Becoming a Foster Parent

Top Questions From Aspiring Foster Parents: What To Know

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.

Foster care: Reasons Fostering a child is so very rewarding

Reasons Fostering a child is so very rewarding

Five Quick Advantages for Foster parents who stay home.

Some advantages to be a stay at home Foster parent in Virginia

What Can Disqualify You From Becoming a Foster Parent?

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.

A child I know has been taken into foster care. Can I help?

How can I help a child who has entered foster care that I know? A roadmap to ways to practically help.

What You Need in Your Home for Foster Child Placement in VA

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.

How To Become A Foster Parent In Virginia

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.

Foster Care Emergencies or Planned Placements

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.

Felonies and Misdemeanors Barriers to Being a Foster Parent?

Yes, you can. With all criminal convictions, the law is clear about the misdemeanors and felonies that would be a barrier to becoming a foster or adoptive parent in Virginia.  We have taken the Code of Virginia directly, so this is up to date as of March 2021.  This article should serve as an excellent guide to determining where your or a family member's criminal conviction falls.  We recommend finding your offense below and seeing if you can be a foster or adoptive parent.

Top Qualities of A Good Foster Parent

Foster Parents come from various backgrounds, and all have a different reason for what led them to become a foster parent.  What makes someone an effective or “good” foster parent?

My life in foster care in Virginia

For me, being in foster care was completely exhausting. I say exhausting because every day, I woke up wondering if that was the day I was going to have to move, yet again, to another placement. 

What Is A Home Study Process For Foster Parents In Virginia

What is a home study process? It is designed to ensure you and your home meet the standards of care and safety for a child; it will take at least three visits.  

Is it Hard to Get Approved to be a Foster Parent in Virginia?

Training foster parents and guiding them as they navigate the process to become certified and licensed parents.  An in-depth look at the process of certification

Parenting Children in Virginia Foster Care system

Discover effective parenting strategies to foster trust, establish structure, and cultivate healthy relationships with children in foster care.

Questions for a Child Placing Agency (CPA) Virginia in 2025

Your local Child Placing Agencies (CPAs) in Virginia have over 100 service providers who care for more than 5,500 children in foster care who need a bed for the night within Virginia.

Breaking The News That You'Re A Foster Parent: Telling Family

When a family wishes to bring a foster child into a family member's home, some planning is always good. A child in foster care will be nervous about the first visit, just like any child in foster care or just visiting a stranger for the first time. Taking them from your foster home to a family member must be successful. First impressions are important for vulnerable children, and caring for the child while the visit is taking place is critical. Here are three tips for licensed foster parents from our team of family services specialists; we hope it helps.

How do I Become a Foster or an Adoptive Parent in Virginia?

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.

How to become a foster or adoptive parent in Virginia

Becoming a foster parent in Virginia is a journey that begins with finding a licensed child-placing agency, completing training, and going through the home study process.  Each step is designed to prepare you for the unique needs of children in foster care who have experienced trauma and loss.  By opening your heart and home, you provide stability, healing, and hope for a child who truly needs it.

What is Foster Care and How Can I Help in Virginia?

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.

40-hrs of Training Required to Foster Parent Training in VA

The Department of Social Services (DSS) does not stipulate how, when, or where this training takes place. They focus on the training features and the training duration with a minimum of 40 hours. 

Questions To Ask Before Your First Foster Care Placement

After receiving the child's initial information from the referring worker, we meet and discuss our available families to consider household space and family makeup. We also consider conversations you have had with your Family Advocate, Trainers, and Family Services Specialist regarding what "type" of the child you would like to serve; this will include age, gender, child IEP needs, sibling group, and daycare needs, and many more areas to make sure your parenting plan will work this child for any visitation schedule that may be court ordered.

A Home for the Holidays with Idina Menzel

Fellow stars joined Idina Menzel for CBS' 21st Annual 'A Home for the Holidays' Christmas Special. This festive-themed performance raised awareness for adoption and America's foster care system.

Am I Eligible to Foster Parent in Virginia?

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

How Long Does it Take to Become a Foster Parent in Virginia?

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.

Why should I be a Foster Parent for Children in Virginia?

Looking for a reason to be a foster parent, we can help; we have so many reasons here you will be able to say yes, I can do this, or maybe I should wait. 

How Much do Foster Parents Get Paid in Virginia?

Most foster parents in Virginia look into how much they are paid.  Foster parents are given a maintenance payment, which is not taxable, as it is not considered income.  Every child is evaluated based on their age, mental health needs, and other relevant factors.  Your child's social worker evaluates this.  The range is from $580 $861 per month, 2025 - 2026.

How Does Foster Care Work?

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 Top 7 skills that make people great foster Parents

Foster parenting is difficult, but you only need a few essential foster parenting skills to learn how to be a foster parent

What is a Foster Parent? Things You Need to Know

A foster parent steps in to care for children in custody when birth families need support.  In Virginia, foster care is typically temporary, averaging two years, as biological parents work toward reunification.  Foster parents offer stability, love, and a safe home.  Many children become adoptable, with approximately 40% being adopted by their foster caregivers.  Training and support through agencies like FosterVA and Extra Special Parents help guide new foster parents.  You're not alone in giving a child hope and a second chance.

10 Financial Considerations Foster Parents Should Know in VA

Here are ten financial considerations all foster parents should consider before deciding that being a foster parent is the right journey for them at this time.

What Is a Child Placing Agency and How Do They Help Me?

If you are thinking of becoming a foster or adoptive parent, a licensed Child Placing Agency (CPA) can help you. Read on to learn more about what a CPA is and how they support you

Is Foster Care Stipend Taxable?

Start reading to find out the most important things you need to know about your parenting stipends, taxation, and tax deductions.

Could you give a Fostered Virginia child a forever home?

Do you feel you have enough love in your heart to give to a fostered child a forever home?

Why Become a Foster Parent?

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?

How to Foster Immigrant Children Separated From Parents

In light of recent global crises, many immigrant children desperately need a foster home across the United States of America. We know that these unaccompanied children will need foster families to look after them until they can find permanency within a family member's home. If one can not be located, a long-term foster placement will be looked for, and we hope may be adopted by the foster family.

How you become a Foster Parent with a Child Placing Agency

The journey to become a Foster or Adoptive parent in Virginia "A how to guide".

8 Common Myths About Foster Care and Adoption

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. 

What Is a Home Study Within Foster Care and Adoption?

The home study is a process that ensures you meet all criteria for providing a safe and stable environment. A home study process exists to ensure that foster parents can ensure the well-being of the children placed in their care. 

Agencies conduct a home study to learn more about your living environment, family, financial situation, and overall ability to care for a foster child.

Everything You Need to Know About How to Be a Foster Parent

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.

Foster Child Meaning: What Is the Meaning of a Foster Child?

In simple terms, a foster child is a minor placed in state custody. Foster children are placed with state-licensed adults that care for the child rather than a guardian or parent. Youth may enter the foster system for many reasons, but the most common include abuse, neglect, or being in an unsafe home environment. 

What are the Financial Considerations for Foster Parents?

When contemplating the possibility of fostering, it is expected and welcomed for prospective foster parents to have many questions and concerns about an advantageous but rewarding step in their lives. One of the many questions we here are what are the financial considerations for foster parents I should consider at this stage? A financial plan is essential for you and your family, if this is adopting a child in time or starting with respite care.

How Many Children Are in Foster Care in the US?

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

When Your Spouse Wants to Foster

If your spouse has brought up the possibility, you might want to learn about how the process works or find out if it's a good option for the two of you to start a foster care journey. 

Fostering, like any form of parenting, is a combined effort, and it involves working closely together and adapting to the needs of the child in your care. There are many changes to consider, but there are also many new opportunities that can strengthen your marriage and family life. 

What to Expect During a Potential Foster Parent Home Study

So, are you wondering what to expect during a potential foster parent home study?  If so, we'll go through the process here.  Keep reading to learn what all prospective foster parents need to know about the home study, including requirements and more.

12 Requirements for Housing Foster Care Children

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. 

Preparing to Blend Biological and Adopted Foster Children

If you're interested in adopting foster children and creating a blended family, you're likely wondering where to start. The prospect of bringing children into your home is exciting, but you're probably thinking about how your biological child or children will react; this is very normal, and social workers are very used to talking about this unique challenge with potential foster or adoptive parents. 

8 Most Common Fostering Challenges

Although fostering is an excellent way to improve a child's life, there are times when it may feel like an uphill battle.  Whether you're fostering for the first time or you've been raising foster children for years, you'll have to face different obstacles. 

This is a regular part of parenting; remember that you're not alone.  We're here to advise you on how to address the eight most common fostering challenges.  Learn how to navigate challenging behaviors, saying goodbye, and the uncertainties that come with it. 

5 Tips to Prepare for a Foster Care or Adoption Home Study

Preparing for your home study is just a process.  It is a list of items that all foster homes will need so that a child in foster care can be placed in your home.  All our children in foster care have a social worker, and all the children in foster care have had a history of child abuse and neglect; as such, we need to be careful about the foster and adoptive families.

Foster Parenting... Is It Right for You? 5 Questions to Ask

Foster parenting...is it right for you? Maybe your spouse or partner brought up the topic, or you've been thinking about it yourself. You can change many lives by bringing a foster child into your home, but there are some questions you need to ask yourself first. Parents have a lot to manage, from providing love and care to financially providing for their entire family. Understanding these foster parent responsibilities will help you prepare for the journey.

Foster Care 101: Birth Parents and Foster Parents

As a foster parent, you may want to consider co-parenting. Co-parenting is when foster parents share the responsibilities of caring for a foster child with the birth parents.

Of course, the ideal situation for a foster child depends on several factors, such as why they ended up in the foster care system in the first place. However, this method has many benefits, which we'll cover next.

How to Prepare for First Placement: Tips for Foster Parents Here are some tips for Virginia foster parents. Build Your Support Network

As you begin prepping for your fostering journey, you'll want a group of people you can go to for help. Chances are high that you'll have questions or need help and clarification. Before placement, please make sure you create a good support network.

Having others around you during this time is essential to help you through. You'll want family, friends, neighbors, fellow church members, etc., even if you only need to talk to them about your situation. It's also a good idea to talk to other foster parents.

How Long Does It Take To Adopt a Foster Child?

The timeline before receiving your first foster care placement varies depending on the selected age range, how many children you're willing to foster, and other considerations. The more open you are, the sooner you'll receive a foster care placement. Within the USA, 9 to 18 months would be average.

Navigating the Legal System as a Foster or Adoptive Parent

First, you should understand that the foster care system's primary goal is to reunite foster children with their biological parents or families. When reunification is not possible, or in the child's best interest, the state may decide that adoption through foster care is an option. Kids enter the foster care system for various reasons, such as unsafe or inadequate housing, neglect, abuse, etc.

10 Common Myths About Foster Care and Adoption: Debunked

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.

Questions Couples Should Ask Before Becoming Foster Parents

Are you considering becoming foster parents but are unsure if you are truly ready?  Read this guide to learn the ten questions couples should consider before becoming foster parents.

Making a Difference: Your Path to Foster Parenting in Virginia

Are you considering foster parenting in Virginia? With approximately 20,000 children aging out of the foster care system in the US without finding permanent homes, the decision to become a foster parent is a noble one.

The journey to foster parenting is rewarding and complex, with various steps and considerations. Once approved as a foster parent, you can make a difference in a child's life.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through becoming a foster parent in Virginia, including the requirements, training, and support available to you. Keep reading to get started.

Balancing Work and Foster Parenting in Virginia: Tips and Strategies

As a foster parent, you’ve got a lot on your plate. But nothing is more important than taking care of your family, including your foster children. Understandably, it would be best to go to work to feed the family. But it is equally important to maintain a work-life balance so that your foster children don’t feel left out. Here are some tips for balancing work and foster parenting in Virginia:

Becoming a Foster Parent in Virginia: Essential Criteria

Now more than ever, there is a need for foster parents in Virginia due to the increasing number of children placed in state care. As of 2025, there are over 5,500 children currently in state care. These children need a loving home that supports them through their needs.

Over 20,000 children leave the USA foster care every year without having a permanent home to go to.  These children need the resources and support from good foster parents to live independent and successful lives. If not, they will end up on the streets again.

Preparing Your Home for Foster Parenting in Virginia

Preparing your home for foster parenting in Virginia requires careful attention to detail. It's about making the space safe and creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for children. This preparation is essential as it lays the groundwork for a good experience for you and the kids you'll care for. 

Ensuring your home is childproof and offering emotional support are vital parts of this process. Every little thing you do adds up to the child's well-being. When you prepare your home well, you're following the rules and showing dedication to giving these vulnerable children a happy and stable home. Your efforts truly make a difference in their lives.

Comprehensive Guide to Becoming a Foster Parent in Virginia

Becoming a foster parent in Virginia is a step-by-step process. You'll work with the state's Department of Social Services. It's important because you'll help kids who need temporary homes. This happens when their families face challenges. The process includes background checks, training, and home visits. All of this is to keep the child safe and happy. 

 

Everything About the Foster Care Application Process 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.

 

Impact of Criminal History on Foster Care Eligibility in Virginia

You need to know how criminal history affects foster care in Virginia. It's essential for people wanting to foster or adopt. Some crimes might stop you from fostering, but changing that is possible. Being honest about your past is key. Getting legal advice and thinking about your situation can help you move forward.

 

Eligibility Criteria for Becoming Foster Parents in Virginia

Becoming a foster parent in Virginia involves meeting eligibility criteria, undergoing assessments, and completing training. Each step ensures the safety and well-being of foster children. By fulfilling these requirements, prospective foster parents contribute to improving the lives of vulnerable children. Through commitment and dedication, foster parents create safe and supportive environments for children needing temporary homes.

Fostering Hope: How Foster Care Changes Lives

Foster care is like a shining light for kids who need it most. It gives them safety, support, and chances to grow. With caring people and lots of help, foster care changes lives! It helps kids beat tough times and do well. Foster care always puts kids first, ensuring they're safe and doing great. This means a better future for many kids, now and in the future. 

 

Foster Care Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction

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. 

 

Preparing Your Home for a Foster Child: A Comprehensive Checklist

Preparing your home for a foster child is essential to ensure their safety and happiness. It creates a supportive space where they can grow emotionally and socially and feel good. Making a checklist helps foster parents get everything ready, from basics like clothes and bedding to getting help with their feelings if needed. 

 

Foster Parent Qualifications

Fostering a child is a big decision requiring much thinking and preparation. It is a promise to give your heart and home to a child who has possibly suffered trauma, loss, or neglect. It is all about providing them with the stability, care, and support they need to grow. The requirements to become a foster parent are more than just simple boxes on a list. They incorporate personal traits, practical skills, and emotional awareness.

 

Foster Parenting Experiences

Fostering is a severe undertaking in Virginia.  It involves creating a home where kids and even teenagers who have either been abused or neglected or have been through challenging situations can be kept safe, secure, and nurtured.  Being a foster parent in Virginia requires meeting specific criteria, including being at least 21 years old, having financial stability, and ensuring the safety of your home.

 

Foster Care Training & Skills

Training is needed to become a foster parent in Virginia. This training makes you aware of the needs of children in foster care. It also helps you learn how to take care of them. The training has several areas. You will be able to understand child development, the impact of trauma, and verbal and non-verbal communication. 

How to Become a Foster Parent in Virginia Requirements, Steps, and Support Resources

Fostering in Virginia can be especially rewarding and can make a massive difference in the lives of children. If you are thinking about this, here are some things you will encounter on your journey steps, as well as requirements and support. This article will give you an overview of how to become a foster parent in Virginia so you know what to expect.

 

Top Benefits of Being a Foster Parent in Virginia in 2025

Becoming a foster parent and changing a child’s and caregiver's lives is gratifying. Loving, safe, and stable homes have been in high demand in Virginia as the state continues to build a system that supports children and families in need. 

 

Preparing Your Home for Foster Care in Virginia: Essential Tips for New Foster Parents

It is an honoring experience that provides a safe and nurturing environment for children who require it. If you are considering being a foster parent in Virginia, you are about to embark on one of the most fulfilling decisions you can make to change a child’s life. You might wonder how to begin preparing your home for a foster child, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Below, you will find the steps to get started with the process.

 

FosteringTeenagers in Virginia: Challenges, Rewards, and Key Support Programs

Teenage fostering in Virginia has its own set of difficulties and joys. As with any age group, fostering teens and young people in care comes with challenges. These arise from the teenager’s age, background, and the need to be more self-reliant. However, with the proper guidance and tools, it can be one of the most fulfilling activities one can ever engage in.

Navigating the Foster Care System in Virginia: A Complete Guide for Prospective and Current Foster Parents

Foster care operates as a system for housing children who stay with temporary guardians because their families cannot ensure their safety. The Virginia foster care system strives to shield children through protective measures as it develops stable residence options that include family reunification and adoption or familial placement.

 

A Foster Parents Guide to Help with Toileting to Puberty

Taking a foster child through their development, starting with toileting and ending with puberty, is tough yet rewarding work. Most foster children do not arrive with all their needs fulfilled. A foster parent provides a home, meals, and steady support during big changes. It’s common for these transitions to bring up emotions, slow development, or cause health issues. A ten-year-old child might be experiencing problems with toileting because of what they went through in the past. Sometimes, a foster child might begin to develop physical changes, but doesn’t know why.