Our Children Fund

Established: November 9, 2016

The Our Children Fund provides "normalizing" items and experiences to children in the Fairfax County foster care system between the ages of birth and 17 years, as well as young adults between the ages of 18 and 21 if permanency (return home, relative placement, or adoption) is not achieved.

Nationwide, approximately 23,000 youths age out of foster care annually. Of those, 20% are at the risk of becoming instantly homeless. The Fund will address their otherwise unmet medical, social, emotional, and education needs.

At this time, there are approximately 260 foster care children in the County. In an effort to guarantee that foster care children have access to and can participate in “normal” activities, this fund will be available to foster children and foster care families who are in need of additional financial resources. Examples of items that could be funded include afterschool activities, camps, and sports fees. Other items to be considered include dental and health services. Families will complete an online application which will be signed by both the foster care parent and substantiated by a social worker, medical professional, or clergy member. Once the request is approved, a check will be sent to the company or entity that will provide the service.

There is an urgent need for foster parents in Northern Virginia. Consider attending an information session at https://www.umfs.org/get-involved/become-a-foster-parent-virginia/?q=foster

Please donate to support this Fund below.