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DEPARTMENT of FAMILY SERVICES
Foster Care and Adoption
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May 2025
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Join us in Recognizing Foster Care Month
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.
 Social workers, Foster the Family, D.C., foster parents, and county officials including Supervisor Dan Storck came together at Lorton Library to kick off Foster Care Month in the community. Next event is May 20 at Burke Centre Library.
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Featured Events
Kids Day Out (Previously known as Respite Nights), hosted by Foster the Family D.C. Saturdays, 4 – 7 p.m.
May 10 in Washington D.C.
May 24 in Herndon, VA
May 24 in Silver Spring, MD
Offering three hours of free child care in a safe, fun, trauma-informed space. Open to any children, ages 0-12 in the home of local foster, adoptive, and kinship families. Limited spots available. Registration closes the Monday before the Kids Day Out.
Mother's Day Events hosted by Foster the Family D.C. Free events are celebrating foster, adoptive, and kinship moms from the DMV area.
Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m. – noon, Prince William County, VA
Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m. – noon Alexandria, VA
Monday, May 12, 6:30 – 8 p.m. Fairfax County, VA
Monday, May 12, 6:30 – 8 p.m. Montgomery County, MD
Awareness to Action—Supporting Foster Care Changes Lives! Burke Centre Library Open House – Tuesday, May 20, 7 – 8:30 p.m. 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 Foster Care Month and beyond.
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Featured Trainings/Conferences
The Reality Store: An Adventure in Money, Thursday, May 15, 5 – 7:30 p.m.
Learn more about earning money, spending money and adulting with your money. This is a fun, hands-on, in-person workshop especially for youth, ages 14-21, who are currently in the care of Fairfax County Department of Family Services or Fairfax County’s Fostering Futures Program. Contact us to learn more or to register.
Working as a Member of a Professional Team hosted by Northern Region CRAAFT, Monday, May 19, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Virtual Via Zoom. Understand the roles of each member of the child welfare team and key principles for effective decision-making. Develop your professional role as a resource parent and explore potential challenges you may face.
Who Are You? All About Identity, an In-Service Training Opportunity influenced by ARC Reflections, Wednesday, May 21, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Foster and kin parents are invited to learn to help children regulate emotions, feel connected, and build strengths. RSVP by Wednesday, May 14, to Emily Thomas.
There are many Support Groups, for adoptive, foster, and kinship care families in our region. Check online for a support group near you.
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Celebrating Our Foster Parents for Their Years of Support!
During Foster Care Month, 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. Learn more about these families on our website.
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Foster Care Unit Success Story: Finding Family in Unlikely Places
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.
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Welcome to 32 New Foster Parents Certified in FY 2025!
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.
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Virginia’s Youth in Action (VAYA) Program 2025
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.
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Donate Foster Care Housewarming Baskets!
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!
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There are a lot of misconceptions and questions about foster care, foster parents, and the children and families involved. This section aims to dispel some of those notions and provide clarity for those interested in supporting foster care. Check out more content online in the May newsletter.
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