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DEPARTMENT of FAMILY SERVICES
Foster Care and Adoption
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 September 2026
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Graduation Celebration for
Youth in Fairfax County Foster Care
 This summer, Fairfax County honored youth in foster care with a fun, heartfelt graduation celebration. Graduates enjoyed games, music, photos, gifts, and presentations recognizing their hard work and future goals. These young adults have shown extraordinary resilience, becoming chefs, medical professionals, educators, cosmetologists, musicians, and more. The Class of 2026 is ready for what’s next, and we’re cheering them on. Thank you to the community partners who made this celebration possible.
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Featured Events
Monthly Foster Care Information Meeting, Sept. 8, 6:45-8 p.m. To attend this 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.
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Trainings and Conferences
Understanding the Kin First Initiative, Sept. 23, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Virtual Via Zoom Fairfax County resource parents, join us for this mandatory training to gain a better understanding of the Kin First initiative. Learn about:
- The best practice of placing children with birth families.
- The process of locating and assessing kinship families.
- How Kin First will impact resource parents.
- The resource parent’s role in supporting kinship placements.
Save the Date–National Foster Parent Association 55th Education Conference, Sept. 29–30. Presentations will focus on the Core Supports needed by caregivers, Education for children in foster care, and Adoption Competent Care. Gather with fellow foster, adoptive and kinship parents as well as policy makers and experts in the field.
See other training opportunities offered through our partners such as the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition, etc.
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September is Kinship Care Month
Did you know? About 2.5 million children in the U.S. are growing up in kinship families, being raised by grandparents, other relatives, or close family friends. These families keep children safe and loved, yet they often go unseen and unsupported. This Kinship Care Month is focused on raising awareness and prioritizing the voices of kin caregivers.
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Foster Care Unit Success Story: The Power of Fictive Kinship
A teen in need. A neighborhood ready to help. See how Fairfax County’s Kinship Unit and caring neighbors ensured a 13-year-old boy stayed connected to his school, friends, and community when his family was in crisis.
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Foster Parent Resource Guide
The Foster Parent Resource Guide is a tool designed to assist Fairfax County resource parents in the vital role as caregivers and advocates for children in foster care. Whether new to fostering or with years of experience, this guide aims to provide valuable information, practical advice, and essential resources to help you navigate the unique challenges and rewards of fostering. It also provides a general overview of several frequently asked questions and policies unique to fostering with Fairfax County Department of Family Services.
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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.
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Foster Care Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if my child gets sick?
Answer: The Medical Authorization form, which is given to foster parents at the time of the child’s arrival, explains explicitly what to do in a medical emergency. If a child has a fever or illness after hours, foster parents can take them to the emergency room or any medical facility that accepts that child’s insurance. Foster parents are asked to call the Foster Parent Support Line at 703-257-3974 to inform the on-call person that the child will be taken to the emergency room. Foster parents should take the Medical Authorization form and Provider Agreement with them in case the facility asks for it.
Check out other FAQs
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Foster Care Facts
Volunteer with DFS helping children and families — We need dedicated volunteer classroom facilitators and mentors starting this fall. Apply today with Body Safety to help empower children and prevent or interrupt abuse. Volunteer with the Parenting Education and BeFriend-a-Child programs to help encourage children and build stronger families.
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Connect with us online, by email, or call 703-324-7639.
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