Loudoun hosts virtual foster care information session May 29

The Loudoun County Department of Family Services will host a virtual foster care information session on Thursday, May 29, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Anyone interested in learning more about becoming a foster family or parent is encouraged to attend.

“Locally, we’re seeing a significant decline in new inquiries from prospective foster families since the pandemic and because of job instability,” observed Beth Mason, the foster care resource trainer and recruiter for DFS. “We’re hoping that bringing awareness to the public about the foster care opportunities in Loudoun will encourage new families to come forward.”

During the session, DFS staff will discuss general information on foster care need, eligibility requirements for foster parents, the process of becoming a foster parent and the support provided by DFS to foster families. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and sign up for next steps.

Fostering can have a positive impact not only on children, but also the families that step in to provide stability and care. Longtime Loudoun foster parent Margaret Hoffer describes her experience as, “Fostering is simultaneously the hardest and best thing you will ever do. If you say yes to fostering, you may have the opportunity to change the life of the young people in your home, but one thing is for sure. Your life will absolutely be changed for the better.”

Attendance is free, but registration is required. For more details and to register for the information session, visit loudoun.gov/FosterCare.

Anyone who requires an accommodation to participate in the program may contact the Department of Family Services at 703-777-0353. Three days’ notice is requested.

Loudoun County is part of a regional effort to recognize the essential role that foster parents play for children during difficult times through the annual Foster Parents of the Year awards. Juan and Johanna Rivas have been recognized as 2025 Foster Parents of the Year in Loudoun County by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. In conjunction with National Foster Care Month, the council recognizes foster parents in ten local jurisdictions for their dedication to young people in foster care.