Virginia's Kids Belong

06/14/2026

Father's Day is next Sunday. For some kids in care this can be a difficult day so it's a good idea to plan ahead.

Things to consider if you have kids in your care this Father’s Day ⬇️

❤️‍🩹 understand that mixed emotions are normal
❤️‍🩹 ask kids about their feelings on the holiday
❤️‍🩹 consider ways to include bio fathers if kids want
❤️‍🩹 come up with a plan, discuss, and offer choices
❤️‍🩹 manage expectations with your bio kids

What does Father's Day look like in your home? Share with us in the comments 💬

06/13/2026

Community shows up. Eastlake Church — We see you.

06/13/2026

One of the bravest testimonies ever! Please let this inspire you!

06/12/2026

June is National Internet Safety Month! 💻✨

As summer kicks off, online risks spike for kids and adults alike—especially on gaming apps and public Wi-Fi. Protect your families digital access with these 5 quick tips:

🔐 Lock It Down: Use strong, unique passwords for every account. Kids should not be able to change passwords.

📴 Mute the Chat: Turn off public voice chat in games like Roblox or Fortnite to protect against predators.

🤥 It's Okay to Lie: Don't use your child's real name, location, or birthday in their gaming profile.

🔄 Update Now: Keep your apps and software updated to patch bugs.

🚫 Stay Safe: Avoid accessing financial or health accounts on public Wi-Fi.

Let's keep our kids safe online this summer!

06/12/2026

This!

“There's nothing you can say or do that's going to make me stop caring about you.” -Paula Yost

In this week’s episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, Paula Yost shares why it’s so important to respond to kids in your care with steady, unconditional love. Not by excusing harmful actions, but by understanding what may be underneath them. Trauma can shape the way a child reacts, tests safety, and receives care.
And over time, consistent care can help a child feel that stability and belonging they all deserve. ❤️‍🩹

🎧 Listen to Episode #94 at the link below:
https://americaskidsbelong.org/lp/foster-friendly-pod/

06/10/2026

Okay all you data fans, this post is for YOU! Have fun exploring Virginia's latest numbers with us and let us know what strikes you most.

What areas do you see that need to be highlighted for more action in the coming year. Let's start a conversation!

The 2026 KIDS COUNT® Data Book is out now!

This annual report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation uses the latest national and state data to show how kids and families are doing in every state across four areas: economic well-being, education, health and family and community.

Better data helps us make better decisions. Download the full report to learn more about how kids and families are faring in your state: http://aecf.org/databook

06/09/2026

New Video Alert!

10 AMAZING Youth waiting to meet their forever family.

We had such a blast getting to know Cassidy, Jon, Elizabeth, Hunter, Kimberly, Justine, Trey, Josh, Emily and Jacob. We can't wait for you to meet them.

Check out their videos today!

“I am looking for a good family so I don’t have to keep switching homes, and they can talk positive things to me, and think positive things about me.” -- Cassidy

Are you the right parent for one of these amazing youth? After watching the video don't forget to fill out the inquiry form and let us know.

06/08/2026

Parents who have spent time in foster care are at a much greater risk of losing their children to foster care.

Birth moms and dads can often be invisible in the foster care and adoption conversations. But the themes of redemption and reconciliation are key reasons to engage.

A practical reason for ensuring health and healing for birth families is not only reunification with their current child(ren), but stabilizing the family to prevent future children from coming into care.

VKB partners with Patty's Hope in Richmond and Fatherhood Foundation of Virginia to build up and serve this part of the foster care community.

Patty’s Hope provides practical help, hope, and healing for biological mothers of children in foster care. To learn more visit https://www.pattyshope.org/

The Fatherhood Foundation of Virginia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit purpose driven to strengthen men to be better husbands/co-parents and more active fathers for true systemic change in the Commonwealth. Among their other programs they offer classes for new dads and a foster/adoptive dad boot camp. Find more info at https://vadad.org/


Patty's Hope

06/06/2026

Share with the Dads !

In celebration of Fatherhood Engagement Month, VDSS is hosting five in-person events for fathers and their children across Virginia — one in each region. Find the event closest to you and join us for fun, connection and community.

We are also inviting Virginia fathers to join us for Fatherhood Engagement Bingo. Complete fun activities listed on the bingo card with your child and bring the completed card to your regional event for a chance to win $250.

Pick up a bingo card from your local department of social services or download it from dss.virginia.gov/fathers

06/06/2026

Meet Mo!