CFSA “Explainer Videos”
Watch this short video featuring parents who have been where you are.
Watch this short video for young children to help them understand their separation.
Watch this short video for teenagers to help them think through what it means to be in foster care.
Information Guides for Parents
CFSA Birth Parent Separation Guide and Separation FAQs – Coming Soon!
DC Family Court Guide for Parents
(Click the image for the guide.)
CFSA “PEER” program
PEERs (Parent Engagement, Education, and Resources) are CFSA workers who have successfully navigated the child welfare system by preventing the separation of their children or by reunifying with them. They help orient parents, teach parenting classes, and provide general support. Email: [email protected].
Parent-to-Parent Support Groups (led by CFSA PEERS)
Parents Talk meets every 1st, 3rd, and 5th Wednesday of the month at 1:30 PM.
(Click the image to enlarge.)
Join the meeting here: bit.ly/CFSA_ParentsTalk or dial in at (301) 715-8592.
Dad Lab meets on the last Wednesday of the month at 6:30 PM.
(Click the image to enlarge.)
Join the meeting here: bit.ly/CFSA_DadLab or dial in at (301) 715-8592.
Maryland-Based Parent Advocates
If your child is placed in a foster home with the National Center for Children and Families (NCCF, a partner with CFSA) you will have access to NCCF’s Parent Advocate program. This program offers 10 parenting class sessions, supports with your visits with your children, and can also help you connect to needed resources or services.
The NCCF Parent Advocates also hold support groups every 3 months, covering topics such as managing grief during the holidays or on Mother’s/Father’s Day.
Email the team lead at [email protected], or ask your social worker to connect you.
Community Resources
DC 211 Warmline
The 211 Warmline helps connect DC residents to community and government supports, such as housing, utilities, food, clothing, mental health or addiction recovery services, transportation, and childcare resources. Call 211, or click here: | 211warmline.
Collaboratives
There are five community organizations around the city called “Collaboratives” that work directly with CFSA to provide support near where you live. You can call for an appointment, walk in, or your Social Worker can help connect you.
- Collaborative Solutions for Communities (CSC): Wards 1, 2, and 3 – www.wearecsc.org
- Georgia Avenue Family Support Collaborative (GAFSC): Ward 4 – gafsc-dc.org
- Edgewood/Brookland Family Support Collaborative (E/BFSC): Wards 5 and 6 – ebfsc.org
- East River Family Strengthening Collaborative (ERFSC): Ward 7 – erfsc.org
- Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative (FSFSC): Ward 8 – www.fsfsc.org
The Families First DC Program also includes ten Family Success Centers situated throughout the city, providing a range of programs such as nutrition workshops, professional development training, stress management, and parenting classes. Click here for the list of Family Success Centers.
DC Access Helpline for Mental Health or Substance Abuse Support
The DC Access HelpLine is a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week phone line staffed by professionals who can refer you to immediate help or ongoing care. Call 1(888) 7WE-HELP or 1-888-793-4357.
CFSA Contact Info:
Phone: (202) 442-6100
Email: [email protected]