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September 1, 2023
September 2023 at a Glance
  • DC School Immunization Requirements
  • Back-to-School Carnival Recap
  • Fun at the UniverSoul Circus
  • Recap: CFSA's 35th Annual Youth Recognition Ceremony
  • Let's Celebrate National Kinship Care Month
  • Placement Passport Packets
  • 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
DC School Immunization Requirements
For School Year 2023-2024, the District's "No Shots, No School" policy requires full immunization for all students. CFSA provides immunizations at the Healthy Horizons Assessment Center by appointment only, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Contact your child's social worker for immunization inquiries. Click here for the DC School Immunization Requirements Guide.
Back-to-School Carnival Recap
Thanks to everyone who joined us at our Back-to-School Carnival and Open House on Saturday, August 26th! What a fantastic day! Our children and youth indulged in delightful carnival treats like funnel cakes, popcorn, cotton candy, and refreshing drinks, all while burning off their energy with endless fun and games. We grooved to some line dancing, transformed our favorite animals into balloon art, and adorned our faces with vibrant paint. Many of us even proudly sported and later washed off some cool temporary tattoos! While some participants triumphed in various games and activities, others simply relished the mesmerizing bubble show. Altogether, it was a memorable and enjoyable day, made even more special by your presence.
Fun at the UniverSoul Circus
For years, we've provided UniverSoul Circus tickets to CFSA-engaged families—a beloved community event. This year was no exception, a resounding success! We shared 150+ tickets with Resource Parents, Kinship Caregivers, Birth Families, and agency-supported families, bringing joy. Our Resource Parent community and the children they care for enjoyed this special night. Two BOND Squads even went as a group last weekend! If you missed it earlier, no worries—the show runs until Labor Day. Purchase your tickets here.
Recap: CFSA's 35th Annual Youth Recognition Ceremony
In July, CFSA's Education Teams, comprising the Office of Youth Empowerment (OYE) and the Office of Well-Being, united to celebrate our exceptional teens and their remarkable accomplishments. We proudly recognized the "Take Charge, Take on the World" Class of 2023, which includes graduates from 8th grade, 12th grade, college, and vocational and training programs. Additionally, we extended our honors to those who excelled in OYE's Making Money Grow, LifeSet, and Aftercare programs. Watch the virtual ceremony commemorating these achievements.
Let's Celebrate National Kinship Care Month
September is National Kinship Care Month, a time to honor kin caregivers. DC's Child and Family Services (CFSA) runs a robust kinship support program for relative caregivers both inside and outside the foster care system. Currently, 112 children are in kinship foster care, and there are approximately 800 children enrolled in the Grandparent Caregivers and Close Relative Caregivers Programs. CFSA believes in Kin First as an effort to minimize the trauma to children and to have them stay connected to their communities. We believe kinship care is one of the best ways to minimize the trauma of entering foster care or being separated from a parent.
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.
News You Can Use
Back-to-School Checklist

Plan ahead for a successful school year:
School Year 2023-2024 Calendar
Download the DCPS Calendar to keep track of important dates and holidays.
Looking for an after-school program?
Saturday, September 9th, at 11 a.m., families with children, teens, and young adults are invited to explore DC's after-school and out-of-school time opportunities at Turkey Thicket Recreation Center (1100 Michigan Avenue NE). Connect with 50 partner organizations offering programs, internships, learning experiences, and more. This event, supported by Learn24, ensures quality educational and enrichment activities beyond school hours. Explore additional programs through the Learn24 program finder. 
Department of Parks and Recreation Fall Programming
Registration is now open for DPR's 2023 fall programs, featuring:

  • Expanded Out-of-School-Time Programs for ages 3-13.
  • Team sports, including gymnastics, cheer, soccer, and more.
  • Cooperative Play for kids aged 1.5-4.

Enrollment is first-come, first-served, with residents required to create an online account. Learn more about program details and registration.
Beyond the Book
Beyond the Book is a literacy program for kindergarten to third-grade readers, promoting children's literature's wonders. Join the Beyond the Book Club! Membership includes:

  • A Beyond the Book Club card
  • Quarterly reading tips newsletter
  • A free seasonal Featured Book and Activity Packet (while supplies last)
  • Exclusive author talks and family events invitations

Plus, when your child signs up, caregivers can get a DC Public Library card. Register here or at your neighborhood library. Get started on your reading adventure today!
Youth Hiring Fair
An exciting youth/young adult hiring fair is happening on September 9, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.! Don't miss the chance to share this valuable opportunity with the young individuals you support who are seeking employment. Help them seize this chance to find work! Download the flyer.
FAFSA Application Assistance – Don't Miss Out!
College is enriching but costly. CFSA's Office of Youth Empowerment (OYE) ensures older youth get college support. On Oct 1, FAFSA opens, and OYE is here to assist youth with completing it. Apply at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Contact your social worker or email Afrilasia.Joseph@dc.gov or Joelle.Myers@dc.gov for assistance. Don't miss out!
Free Career Coaching at DC Libraries - Enhance Your Future!
Every Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., visit one of five DC Public Libraries for free career coaching:

  • Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
  • Mount Pleasant Library
  • Capitol View Neighborhood Library
  • Anacostia Neighborhood Library
  • Benning/Dorothy I Height Library.

Mayor Bowser launched the Career Coach DC program in partnership with the DC Workforce Investment Council in 2022 to offer personalized support for internships, summer jobs, training, and employment. 
Books from Birth
This city-wide literacy program develops readers in kindergarten to 3rd grade. It complements "Books from Birth," an initiative mailing new books monthly to DC children aged newborn to 5. By showcasing vibrant stories, "Beyond the Book" inspires youngsters to explore the resources available at the DC Public Library. Learn more and register today!
Youth Internships
CFSA's Office of Youth Empowerment (OYE) presents internship opportunities for youths aged 16 to 21. These hands-on programs offer professional mentorship across various sectors, including healthcare, education, construction, real estate, advertising, psychology, small businesses, and community organizations. OYE interns can work up to 30 hours weekly, earning $15.20 per hour. For details, contact Afrilasia Joseph at Afrilasia.Joseph@dc.gov or Sharlene Sawyer at Sharlene.Sawyer@dc.gov. Elevate your career with OYE's enriching internships!
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
Kingston
Meet Kingston, a vibrant and affectionate six-year-old boy. He's a food enthusiast, an adventurer, and cherishes a good night's sleep. Kingston is currently learning the alphabet with the help of his favorite shows, Blimpi and Sesame Street. His resource mother speaks highly of his growth and the joy he brings to their home. Despite medical challenges, Kingston is thriving and in good health. If you think your family can provide the support Kingston needs, please reach out to Mr. Brian Michael Carr at Brian.Carr@dc.gov. Your love and care could make a world of difference in Kingston's life.
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
Help and Support through 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. 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
Follow CFSA on social media!