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DEPARTMENT of FAMILY SERVICES
Foster Care and Adoption
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October 2025
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Citylight Church Pastors, Nate Crew and Dale Sutherland, delivering gifts to our Kinship Unit.
Recognizing our Kinship Heroes
Kinship caregivers are everyday heroes. They step up when family is needed most, ensuring that children stay connected to their roots and loved ones. During Kinship Care Awareness Month in September, Department of Family Services Foster Care and Adoption partnered with Citylight Church and Boost Others through Project Belong to honor these incredible families who have opened their hearts and homes to the children of relatives. Read more about this generous outpouring.
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Featured Events
Monthly Foster Care Information Meeting, Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, 6:45-8:30 p.m. To attend a meeting and learn more about foster care, 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.
Family Fall Festival hosted by Foster the Family, Saturday, Oct. 18, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Canal Park, 2nd Street SE, Washington, D.C. Open to all fully licensed resource parents and kinship parents (includes guardianship and adoptive families whose homes are still open).
Kids Day Out hosted by Foster the Family D.C., Saturday, Oct. 25, 4 – 7 p.m. in Fairfax, VA. Three hours of free child care in a safe, fun, trauma informed space. For any children, ages up to 12 years old in the home of local foster, adoptive, and kinship families. Spots are limited. Register by Monday, Aug. 4.
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Featured Trainings/Conferences
ECMC College Night—Tuesday, Oct. 14, in-person 5–7:30 p.m. or Wednesday, Oct. 15, via Zoom 5-7 p.m. Get your college-related questions answered! Learn more about college admissions, the financial aid process, scholarships, and more. A virtual Independent Living workshop for current and former youth in Fairfax County Foster Care ages 14 and older. Contact us to register in advance!
Mastering VEMAT—Thursday, Oct. 16, 6-7:30 p.m. Virtual via Zoom. Fairfax County resource parents are invited to attend this training about the Virginia Enhanced Maintenance Assessment Tool (VEMAT), how to navigate a VEMAT, and how the score is used to determine maintenance payments for youth in foster care. The link will be sent to you after registration. Register by Oct. 10.
The 28th Annual Kids' Adoption Network (KAN) Conference Activate Your Inner Compass: Finding Your Quiet Power hosted by C.A.S.E. on Saturday, Nov. 15, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the McLean School (8224 Lochinver Lane, Potomac, MD 20854).This is a full day of fun and learning that includes lunch and engaging activities for children, teens, parents, caregivers, and prospective adoptive parents. Plus, there are opportunities to connect with other adoptees and adoptive families!
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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Kinship Symposium: Promoting Family Bonds for Life
The 10th Annual Kinship Symposium took place on Friday, September 26 in Crystal City. It can only be described as heartwarming and inspiring for everyone in attendance. Participants were captivated by the keynote Speaker Terry Harrak. The youth panel shared their blessing and struggles. It was a meaningful day filled with powerful stories, and it lived up to the conference theme of “Promoting kinship bonds for youth; foster care and beyond.” Learn more.
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Foster Care Unit Success Story: The Journey to Fatherhood
When a baby girl was born showing signs of withdrawal and testing positive for substances, she was placed in foster care at just seven days old. With her mother homeless and unable to provide stability, the specialists in the Annandale Unit began searching for her father. Once he got over the shock, his fierce response surprised everyone. Learn more.
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Resource Parent Pre-Service Training: New Training Curriculum
The Virginia Department of Social Services has transitioned away from PRIDE and TOCC to the National Training and Development Curriculum for Foster and Adoptive Parents (NTDC) as the state endorsed foster parent curriculum officially as of October 1, 2025. Learn more about this highly effective curriculum that is based on research and input from experts, families who have experience with fostering or adopting children, and former foster and adoptive youth. Learn More.
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5 Things to Know from the 2024-2025 Youth Survey
Young people in our community continue to report lower rates of mental health concerns in more recent years, according to the 2024-2025 Fairfax County Youth Survey. Overall, youth in Fairfax County report prevalence rates near historic lows for risky behaviors, including substance use and sexual activity. However, there remain some challenges. In addition to shedding light on students’ behaviors and experiences, the survey also identifies ways that parents, caregivers, educators and adults in the community can actively help teens succeed and avoid or reduce risky behaviors. Learn More.
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Fall into Self-Care
Ah, fall—that season where you have permission to slow down and indulge yourself. The shorter, cooler days give way to cozy rituals that focus on pampering you. And fall invites opportunity for realignment and growth. This can include setting new intentions for the season, preparing for the upcoming holidays, reconnecting with your daily routine, and building different daily habits. Check out these 10 activities to prioritize emotional well-being as the seasons change.
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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 October newsletter.
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Foster Care Frequently Asked Questions
How do we engage relatives in the foster care process?
Answer: Searching for and engaging relatives is an ongoing process throughout the child’s involvement with the child welfare system. It should begin as soon as the child is at risk of being placed outside of the home and continue with a sense of urgency until the child has achieved permanency.
Within 30 calendar days (5 days when feasible) after the separation of a child from the custody of the parent(s) (Social Security Act, Title IV, § 471 (a) (29) [42 USC 671]), the Department shall notify in writing all grandparents and other adult relatives, both maternal and paternal. The purpose of the written notice is to explain to the relative options they have to participate in the care and placement of the child, in an effort to establish permanency for the child. Read the full answer | | | | |
