May 5, 2023
May 2023 at a Glance
  • It's National Foster Care Month!
  • Introducing Our 2023 Foster Parents of the Year
  • RSVP for Our Resource Parent Appreciation Celebration
  • Foster Parents of the Year Nominee Gathering
  • BONDiversary
  • Placement Passport Packets
  • It's Here! STAAND, Our New Online Portal for Resource Parents
  • News You Can Use
  • Seeking My Forever Family
  • It Takes a Village
  • Here to Help
  • Upcoming Events
Feature Stories
It's National Foster Care Month!
Each May, we acknowledge foster parents, family members, volunteers, mentors, policymakers, child welfare professionals, and other members of the community who help children and youth in foster care find permanent homes and connections.

This year’s theme, “Strengthening Minds. Uplifting Families,” highlights the importance of a holistic and culturally responsive approach to support the mental health needs of those involved with child welfare. Did you know that it’s the largest unmet health need for children and teens? Investing in culturally appropriate mental health supports that recognize an individual’s identity, culture, and lived experience may significantly improve the effectiveness of services and supports and improve long-term outcomes for children and youth.  
Introducing our 2023 District of Columbia Foster Parents of the Year 
We congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Michael and Lynda Ottey, who are among those the Metropolitan Washington Foster Council of Governments (COG) officially announced as the 2023 Foster Parents of the Year! These honorees hail from 10 jurisdictions across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia.

Mr. and Mrs. Ottey's unwavering dedication to stabilizing youth and teen parents earned them this well-deserved recognition. These true champions of their cause work tirelessly to forge meaningful connections with birth parents and expand the village of support for the youth and their precious new babies. From creating peaceful, nurturing environments to actively participating in court hearings, they ensure the youths' and child's medical needs are meticulously tended to, and their holistic well-being is prioritized above all else. 
RSVP for our Resource Parent Appreciation Celebration
Mark your calendars for an unforgettable event because, this May, we are thrilled to host our Annual Resource Parent Appreciation Celebration at the stunning Officina at the Wharf. As we gather, surrounded by breathtaking views and an atmosphere of gratitude, we'll honor the tremendous commitment and love that you pour into supporting the children and youth of the District of Columbia. If you haven't already secured your spot, don't miss out on this invitation to indulge in delectable cuisine, connect with fellow resource parents, and revel in the joy of celebrating your incredible impact. Click here to RSVP. Join us on Saturday, May 20, at 11:30 a.m. for an unforgettable experience.
Office of the Ombudsperson for Children
We are excited to introduce the Office of the Ombudsperson for Children (OFC). The OFC is a legislatively established, independent, and impartial agency. (Click here for the flyer.) It was created to help youth, birth parents, foster parents, and other individuals resolve concerns with services provided to children currently or previously involved with CFSA. Their goal is to foster improved outcomes for CFSA children and families. The OFC can be contacted by email or online at:  

Foster Parent of the Year Nominee Gathering 
In honor of National Foster Care Month, we honored Foster Parent of the Year (FPOY) nominees by hosting a FPOY Nominee Gathering. We were happy to celebrate our nominated families and thank them for their consistency and fortitude, their stability as resource parents and their investment in our children, their reunification and shared parenting. Congratulations on being selected as our top FPOY Nominees:  Ms. Michelle Jones, Ms. Adjelegan Lassey, Ms. Izabella Miller, and Mr. Michael and Mrs. Lynda Ottey! We thank you for your tireless effort and dedication to our youth and this work. Check out the photos from that event!
BONDiversary
Last month, the Resource Parent Support Unit hosted the eagerly anticipated annual BOND Lead-Parent Recognition Gathering and Monthly Meeting – in person! This magnificent event was a tangible expression of our appreciation and heartfelt gratitude towards the phenomenal BOND Lead Parents. The festive and celebratory ambiance included us enjoying the pomp and circumstance, great food, and a precious moment of camaraderie and joy. To glimpse the highlights of this unforgettable evening, check out the photos!
Paint and Chew
At the end of March, we invited you to release your inner Basquiat and join us for a day of painting, eating, and fun! Some of us discovered hidden artistic skills we never knew existed, others just relaxed and transformed the canvas. Despite the outcome, you all created some masterpieces! We had fun creating a community! Check out the pictures here. 
Placement Passport Packets: A friendly reminder!
When a child is placed in your home, a social worker (SW) or a Resource Parent Support Worker (RPSW) will provide you with a navy-blue Passport Folder or a blue binder that includes additional information about the young person. Please make sure to update the contents on an ongoing basis. Your RPSW will help you with that and provide any additional information that might be applicable during visits and phone calls. This binder is a collaborative effort between you, the SW, and the RPSW. It’s a living history that travels through time with our youth and ultimately informs their birth or forever family.
It’s Here! STAAND, Our New Online Portal for Resource Parents 
CFSA launched a new online portal for prospective and current Resource Parents in February. This portal is a part of the agency’s new child welfare information system, Stronger Together Against Abuse and Neglect in DC (STAAND). This portal is improving the experience of recruitment, training, licensing, and re-licensing by providing a single technology system for engagement, increased transparency, and improved communication with CFSA. 
 
You should have received information about the new online portal and instructions on setting up an account. Video tutorials can be found here if you’d like a bit more guidance. We are excited about the launch and believe this will support a more efficient and streamlined process for all Resource Parents! If you have any questions, please reach out to CFSA.STAANDSupport@dc.gov.
Become a Resource Parent
Become a full-time Professional Foster Parent. We host monthly Professional Parent Information Sessions on the second Saturday. Register at bit.ly/DCCFSA_PFP. Know someone who would be a strong fit for this role? Have them email us at cfsa.recruitment-retention@dc.gov.
News You Can Use
District-wide Summer Programs
The exciting extended summer learning opportunities that DCPS offers every year are designed to promote literacy enrichment for elementary students and credit recovery for secondary students. Engaging in summer programming provides students with a chance to enhance their academic skills, form new friendships, and prepare for the upcoming school year. These programs are optional and completely free of cost. The programs usually run from July 3, 2023, to August 4, 2023. Click here for additional details.
The MPD Cadet Corps Program
In this specialized program, 17- to 24-year-old Washingtonians serve as uniformed civilian employees. As a member of the Cadet Corps, they earn a salary while taking college courses. Participants can accumulate up to 60 tuition-free credits toward a degree that puts them on track to enter MPD’s Police Officer Recruit Program. To learn more about the program, visit here.
Lifeguard Training
Are you supporting a youth who is looking for a summer job and loves the water? If so, this opportunity might be for them because summer is on the way and every pool needs a lifeguard! Youth can sign up for free training with the Department of Parks and Recreation (DCDPR) to become a certified lifeguard and work at both indoor and outdoor aquatic facilities across the district! Learn more here.
Young People Can Apply now for Summer Jobs
Looking for ways to help a young person earn some extra money and have a fun-filled summer? Look no further than the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, which offers a variety of exciting opportunities, including working at a pool, school, becoming an urban park ranger, or participating in overnight or summer camps. So why not help them explore their interests while also earning some cash? Click here to help the youth in your home identify the best opportunity for them!  
Did You Know That Kids Ride Free on DC Transit?
The Kids Ride Free (KRF) program allows students to ride for free on Metrobus, Metrorail, and the DC Circulator while traveling within the District. Details are here but eligibility requirements for participation in the KRF program, include the youth being:                                
  • A resident of the District of Columbia.
  • Ages 5 through 21.
  • Enrolled in an elementary or secondary public, charter, private or parochial school located within the District or youth in the care of the District. 
Beyond the Book
This city-wide literacy program engages developing readers and children in kindergarten – 3rd grade. This seasonal program builds on the Books from Birth program, an initiative with Imagination Library that mails a new book a month to DC children, ranging from newborns – 5 years old. By highlighting vibrant stories that represent the wonders of children's literature, Beyond the Book inspires young people to discover the resources the DC Public Library offers. Learn more and register. 
Youth Internships
The CFSA Office of Youth Empowerment internship programs offer youth ages 16 – 21 hands-on experience and professional mentors. Internship opportunities span a variety of sectors such as healthcare, education, construction, real estate, advertising/media, psychology, small businesses, community-based organizations, etc. OYE interns may work up to 30 hours weekly at $15.20 per hour. For additional information, please contact Afrilasia Joseph at Afrilasia.Joseph@dc.gov or Sharlene Sawyer at 
Thinking About Traveling This Summer? Make Sure You Read This!
Are you still dreaming of all the places you had hoped to visit last year, but had to postpone until now? Perhaps you're making travel plans and wondering about the guidelines for bringing your child or youth along with you. If so, we recommend that you review this Administrative Issuance, which should be used in conjunction with clear communication between yourself, your Support Worker, and your child's Social Worker.
The Reading Nook
Being a parent is challenging. Check out the following articles for information and tips:

  1. “Adjusting Your Expectations About Foster Care” (Bethany)
  2. “What Are Some Ways That Fostering Can Change Your Life” (Foster VA)
  3. “Effectively Responding to a Child in Crisis” (Adoption Triad)
  4. “Finding the Sweet Spot: Foster Care, Disability and Special Education”(Fostering Families Today)
  5. “National Resources for Parents of Children and Youth with Disabilities”(University of Washington)

We didn’t forget about our children and youth who love to read and be read to. Check out NPR’s 2022 Books We Love” both the Kids Books and the Young Adult Books.
Activities for All Ages
Seeking My Forever Family
Treasure
Treasure, a charming and witty 19-year-old, is driven and goal-oriented with a bright future ahead of her. She is currently enrolled in her first year at Delaware State and aspires to become a psychologist or social worker. Her creativity shines through her love for fashion, shopping, and the art of hair and nail styling.

Though reserved at first, Treasure's bubbly and talkative nature shines through once she gets to know someone. She possesses exceptional self-advocacy skills and a strong moral compass. Treasure is now seeking a forever family who values a positive, active lifestyle and who can provide a warm and supportive environment.

In particular, Treasure is looking for a family that can offer her individual attention and support for her mental health needs. With a preference for a smaller family, she wants to feel valued and connected to her loved ones. If you believe that you can offer Treasure the loving and understanding home she deserves, please reach out to Kim Walk at Kim.Walk@dc.gov.
Dasaray
Dasaray is a bright and creative 12-year-old who possesses excellent communication skills and observant nature. A rising 7th grader, her favorite subject in school is reading. She takes pleasure in styling her hair, dressing in fashionable clothes, playing with toys, listening to music, and watching her preferred Disney programs on television. She dreams of being adopted by a loving two-parent family, but is open to the possibility of a single female-headed household as well. If you feel that Dasaray would be a perfect fit for your forever family, kindly get in touch with Mr. Michael Carr at Brian.Carr@dc.gov.
It Takes a Village
  • Do you know someone with the heart, patience, and time to foster children or youth? If so, please send them our way! We can answer questions, invite them to an upcoming recruitment event, or facilitate a one-to-one call/virtual meeting. Email cfsa.fosterdckids@dc.gov to connect.
 
  • Some potential foster parents are sure about their path. Others may need more information to help them decide. Will you share your experience to help prospective resource families make the best life-changing decision they may ever make? Please email us at cfsa.fosterdckids@dc.gov so we can help you tell your story.
Here to Help
New and Helpful Information on the FOSTERDCKIDS Website
Check out our “Current Resource Parents” page on FosterDCKids.org. Hover over “Resources,” click on “Current Resource Parents,” then enter the password: resourcelove. 
REACH Support Hotline for After-Hours Help
Don't forget about the REACH Support Line! Should a challenging situation occur after regular business hours, please call (833) 443-3775 for assistance. View the REACH Support Line flyer for more information. 
Free COVID-19 Vaccinations (No Appointment Needed)
Visit one of DC Health’s walk-up vaccination sites for a free COVID-19 vaccination. Learn more at coronavirus.dc.gov/page/get-vaccinated. Can’t leave your home? Call (855) 363-0333 for assistance.
Healthy Horizons Assessment On-Call Service
Have a medical question about the child in your care during non-standard business hours? You can call the Healthy Horizons Assessment Center (HHAC) on-call number (202) 498-8456 on weekends and holidays from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. Please note that HHAC does not provide “sick visit” services. 
Monthly DBH Parent Support Group
The DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) Wellness Wednesday parent support group provides DC parents, including CFSA resource parents, with a space to connect, care for themselves, and help foster resiliency in the children in their care. Join via Webex Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and use password WW20. Remember, you can earn a training hour for attendance/participation in these courses!  
Child Victims and Witnesses Support Materials Available
The Office for Victims of Crime developed these resources to support children and youth who are frequently victims of, or witnesses to, violence and abuse that results in them encountering or navigating the justice system. Access materials here. 
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Event Links
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