How long does it take to become a foster parent?
On average, 120 days in Virginia, and it starts with one simple step: ask to learn more.
We don't just train you, we prepare you to change a child's life. Our free, guided training gives you the confidence, tools, and support to welcome a child into your home.
Here's what you'll learn along the way:
- How foster care really works and how you fit into a child's journey home
- Understanding trauma, grief, and behavior, and how to respond with confidence
- Practical parenting tools to build trust, connection, and stability
- What to expect day-to-day so you feel ready, not overwhelmed
- How to create a safe, supportive home that helps children heal and grow
You don't need to be perfect. You just need to be willing to learn, and we'll walk beside you every step of the way.
Training outline with FosterVA and ESP
SESSION 1: Orientation Understanding Foster Care
How the system works, why children enter care, your role as part of a team, and how children move toward reunification or adoption
SESSION 2: Grief and Loss
How separation impacts children, how emotions show up in behavior, and how to support identity, family connections, and visits
SESSION 3: Behavior and development
Practical, non-physical strategies to manage behavior, build trust, and support healthy development and resilience
SESSION 4: Safety & Expectations
Licensing requirements, creating a safe home environment, confidentiality, and what's expected of you as a foster parent
SESSION 5: Trauma-Informed Parenting
How trauma shapes behavior, how to build connection and trust, and how to help children regulate emotions and begin to heal
Some conversations are real and challenging because the children we serve have faced real experiences. But you'll be supported every step of the way.
Flexible Training That Fits Your Real Life
Training that fits your life.
We offer weekday, evening, and weekend training options so you can take this step without putting your life on hold. If your schedule is unique, just let us know we’ll work with you to find the right fit.
You’ll be part of a supportive group experience, learning alongside others, sharing perspectives, and building confidence together.
Most families complete the licensing process under 120 days.
You don’t have to figure this out alone we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Let's Talk: Connect with your Foster Parent Advocate
Our advocates are here for you, no pressure, just honest guidance.
They'll help you understand what fostering really involves, answer your questions, and support you as you explore whether this journey is right for your family. We know this is a big step, and it's okay to feel both excited and uncertain.
You don't have to figure it out alone; our team is here to help you make the best decision for you and the children who need care.
Book a time to connect, we'd love to talk with you.
Meet our advocates!
Adasha Holdren, Lead Family AdvocateAdasha brings families over a decade of experience with Virginia’s foster care system, with 8+ of her most recent years dedicated to supporting parents and children along their fostering and adoption journeys. She is passionate about helping parents navigate every step of their approval and licensing process, ensuring a seamless and positive experience as families welcome foster children into their homes. Adasha's understanding of the unique joys and challenges of foster care and adoption gives her the experienced perspective to guide families, and our specialist care team, with genuine and compassionate care.
Ashlin Bayne, Family AdvocateAshlin brings extensive caseworker experience to her families, guiding them through the fostering or foster-to-adopt journey with empathy and care. She walks parents through the detailed process of becoming a foster family, recognizing the co-existing excitement and vulnerability inherent in every new child and family dynamic. Bringing passion and expertise to ensure a seamless experience, Ashlin supports parents in realizing their dreams of creating a nurturing home for a foster child or loving forever family.
Sarah Ferguson, Family AdvocateSarah brings over a decade of dedicated social work experience to the families she serves, offering guidance grounded in empathy, clinical insight, and care. With a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, she skillfully supports parents through the complex and emotional journey of fostering or foster-to-adopt, honoring the excitement and vulnerability that accompany each new family connection. Drawing on her deep expertise and passion for helping others thrive, Sarah ensures a smooth, supportive experience, walking alongside parents as they build a nurturing home and a lasting foundation for a child’s future.
