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Woodbridge foster parent tells supervisors foster child's abrupt removal caused family trauma, urges review
Summary
A Woodbridge foster parent told the Board the abrupt removal of her family's foster child caused ongoing anxiety and trauma for her children, criticized notification methods and said foster parents have limited legal protections under current practice.
Mrs. Iene Johnson of Woodbridge addressed the Board during public comment, saying the abrupt removal of her family's foster child by Prince William County Department of Social Services left her household dealing with anxiety and trauma.
Speaking directly to County Executive Christopher Shorter and select board members, Johnson said the family still struggles: "My children still cry out. I do not find that funny," she said, adding that county staff did not contact the family by phone and instead sent an email about the removal. Johnson said she and her family continue to pursue adoption of the child they called "Bumpy," and urged greater compassion and better communication from the Department of Social Services.
Johnson framed her remarks around "myth versus fact," telling the Board that foster parents often have limited legal protections and limited ability to influence court or child‑welfare decisions. She said she would follow up with additional material by email and urged the supervisors to consider the impact of removal procedures on families and children.
Ending: Johnson asked supervisors to consider changes to communication and support for foster families; no formal action was taken during the public comment period.
