Washington, DC—Youths currently or formerly in foster care and their immediate birth family members who got separated in the District's child welfare system now have a way to find each other again. When both parties enroll in the Voluntary Foster Care Registry, the DC Child and Family Services Agency can let them know how to contact each other.

"Even if people were in the system a long time ago or only for a short time, this may be a way to get back in touch with family," said CFSA Director Brenda Donald.

People eligible to enroll in the Voluntary Foster Care Registry must be at least 18 years old and:

• Currently or previously the subject of a child abuse or neglect case in the District.
• A birth parent who lost touch with a son or daughter in the District child welfare system.
• A birth sibling separated from brothers or sisters in the District child welfare system.

While the Voluntary Foster Care Registry does not search for people, it will connect family members who enroll to find each other. People who want to sign up should complete a VFCR Registration Form that they can get in three ways:

• Download and print the form from the CFSA website.
• Email a request for the registration form to [email protected].
• Call (202) 442-6188 and ask to get a registration form through the mail.

The Council of the District of Columbia called for establishment of the Voluntary Foster Care Registry in the Adoption Reform Amendment Act of 2010. CFSA manages the Registry.