About Foster Care

Top Questions We Get About Fostering explains what matters most for foster families in Virginia, using clear language and real‑life context.  You'll learn about daily routines, school support, community resources, and ways to maintain a steady home life.  Turn big ideas into small, doable actions that reduce stress, strengthen relationships, and support healing and growth. It's practical, compassionate, and grounded in everyday situations.  Examples show what to say, what to do, and when to ask for help.

Treatment foster parents are trained to be trauma-informed and should provide a healing environment for the children to explore. Children who have experienced trauma may have delays educationally, emotionally, and behaviorally. The Treatment foster parent will be provided with training to meet the needs of the children placed in their home.

Reasons Fostering a child is so very rewarding

Virginia Foster Care Statistics Updated as of August 2025 & What This Means For Aspiring Foster Families

There is always a need for foster parents who will work with children of all ages in the United States. However, you don't have to be a foster parent to have a seat at the table. Are you looking for ideas on your role in foster care, how to support, or where to start? Here are some ways to find your seat at the table in the foster care system.

Most people consider emergency placements when considering how a youth ends up placed in a foster home. You get a call about a child and their age, a gender, and then in a whirlwind of a couple of hours, you have a youth joining your family and a whole list of tasks to conquer over the next few weeks, along with starting to form connections and build trust.

However, in serving as a therapeutic foster parent, there is the possibility that you could participate in the process of a planned placement. There are benefits and challenges to each.

Understanding the benefits for Foster Children in Virginia and how much money you will receive for supporting a child in need.

In Virginia, factors that can disqualify you from fostering or adopting include failing required training or income standards, having health or character concerns, maintaining an unsafe home, providing false information, or having a criminal record or child abuse history.  Background checks and home studies ensure only safe, stable, and qualified families provide care for children.

Many children come into DSS custody each year. Consider these all these statistics from VDSS as you learn more about the foster care system across Virginia as of August 2022:

As you may know, a foster family cares for children in foster care. Here are the demographic statistics for children in Foster care in VA.

How to find a child through the foster care system to adopt in Virginia.

Why is Kinship care necessary for a family and a child?

Before welcoming a foster child in Virginia, your home must meet safety and space requirements set by the Virginia Department of Social Services (DSS) and your Child Placing Agency (CPA). A home study will assess your home's environment to ensure it’s safe, stable, and nurturing. Requirements include working appliances, adequate heat and ventilation, enough bedrooms, and space for living, eating, studying, and playing. Whether fostering short-term or long-term, standards ensure the welfare of every child and promote healthy, supportive placements.

Let's start with the basics. According to the Virginia Department of Social Services (DSS), these are the following requirements and steps to becoming a foster parent in the state of Virginia: Must be at least 18 years old, must attend a one-time orientation meeting to learn what foster parenting is all about.

The Fostering Futures assistance program enables LDSS to provide financial and social services for foster care recipients up to the age of 21.  Suppose you turned 18 in foster care or a DJJ while having been in foster care after July 1st, 2016.  In that case, you're eligible to participate in this program supported by the local government agencies and the Virginia social services department.  A voluntary program gives you $500 monthly to cover housing, food, clothing, supplies, education, and job training assistance.

The names and address below is a complete list of state and local Department of Social Services Directors and Regional Director. We have also listed their phone numbers and addresses for your convenience of over 120 local departments of social services. I hope this helps you locate the services and support you need from your local DSS. 

In Virginia, most foster children have siblings, yet many are separated into different homes.  Research shows children thrive emotionally, behaviorally, and developmentally when placed with their brothers or sisters.  Sibling bonds offer comfort, stability, and a sense of belonging during challenging times.  While challenges exist, such as limited foster homes, special needs, or staggered placements, keeping siblings together is critical for stability and permanency.  When joint placement isn't possible, maintaining sibling connections through visits or calls remains essential.

Virginia Foster Care Statistic statistics for 2019 show that Virginia is still struggling with the disproportionally high need for Therapeutic Foster Care (TFC) homes for children ten years old and above. In this last year, the number of children in Foster Care in Virginia has increased from 5339 children in January 2019 to 5577 in December 2019[i]. 

A how-to guide to being a kinship care foster parent for a friend or family member, we will help you understand who can be a kinship care foster parent and some of the rules

Can I pick the child I wish to adopt from foster care in Virginia?  Yes, you can, but parents must foster the child for six months before the adoption occurs.

Foster care is the temporary placement of a child whose been removed from their home and family. This is due to the birth families being unable to care for these children. They may have been abandoned, abused, and/or neglected.

On average, you will be looking at 120 days to become licensed in Virginia as a foster parent. When you are looking to start the journey to become a foster parent, you will need to reflect on the energy you wish to put into becoming a foster parent or an adoptive parent; the journey is the same as becoming licensed in the foster care system. As a new foster parent starting the process, it will make a real difference in how long it takes to become a foster parent by your effort to complete training and the paperwork, and the home study.

One recurring question I am asked is this: "How can I help our foster kids in Virginia?" Well, here are a few suggestions to help you do your part. 

Become a foster parent- There will be over 5,500 children in foster care in Virginia in 2025. Of these children, 1,800 have the goal of adoption, and more than 600 are waiting for adoptive families.

While considering becoming a foster parent, remember taking on a life-changing choice that you will reflect on for the rest of your life. The gift you will give includes your love, your support, and your home. Having a family to share with this child in need of all the above is an amazing one.

For seasoned and new foster and adoptive parents, the world of foster care is ever-evolving, requiring constant adaptation. With the continuum of meetings, court hearings, visitations, etc., foster care/adoption has an influx of terminology, and child welfare agencies are always looking for new acronyms to help!

Discover how long it takes to become a foster parent in Virginia and the steps necessary to become an emergency or regular foster parent.

In Virginia, foster care is a temporary service that protects children when their parents cannot care for them, often due to neglect, abuse, or unsafe homes.  The state's Department of Social Services establishes rules, while Child Placing Agencies (CPAs) manage day-to-day care, supervise foster homes, and coordinate services such as counseling or schooling.  System-level coordination among federal, state, and local agencies ensures that each child receives safe and stable support until they reunify with their family or find a permanent home.

The number dropped from 218,927 in 2019 to 214,421 in 2020.  Please read on to learn more about foster care and what it means to children in need of homes.

Martian Child: A Movie Review - Foster kids can often feel like unwanted imposters or aliens, unsure how to fit into an already established life.

Are you searching for ways to strengthen your faith? More than 69,000 young people are living in group homes.

As per the most recent federal data, there are approximately 407,000 children in foster care in the United States. Read further to learn why.

Child Protective Services (CPS) check on over 7.9 million children after receiving a report of suspected child abuse or neglect in the USA.

Are you thinking of becoming a foster parent? In the US, 117,000 children are waiting to be placed in foster care. Could you provide a safe, loving home for a child in need?

Understanding teens is challenging, but understanding the need to foster one is easy, given the impact you can have on their lives.  A teen needs you to know why.

Your children and families would also benefit from understanding what is a myth and what is facts in foster care. We're here to debunk those common foster care myths. Find out the truth and learn how you can make a difference. 

Everything you need to know about Becoming a foster parent is an exciting and rewarding experience. It can be challenging but so worthwhile to become a foster parent. We hope you find all the information in one place, and we have lots of blogs to support the topic you are looking for about foster care.

Both foster care and adoption are excellent ways of helping foster youth in need of a good, loving home, but what's the difference?  Not everyone may understand the distinction or the connection between foster care vs. adoption.  We cover both processes so you can determine what might be best for you and your family and how you can make a difference.

Nationwide, more than 527,000 youth live in the foster care system, with over 117,000 waiting for adoption.

If you're considering housing foster care children, you should know about specific requirements for eligibility. These are in place to ensure every child finds the right home and that you're a good fit for each other. 

Here are twelve prerequisites to understand and consider. 

It can help to read foster care quotes to feel the inspiration of this labor of love and gain more insight into the process. Check out these 21 foster care quotes to get started.

Believing in common misconceptions about foster care has the most significant impact on kids in the system. Many of us believe what we hear rather than taking the time to verify the truth. However, it's habits like this that perpetuate false information.

We've compiled this guide to cover the top ten common foster care myths. Continue reading to learn more about fostering and adoption.

There are many definitions of cultural competence. It refers to behaviors and attitudes that let individuals work in cross-cultural situations. It's aware of your values and cultural beliefs and how those can differ from other cultures.

Cultural competence allows diverse cultures to thrive. You must understand the dynamics, educate yourself, and adapt to allow for greater diversity.

In Virginia, the role of Child Protective Services (CPS) goes beyond mere supervision; it's a lifeline for those in need. As of 2023, there were over 5,000 children in foster care in Virginia, a number that has been steadily increasing over the years. Think of CPS as a shield and a guide-they're not just about intervening in crises; they're about building a safer future for our little ones.

We help foster children, but how much we can help depends on finding, training, and certifying foster parents.  Facing nearly 527,000 children in the United States foster care system in 2023, the task can feel overwhelming.  At FosterVA, helping children in foster care is deeply meaningful to us.  FosterUSKids is the only national resource for individuals seeking to become foster parents.  People can help children and families in many ways.  Perhaps the most needed help is also the most rewarding: providing a safe and nurturing foster home to foster children and teens in need.

Becoming a foster parent is a journey of profound love and impact on children. A critical part of this journey is understanding the roles of a foster parent and related responsibilities. This knowledge helps you decide if foster parenting is a good fit for you and when the time is right.

Continue reading this guide to learn about what it means to be a foster parent in Virginia.

You do not have to be perfect to become a foster parent in VA. You need a genuine desire to help children and provide a safe, loving home. In Virginia, you must be at least 21 years old, have a stable home and income, and have good physical and mental health. You do not have to be wealthy or own a large house.

The Virginia foster care system provides 24/7 care for children and youths displaced from their family homes. Children in these programs are wards of the state until they are reunified with family or adopted.

State and local agencies make up the Virginia foster system structure. These agencies provide casework, treatment, and community services to children and youths who are or are at risk for abuse or neglect.

Foster families provide stable and loving housing for at-risk children and youths. The ultimate goal is reunification with the child's parent(s), family members, or adoption.

Virginia's foster care system remains an integral yet complex part of the state's social fabric.

It's a crucial safety net for vulnerable children. So, the system's performance, trends, and outcomes reflect the current state of societal health. They also forecast future societal challenges and opportunities.

Today, we're looking at the Virginia foster care statistics for 2023. We'll examine the data to examine the system's current trends, outcomes, and the impact of recent policies.

Foster care provides children with a second chance to enjoy a lifestyle they couldn’t receive at their original home. These children get the opportunity to develop their basic life skills and participate in extracurriculars, all while having a stable home environment. Here is how the foster care system benefits and impacts the lives of children in Virginia:

Virginia's foster care application process involves multiple steps, from meeting eligibility requirements to undergoing training, assessments, and ongoing support. By following these steps and completing the requirements, prospective foster parents can embark on a fulfilling journey of providing love, stability, and support to children needing a safe and nurturing home environment.

Cultural competency is integral to providing effective foster care in Virginia. By embracing diversity and understanding cultural backgrounds, caregivers can create supportive environments where children feel valued and respected. Advocating for equitable services, supporting positive educational outcomes, and fostering community partnerships further enhance the well-being of foster children. Cultural sensitivity training and addressing disproportionality are essential steps toward a more inclusive foster care system.

Foster care in Virginia can affect siblings. When you and your siblings are separated, it can be challenging. It might make you feel sad or upset. Studies have shown that when siblings are in the foster care system, they can go through a lot of tough stuff. Moving around to different homes can make it even harder. Sometimes, there aren't enough resources to help, making things even more difficult. 

The AFCARS report, which includes the most up-to-date data as of May 2024 compiled by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is a comprehensive analysis of adoption and foster care in the United States.

Moving foster kids to permanent foster homes in Virginia is super important. It helps them feel safe and stable like they belong somewhere. It's good for their school and feelings. Virginia wants to make this process quicker to help kids spend less time in foster care, which means less change for them. 

Virginia's Foster care agencies are important for helping vulnerable children and families. They help find homes for children, provide resources, and ensure that children are safe and doing well. These agencies work with many people, such as social workers, caregivers, and community groups. Their goal is to give kids who've been through tough times a stable place to live. 

Birth parents are important in foster care. They have rights and can get help. By being involved in planning, they help their child. They can make a good impact on their child's life. They can bring their family back together by working hard and speaking up. They can also make a safe place for their kids. Going through challenges with strength leads to good results for families.

Ensuring foster children in Virginia have a permanent home is really important. It makes them feel safe and like they belong. Without it, kids might feel sad and have trouble growing up well. Living in the same place helps them improve in school and have good relationships. It gives them a strong base to do well when they're older. 

People often get the wrong idea, so understanding adoption and foster care is crucial. There are lots of myths out there that can make things confusing and scary. However, setting the record straight is vital to making sure kids find loving homes and people get the right info. When things are clear, it helps people feel more confident about looking into adoption and foster care. 

Adoption and foster care are super crucial for helping kids in challenging situations. Adoption gives kids a forever family, while foster care gives them a safe place to stay temporarily. Both have their ups and downs. Adoption means a permanent home, while foster care helps families get back together. They both need lots of thought and dedication. The goal? Give kids a stable, loving place to grow and be their best selves. You're making a real difference by being part of these systems! 

Understanding the legal aspects of adoption and foster care is essential. It ensures that everyone follows the rules, keeping kids and families safe. Knowing the legal aspects helps things go smoothly, so there's less waiting and problems. It also ensures that everyone's rights are protected, which builds trust and stabilizes things. 

Every kid deserves a family where they feel safe and loved. Adoption and foster care give homes to those who need them. Family gives kids the love they need to grow. It makes them feel like they belong and are safe. Without a family, kids might feel lost and impaired about themselves. Adoption and foster care help kids grow and do well. They stop bad stuff from happening over and over again. 

Knowing the truth about foster care myths is essential. It helps people see things clearly and not be scared off by wrong ideas. This means more folks might consider becoming foster parents, giving kids a safe place to live. When we separate what's real from what's not, we can better support foster families. 

Child welfare in foster care is a very vital aspect of social services that offer protection and well-being to children who cannot stay with their biological families because of different reasons such as child abuse, neglect, and parental problems, among others. This system aims to create a secure and favorable environment for these kids wherein they can be placed with foster families temporarily or permanently. There are significant physical, emotional, educational, and developmental elements involved in a foster child’s welfare.

Virginia faces one of the nation's most challenging foster care crises, with teens and siblings at high risk of aging out without families.  Data shows shifting demographics, rising entries due to parental drug abuse, and longer stays in care.  Experts stress that policy changes, better resources, and more substantial support for foster families are urgently needed.

Foster care in Virginia and the nation is changing, and existing and potential foster parents need to know current statistics and trends. Every year, foster care in Virginia faces changes in variables such as the number of children in care, types of placements, and rates of reunification with families. In 2024, these trends tell a lot about the present situation of the children and what foster parents might require in the future. This is what every foster parent needs to know about foster care in Virginia this year.

Foster care is an important service that provides temporary homes to children who cannot stay with their families. However, numerous misconceptions exist about what foster care is, who fosters, and who is in foster care. There are several popular misconceptions regarding becoming a foster parent in Virginia; if you are thinking about it or just curious, it’s helpful to clear up some common misunderstandings.

Foster care is a method of alternate family care for those children who are placed outside their homes because of abuse, neglect, or other adverse conditions. In Virginia alone, there are thousands of children in foster care, and fostering is just one way that one can help. Here are some tips that will help you to support foster children and foster care programs in Virginia even if you are not ready to be a foster parent. Here is some practical and significant information on how you can contribute.

This blog explores the U.S. foster care system with a focus on Virginia, highlighting national statistics, age demographics, average length of stay, and permanency outcomes.  It contrasts Virginia's challenges, such as high numbers of teens in care, longer stays, and low reunification rates, with national trends.  The piece also addresses myths and facts about foster care, including kinship care, group homes, and aging out.  It concludes with a call for community involvement and practical steps toward supporting foster children.

This blog traces the history of foster care in Virginia from colonial Poor Laws and orphanages to modern trauma-informed practices.  It highlights key reforms, including the Social Security Act, CASA, and Extended Foster Care programs.