United Methodist Family Services (UMFS) in Virginia: Foster Care, Adoption, and Family Support Guide

Quick Answer

United Methodist Family Services (UMFS), now known as Shineforth, is a Virginia nonprofit organization that provides foster care, adoption services, residential treatment, specialized education, and family support programs.  Founded more than 100 years ago, the organization helps children and families facing complex challenges through trauma-informed and evidence-based services.

UMFS is well known for its Treatment Foster Care (TFC) program, adoption support services, specialized schools, and residential treatment programs for children and teens who have experienced trauma.  The organization serves communities throughout Virginia and works alongside public and private child welfare partners.

Helpful Resources

FosterVA Resources

• Become a Foster Parent:
• Foster Parent Requirements:
• Foster Parent Training:
• Foster Care vs Adoption: 
• Foster Parent Payments: 

Virginia & Federal Resources

• Virginia Department of Social Services Foster Care Information
• Virginia Adoption and Foster Care Resources
• Child Welfare Information Gateway

Key Facts

• UMFS began as an orphanage in 1910 and has evolved into a statewide child and family services organization.
• The organization now operates under the name Shineforth.
• UMFS provides Treatment Foster Care (TFC) for children and youth with higher support needs.
• Services include foster care, adoption, residential treatment, specialized education, and family support.
• The organization uses trauma-informed and evidence-based approaches.
• Foster parents receive ongoing training and 24/7 support.
• UMFS serves children, teens, and families across multiple regions of Virginia.
• The organization maintains strong partnerships with Virginia child welfare agencies.

What Is UMFS?

United Methodist Family Services is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children and families overcome challenges related to trauma, behavioral health, foster care, adoption, and family stability.

Although the organization was historically connected to the United Methodist Church, it now operates independently while maintaining partnerships with faith-based and community organizations.

The organization's mission focuses on helping vulnerable children develop resilience, build healthy relationships, and achieve long-term success.

Services Offered by UMFS

Treatment Foster Care

Treatment Foster Care provides family-based care for children and youth with emotional, behavioral, social, or medical needs that require additional support.

Children in TFC often benefit from:

• Highly trained foster parents
• Trauma-informed care
• Structured support services
• Individualized treatment planning
• Ongoing case management

UMFS provides specialized training and ongoing support to foster families caring for these children.

Adoption Services

UMFS helps children find permanent families through adoption services and post-adoption support programs.

Services include:

• Adoption recruitment
• Family matching
• Post-adoption support
• Parent education
• Community resources

The organization also participates in programs that help children waiting in foster care find permanent homes.

Residential Treatment

UMFS operates residential treatment programs designed for youth experiencing significant emotional, behavioral, or trauma-related challenges.

Programs focus on:

• Mental health treatment
• Behavioral support
• Family involvement
• Education
• Skill development

These services help youth stabilize and prepare for successful transitions into family and community settings.

Specialized Education

UMFS offers educational programs designed for students whose needs may not be fully met in traditional school environments.

Students receive:

• Individualized educational plans
• Behavioral support
• Therapeutic services
• Academic instruction

The goal is to help youth achieve educational success while addressing their unique challenges.

How UMFS Supports Foster Parents

One of UMFS's strengths is its commitment to supporting foster families throughout their fostering journey.

Support may include:

• Initial licensing assistance
• Ongoing training
• Monthly support groups
• 24/7 crisis support
• Trauma-informed parenting education
• Professional case management

This level of support helps foster parents feel more prepared and confident when caring for children with complex needs.

UMFS and Trauma-Informed Care

Many children entering foster care have experienced significant trauma, including abuse, neglect, family disruption, or multiple placements.

UMFS emphasizes trauma-informed care by focusing on:

• Building trust
• Creating stability
• Developing healthy relationships
• Understanding behavior through a trauma lens
• Teaching coping and life skills

This approach helps children heal while strengthening family relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is UMFS part of the United Methodist Church?

UMFS was historically connected to the church but now operates independently while maintaining community partnerships.

Does UMFS provide foster care services?

Yes. UMFS offers Treatment Foster Care programs and support services for foster parents and children throughout Virginia.

What is Treatment Foster Care?

Treatment Foster Care is a specialized foster care program designed for children with higher emotional, behavioral, medical, or developmental needs.

Does UMFS provide adoption services?

Yes. The organization offers adoption services, post-adoption support, and programs that help children achieve permanency.

Can I become a foster parent through FosterVA?

Yes. FosterVA helps prospective foster parents learn about fostering, licensing requirements, training, and support available throughout Virginia.

FosterVA.org is not part of UMFS this is for your information, we hope it helps.