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DEPARTMENT of FAMILY SERVICES
Foster Care and Adoption
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March 2026
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 Summer Camp Resources for Foster Families
Believe it or not, it’s time to register for summer camps. These programs are such an important way for children to stay active, keep their minds engaged, and make friends while school is on break. If you are looking for a local camp guide, some affordable options, and some tips about preparing kids to go to camp, check out this article.
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Featured Events
Monthly Foster Care Information Meeting, Mar. 10, 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.
Center for Adoption Support and Education events. Check these out and more on the C.A.S.E. events page! Mar. 7: Teen Identity Group providing a safe space to make connections and share feelings. Mar. 21: Explore More Discovery Museum family fun event in Harrisonburg. Apr.18: Skyzone family fun event in Springfield.
Spring Forward Foster, Adoptive and Kinship Family Fun Day hosted by Formed Families Forward, April 18, 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. This day of learning and connection is open to parents, caregivers and professionals beginning with a keynote The morning begins with a keynote presented by Melissa Corkum, CEO and Founder of RISE to Regulation. Children and youth can enjoy a day of structured and engaging outdoor activities. The event concludes with a family lunch.
Family Fun Day in the Park hosted by Fairfax County Foster Care and Adoption, May 9, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Lake Accotink Park. Fairfax County Resource Families can join us for an open house in the great outdoors. There will be a special presentation honoring you, our resource families, as well as an interactive resiliency training that is guaranteed to get you out of your seats. There will be a light lunch, and snacks, and opportunities to enjoy the park’s amenities including boat rentals, carousel, trails, minigolf and more.
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Featured Trainings/Conferences
Ready, Set, Paid! 2026 Summer Career Opportunities, In-Person, Mar. 10, 5-7 p.m. or Virtual via Zoom, Mar. 18, 5-6:30 p.m. Learn about this summer’s paid work experiences and receive support on how to successfully complete a job application! This is 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.
Future Ready College Tour Road Trip! Mar. 30-31 Attention Foster Youth in High School! Explore your future during our two-day road trip to visit Maryland and Virginia colleges! See the campuses. Learn about their academic programs, admissions, and financial aid. Email us.
Making the Most of Special Education, Apr 29, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Virtual via Zoom. The training will explain the nuts and bolts of an IEP and 504 plan to guide participants in understanding, reviewing and helping to develop effective, measurable IEP goals that address the youth’s unique needs. Two hours of training credit.
2026 Special Education Family Conference- hosted by Fairfax County Public Schools. Apr.18, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Stronger Together: Connecting Families & Schools is a no-cost, in-person event where families will connect to learn community resources and hear speakers including a keynote address from internationally renowned educator and advocate, Dr. Shelley Moore.
See other training opportunities offered through our partners such as the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition, etc.
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The Secret for Nurturing Cooperation and Confidence
Wondering how to get children to help more around the house, do their homework without a battle, and go to bed on time? Check out the advice from our parenting education facilitators to prevent power struggles and promote motivation. Learn more.
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Foster Care Unit Success Story: A Journey of Hope and Family
When a baby boy was just six months old, his world changed in ways no child should have to face. His mother, Tania, a young teenager herself, entered foster care after enduring abuse and neglect in her own home. Daniel’s journey was a difficult, but hopeful one with many challenges. Learn more.
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Taking Care of Yourself Helps You Take Care of Your Children
In this Adopt Us Kids profile, Keeshann and her husband discuss the strategies they have learned from parenting more than 20 children. These parents of five biological children also welcomed more than 16 additional children through guardianship and adoption from foster care. Keeshann has learned that one approach that works with a child one time might not work the next and she stresses the importance of taking care of yourself. 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.
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Foster Care Frequently Asked Questions
What about transportation?
Answer: DFS foster parents’ primary responsibilities include: transportation of the child to and from community activities, school/college; recreation/leisure time activities; therapy; medical appointments; and Family Partnership Meetings (FPMs). It is important for foster parents to accompany the child for medical and psychological appointments.
Dependent on the foster parent’s employment and family commitments, DFS will support foster parents by sharing responsibilities on transportation related to court hearings, birth parent/child visitations, FAPT meetings, and training events related to independent living programs. Read more about these responsibilities and services to support foster parents such as mileage reimbursement in the full answer on our FAQ page.
Check out other FAQs
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Foster Care Facts
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