Learning about Foster Care
The Foster Care FAQ has general information about foster care in the District of Columbia, including explanations of some processes and roles of professionals. Of particular importance to the work we do is the growing body of knowledge and statistics about youth who age out of foster care, which we have tried to summarize. Want to learn more? We've included links to some local and national organizations.
Are you a child welfare social worker
Family & Youth Initiative currently serves youth in DC foster care. Please contact us about making a referral.
Are you an active DCFYI volunteer?
This section is just for you. Most of it is password protected. If you haven't already done so, please register for the site so we can give you access to these sections.
In the process to become a mentor? Need to get started on your clearances? A current mentor who needs to update your clearances? Look here for instructions and links. Host parents will receive a packet of forms and instructions when they are ready to start (or update) their home study.
The Local Activity Forum has ideas for things to do with teens. Please help other volunteers by posting when you learn about something you think would be of interest to others. And remember that the website calendar lists smaller events but you can only access details for those if you are logged in.
Need to file your weekend report? Please don't delay; having these reports is critical to program success (and documenting the incredible work you do for program funders). We have both a mentor report and a host parent report.
Are you a youth in Foster Care?
We have some resources just for you. Much of it is password protected. If you haven't already done so, please register for the site so we can give you access to these sections.
We know how hard it is to find information on college and figuring out everything about how to prepare and apply for college. We'll be building out this section to include some links and help, including information about test prep. Have ideas about what you would like to see included? Please let us know.
Local
Child and Family Services Agency is the District’s child welfare agency.
The Foster and Adoptive Parent Advocacy Center (FAPAC) provides training to help DC foster, kinship and adoptive parents become stronger advocates for the children in their homes and to develop a network of peer advocacy in the foster parent community. They provide individual case advocacy for families and systemic advocacy on issues identified by the foster and adoptive parent community.
The Post Permanency Family Center provides support, guidance, and information to the adoption/guardianship community in the Washington DC metropolitan area. PPFC offers counseling and support to children and families before, during, and after adoption or guardianship petitions have been finalized. The Center links families to community resources, offers support groups for children and families, and provides training in permanency-related issues for parents and professionals.
National
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Child Welfare Information Gateway has information and resources on child welfare, child abuse and neglect, out-of-home care, and adoption issues.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Children’s Bureau works with state and local child welfare agencies to develop programs to prevent child abuse, protect children from abuse, and find permanent placements for children who cannot safely return to their homes.
Foster Care Alumni of America was founded and led by alumni of the foster care system. FCAA works to connect the alumni community and transform foster care policy and practice, ensuring opportunity for people in and from foster care.
FosterClub is the national network for young people in foster care. Information for youth in or of care and for their “boosters.”
The National Center for Child Welfare Excellence provides support to the states in sustainable, systemic change efforts to produce greater safety, permanency, and well-being for children, youth, and families.
Youth Communication helps teenagers, including foster youth, develop their skills in reading, writing, thinking, and reflection, so they can acquire the information they need to make thoughtful choices about their lives. They publish Represent, the magazine written by and for teens in foster care, providing them a voice to share personal experiences, to plan for their future, and to help them negotiate the present.