DEPARTMENT of FAMILY SERVICES

Foster Care and Adoption

November 2025

November is Adoption Month

“Love Grows through Adoption”

This Adoption Month, we are highlighting the urgent need for more permanent homes for many children in foster care. Across the nation more than 45,000 children are legally free for adoption and more than 1,000 of those children are waiting for adoptive families in Virginia. Our theme, “Love Grows through Adoption” emphasizes the strong and supportive relationships that can flourish in adoptive homes and produce positive outcomes for the entire family. Help us spread the word!

Featured Events

Monthly Foster Care Information Meeting, Thursday, Nov. 6, 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. 

A Season of Thanks hosted by Formed Families Forward, Nov. 14, 5 - 7 p.m. Foster, adoptive and kinship families, and all those who support formed families, are invited to a special in-person celebration. Join us for a free gathering including activities for the kids, light dinner, raffle prizes, games for all, and an opportunity to connect and celebrate.

Kids Day Out hosted by Foster the Family D.C. 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, & kinship families. Spots are limited. Register soon.
Nov. 8 in Alexandria, VA: Register Here
Nov. 15 in Rockville, MD: Register Here
Nov. 22 in Fairfax, VA: Register Here
Nov. 22 in Prince William/Manassas, VA: Register Here

IWLA Arlington-Fairfax Annual Children’s Holiday Party hosted with Fairfax County Foster Care and Adoption, Dec. 13, 2025, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Join us for a magical afternoon of joy and laughter as we celebrate the holiday season with fun activities, delicious treats, and special surprises! For children ages 4–14 years old and their resource parents (Fairfax County). Register by Nov. 7.

Featured Trainings/Conferences

Canvas and Cocoa: Friendsgiving Edition in partnership with Beauty For Ashes Art Program, Nov. 19, in-person 5–6:30 p.m. Enjoy dinner with friends, a hot cup of hot cocoa and a memorable painting experience. An Independent Living workshop for current and former youth in Fairfax County Foster Care ages 14 and older. Contact us to register in advance!

Too Many Losses Too Soon: Addressing the Loss and Grief Experienced by Children in Foster Care and Foster Families, Dec. 10, 6-7:30 p.m. Virtually via Zoom. Dr. Anthony Hynes will address the unique losses experienced by children in foster care including factors that influence their reactions and strategies for families. For more information email Patricia Aviles-Cubillos, Psy.D. or call 703-324-7919. Register by Nov. 25.

 The 28^th 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.

Webinar — Rekindling Bonds: Exploring Kinship and the Power of Reconnection November 12, 2025, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. — This webinar celebrates the importance of family in all its forms. Join a panel including our Social Services Specialist Natalie Sposato, Kerry Graeber with Shineforth, and Faith Spencer the adoptive mother as they share a powerful kinship adoption story. It emphasizes the importance of continuing to explore and re-explore kinship options until permanency is achieved and how adoption and kinship care provide opportunities to reconnect children with love, stability, and belonging. It highlights the resilience of families and the enduring power of relationships to create a foundation where youth can thrive. Register here to reserve your spot!

Foster Care Unit Success Story: Adame’s Path to Permanency Adame entered foster care in November 2013 when he was just 4 years old. Efforts to find a permanent home for him took time and dedication. Ultimately family proved to be the best source of stability and support for him. Learn about Adame’s long path to permanency which culminated in adoption this July. Learn more.

Children Awaiting Adoption Meet some of the wonderful children awaiting adoption through the Department of Family Services or check out the state listing of children awaiting adoption throughout Virginia. There are many older children and youth or sibling groups who can benefit from the support of loving families to help them succeed in life. Please share these pages to help them find permanent families.

School Supports and Resources for Adoptees School can come with its own set of unique challenges and opportunities for adoptees and their families. The National Council for Adoption offers many free online resources to help parents, educators, and other caring professionals to support adopted youth. Check out these tips on advocacy, working with teachers, common school-related challenges and more to create a positive and inclusive school experience. Learn more.

Foster Care Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month

Our amazing Foster Parent Recruiter, Maya Mohindroo, joined by one of our foster parent ambassadors, had a blast meeting so many wonderful members of the community at outreach events hosted by the City of Fairfax Government, during October!

The Fiesta Fairfax, a vibrant celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, brought together our Foster Care & Adoption Program, Fairfax County Public Library, and the Department of Human Resources. The following weekend, the Fall Festival offered fun for all ages. We appreciate everyone who stopped by to say hello and learn about opportunities to support foster care. It was a delight! 

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 November newsletter.