What training and approval do I need to become a foster parent?
All foster parents in Virginia complete PRIDE training, which is about 27 hours, usually spread over several weeks. Training covers child development, trauma, and how to support children in care. You’ll also go through a home study, which includes interviews, background checks, and safety checks. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about making sure you’re ready and supported. Even after approval, ongoing training helps you grow as a foster parent.”
The approval process to become a foster parent in Virginia involves both training and a home study. This is designed to prepare you and ensure children are placed in safe, nurturing homes.
All foster parents complete PRIDE pre-service training, which usually runs for around 27 hours. This training covers topics such as child development, trauma-informed care, positive discipline, and supporting children through grief and loss. Many families find this training empowering, as it provides practical skills and helps them feel more confident about welcoming children into their homes.
The home study is another key part of approval. This process includes background checks, medical clearances, interviews, reference checks, and home safety inspections. The aim is not to demand perfection but to get to know you, understand your motivations, and confirm your readiness to foster.
After approval, foster parents continue to receive ongoing training to keep their skills current and to help them respond to the changing needs of children in care.
For those asking online, “What training do I need to foster in Virginia?”, the answer is straightforward: PRIDE training, a home study, and a commitment to learning and growing as part of a supportive team.
