J. FCSVA foster child

When I first came into foster care, it was unusual.
Then I got used to being in foster care and now it’s marvelous.
I met new people and wonderful friends.
I went to foster homes that were the best.

I had lots of people help me.
My feelings about foster care is it feels great,
it helps me let out my feelings and thoughts.
It gives me wonderful and exciting places to visit or live.

I can still see my brothers and sisters, that makes me feel great.
Foster care is great, it gives me comfort and a safer and caring environment.
It helps me let out something I would never let out.

They pay for my supplies and give me gifts for holidays and my birthdays.
They have people that care for you and help you out.
They help me make friends and get to know people more.

They help you feel at home, they help me set good goals,
and they have little meetings to talk about what you want and need.
People here work with you, they are super great, and they talk about your background.

They help you do good in school and get good grades.
They talk about your weakness and strengths.
Overall I love foster care and everyone in it.

C. FCSVA foster child

I’m inspired by my dad,..., because he has shown me the kind of person I want to become as a young man. The first thing that inspires me is he is in the Army. He is a Chief and he teaches soldiers. Another example is that he plays video games with the children and he is a good foster dad. My foster dad is good to me by speaking the truth and teaching me to be respectful. In conclusion, he has patience and is helpful. This is why I look up to him as an honorable role model.

 Additional quotes from children in FCSVA foster care or adoptive FCSVA children

“My foster parents helped me find my forever family.”
“I know that I am safe and loved in foster care”.
“People at this agency really cares about me, I am not used to that.”
“Can we have French toast sticks on Saturday?”
“But For Children’s Sake is my family.”
“But my family here has pancake Saturdays.”

Annette FCSVA foster parent

When I decided to become a foster parent eleven years ago, it was not my decision alone. I was praying and I had a vision to help save a soul. I did not know what that meant and the very next day I heard on the radio, “FOSTER PARENTS, WE NEED YOU”, then I knew after receiving the confirmation that this is what I needed to do. I called the number and it was in Washington, D.C. They referred me to the Arlington County, Foster Care Unit. I meet their wonderful staff and one of the staff name at that time was a….let’s call her, Ms. Leslie. She was patient and kind with me. As I started my training, to be a foster parent, it took ten “long weeks”. I thought this is too much. That was the flesh speaking to me, but with determination and Ms. Leslie motivating me to stick with it. I continued the training. I remained at the Arlington, Department of Human Services for a period of six years. I learned you could never get enough training through foster care to have a better understanding of so many wounded souls.

One of my friends signed up to become a foster parent at this new agency, For Children Sake of Virginia. She told me to come to one meeting and see if I like it. A small company had just started out, only a few years, with twenty-six foster parents. What I liked about them was it was a Christian based agency. Everyone appeared to be close, and was friendly; they were warm and receptive to me, so I did not feel left out. I took the training and it only took five visits within two weeks. I thought, “This is a piece of cake”. However, since I was with another agency, they allowed me to take the training with them, but I could not sign up with them until I decided which agency I wanted to be with, I thought, “This Company has Integrity”. I followed my heart and wanted to adventure out to seek something different and new. This agency presented more challenges with my training over the years. They had Therapeutic children, in which I have never heard of before. I found out later with the guilt of leaving Arlington, that we help all county agencies throughout Virginia.

You ask yourself, “Why become a Foster Parent”, I say do it from the heart, help save a soul. Give something back to the community we love. There are so many wounded souls, in need of our help. That want to return home, but they do not have anyone who cares enough to be there for them. Most of the time it is not their fault, they are in foster care, through some tragedy, or trauma caused to them. Some are temporary and some are permanent placements. How far are you willing to go to help, these children return back home, or help them be responsible young adult in this society. One can only try to understand, how they feel, but to be walk their shoes, they feel it is a lonely road ahead for them.

Being foster parent is not easy job I will not lie to you, but it is rewarding at the end. I feel happy when a child returns home to their parents that have followed all obstacles to get their child or children back. Whether the parents are rehabilitated, parenting class, which teaches to help their child be safe, and they get therapy for themselves before they are allowed to have their children. My goal is for a child to return home, or continue with skills to become a responsible adult in this society. It warms my heart to know I have done a good job to help them. The key is patience and no remorse for helping our children. You have to remind the children daily, “I am here for you”.

N.M. FCSVA foster parent

I enjoy being a part of For Children’s Sake of Virginia. In the past week I have experienced the support of FCSVA as they have tried to be there for me to best help me with my foster child. My Foster child has exhibited some challenging behavior and staff at FCSVA have stood close by me, supporting me as I advocate for my child’s needs both physically and emotionally. They are there for me when I have to go to court with my child. My hat is off to employees at For Children’s Sake of Virginia.

E.C. FCSVA foster parent

Love and Logic saved me as a foster mom. The program taught me how to allow the children to experience natural consequences for their behaviors and take care of myself, and them, during the process. Although I knew how to be a good parent I skipped the part about taking care of myself during the process. Children, in general, can be very challenging and Love and Logic taught me how to relax and love them through their challenges. I am particularly fond of the alternate meals. It has worked wonders on my exceptional young lady. The first few times we ate pizza, and she was given something different, she wasn’t happy but she was able to learn that she had control and when she wasn’t successful she learned to accept the consequences and when she was successful she could feel proud of her accomplishment. All the while we were able to be closer because I was able to empathize when she struggled and celebrate with her when she triumphed. Initially I was skeptical of taking Love and Logic and now I am a firm believer.
We really enjoy the monthly support groups at FCS. The group time is good and we appreciate the chance to interact with the other foster parents. We have enjoyed the kids we’ve fostered, and feel that the experience has helped us to grow up as parents.

Annette FCSVA foster parent

Being foster parent is not easy job I will not lie to you, but it is rewarding at the end. I feel happy when a child returns home to their parents that have followed all obstacles to get their child or children back. Whether the parents are rehabilitated, parenting class, which teaches to help their child be safe, and they get therapy for themselves before they are allowed to have their children. My goal is for a child to return home, or continue with skills to become a responsible adult in this society. It warms my heart to know I have done a good job to help them. The key is patience and no remorse for helping our children. You have to remind the children daily, “I am here for you”.

T.R. FCSVA foster parent

“FCS is great. The case managers are there for me anytime I need something – they are very responsive. I have never had an issue linger without resolution, which I appreciate.”
S.C. FCSVA foster parent
Fostering through FCS has been a joy! To see a small child come from behind developmentally and nurture him to a better place has been so rewarding in every way. Everyone at the agency has been great to work with!