Formed Families Forward

❤️💛💚 Today, Formed Families Forward honors Juneteenth—a celebration of freedom, resilience, history, and hope.

We recognize the strength of Black families and communities and reaffirm our commitment to helping every child, youth, and caregiver feel seen, supported, and valued.

May this day inspire reflection, learning, connection, and continued work toward equity and belonging for all.

🌈 Every young person and family deserves to feel seen, supported, and valued. Explore our LGBTQ+ resource page for helpful information, trusted organizations, and tools for creating affirming spaces at home, at school, and in the community.

🔗 Visit our website to learn more.

During this webinar we will discuss the obstacles that youth often face and how caregivers can help youth build strong self-advocacy skills that will help them go far in school, career, and life!
June 24th, 2026 at 7PM-8PM
Presented by Renee Myers, FFF Content Specialist and Joselin Cruz, Youth Consultant

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/SQzoW-A4QsGKo0HW8vXbXg #/registration

We know many families are hearing news about possible federal changes. Formed Families Forward is still here — fully operating and committed to supporting foster, adoptive, and kinship families raising children and youth with disabilities and special needs.

⚖️ IDEA protections remain in full effect. The law has not changed.

Our mission remains the same: providing trusted guidance, training, resources, and peer support to Virginia families and professionals.

Learn more at https://formedfamiliesforward.org/federal-shifts-of-special-education-outside-of-us-department-of-education-june-2026/

We’re here through every transition — and we’re not going anywhere.

Ready to take the next step toward independence? 🌟

Virginia’s Independent Living Program supports young people in foster care and those who have aged out as they prepare for adulthood.

Beginning at age 14 and continuing through age 21, eligible youth may receive services and financial support for:

🎓 Education and training
💼 Employment and career goals
🏠 Housing and independent living
💵 Money management
🛒 Everyday life skills

You’ll have a voice in setting your goals and planning your future, including decisions about where you live whether that’s with family, in a foster home, dorm, or apartment.

Learn more about the resources available to help you build the future you want!
https://peatc.org/services/transition-to-adulthood/

What a great turnout on Saturday for the training for resource and foster parents in Culpeper! FFF’s Melissa and Stacia led activities to help understand the signs of traumatic stress and offered ideas for managing trauma-related behaviors this summer.
Thank you to Culpeper DSS for hosting this wonderful event!

Join nonprofit org Every Child Advocacy Foundation for Understanding Your Child's IEP! This free event will be packed with hands on learning, community and connection!

Register by email at [email protected]

SNEAK PEEK! PEATC FAMILY ENGAGEMENT SUMMIT COMING AUGUST 2026!

PEATC, in collaboration with VDOE invites you to the 2026 Virtual Family Engagement Summit: “Collaboration That Transforms Outcomes.” This FREE virtual event brings together parents, caregivers, educators, and community partners who share a common goal – helping students with disabilities succeed in school and in life!

Our own FFF Stacia Stribling is a featured presenter!

Register now at: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/peatc/2224441

During this webinar we will discuss the obstacles that youth often face and how caregivers can help youth build strong self-advocacy skills that will help them go far in school, career, and life!
June 24th, 2026 at 7PM-8PM
Presented by our very own Renee Myers, FFF Content Specialist and Joselin Cruz, Youth Consultant

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/SQzoW-A4QsGKo0HW8vXbXg #/registration