaiting Adoption
Events Central
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Question: How much can I spend on clothing for children placed in my home? What is reimbursable?
Story in Stats: decrease in the number of older youth in care
Foster Care Myths: You can’t work full time.
Trainings and Conferences

June 2023

Foster Parents of the Year
National Reunification Month
Foster Care Unit Success Story: The Choice to Put Family First Touches Many Lives
Internet Safety: Protecting Children in the Digital Age
Celebrating Rylynn’s 2nd Annual Gotcha Day
Fairfax County Foster Statistics Updated May 2023
Events Central
Kinship Corner
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Question: What is the Foster Parent Support Line?
Foster Care Myths: Teenagers are the most difficult to foster.
Trainings and Conferences

May 2023

National Foster Care Month - Strengthening Minds, Uplifting Families
Understanding Recertification for Foster Homes
Foster Care Unit Success Story: Preparing a Family for the Unique Dynamics of Raising a Grandchild as Kinship Caregivers
Foster Parents Reach 5 Years of Service
Welcoming New Foster Parents Certified in FY 2023
Events Central
Kinship Corner
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Question: How do we register youth for free classes at rec centers?
Story in Stats: mental health of kids in care
Foster Care Myths: Children in foster care can't do normal things.
Trainings and Conferences

April 2023

Exceptional Circumstances Payment Pilot Program
Training Opportunities for Foster Parents – Start Early and Be Consistent
Foster Care Unit Success Story: An Emotional Search Leads to a Loving Reunion
Spread the Word – April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
Megan Fedor – Starting Over as a Social Work Intern
Events Central
Kinship Corner
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Question: Who is permitted to babysit?
Story in Stats: kids involved with CPS
Foster Care Myths: You need to own your home.
Trainings and Conferences

March 2023

Filling Your Child’s Emotional Bank Account
DFS Spotlight – Karen Chaudhry, Resource and Support Specialist
Foster Care Unit Success Story: Raising Up a Child’s “Village”
Foster the Family D.C. Offers Support and Encouragement
Finding Normal
During Social Work Month, We Appreciate Our Workers
Virginia Department of Social Services Needs Your Feedback!
Events Central
Kinship Corner
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Question: What is Fostering Futures?
Story in Stats: kids entering foster care
Foster Care Myths: kids in foster care are unfixable.
Trainings and Conferences

February 2023

Get to Know Sarah Conner – Foster Care and Adoption Intern
Managing Tantrums and Outbursts – Supporting the Emotional Growth of Children
Foster Care Unit Success Story: A Young Adult Chooses Adoption into a Family that’s Perfect for Him
Foster Family News - Tax Deductions for Foster and Adoptive Parents
Take Off on the Faster Families Highway
Events Central
Kinship Corner
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Question: Who is permitted to babysit?
Story in Stats: the impact of mentorship
Foster Care Myths: You can’t be single.
Trainings and Conferences

January 2023

Workforce Welcome: Meet our Foster Care Intern, Melissa Alba!
New Fairfax County Kinship Navigator Puts Family First in Foster Care
Foster Care Unit Success Story: Helping a Youth to Navigate Adulthood
Helping Children Connect with Their Birth Parents
Youth Sports Scholarship Program
Events Central
Kinship Corner
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Question: What should I do if a child damages property in my home?
Story in Stats: Engaging relatives of children in foster care
Foster Care Myths: I can't afford to be a foster parent.
Trainings and Conferences

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