Become A Foster Parent In Arlington, VA
Offering a safe place to stay can spark hope that lasts a lifetime.
Discover what fostering looks like and how many ways you can make a difference.
About Arlington
Arlington, Virginia, with a population of over 230,000, is a vibrant county located just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. Known for landmarks like the Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery, and the Marine Corps War Memorial, Arlington combines historical significance with a modern lifestyle. This proximity to the nation’s capital gives families access to the professional opportunities and cultural attractions of D.C. while still offering its own unique neighborhoods and sense of community. Arlington is known for its top public schools, well-developed public transportation, and diverse population, making it a popular choice for families and young professionals alike. It's also a great place to become a foster parent!
Arlington’s foster care system supports approximately 80 children in need of foster families. With its robust resources and community support, Arlington strives to provide stable, nurturing homes for children in foster care. We help provide the training and support you need to become a foster parent for a child in Arlington.
For families, Arlington provides a variety of educational and recreational resources. The city has numerous parks, playgrounds, and community centers, including Long Bridge Park with its sports fields and Potomac River views. Families can also enjoy the interactive exhibits at the Arlington Science Focus School or take advantage of the programs offered by the Arlington Public Library. With local events, farmers' markets, and a strong sense of community engagement, Arlington is a wonderful place to foster a family!
Why Choose FosterVA
FosterVA is a campaign started by Extra Special Parents (a licensed child placing agency) to raise awareness of Virginia’s need for great foster families, especially in Arlington . Great foster parents make a difference in a youth’s ability to develop resiliency, which allows them to survive and thrive with the right support.
We have a support group that meets monthly for all foster families and respite care for yourself. Our support includes Individual clinical case managers and a crisis line manned 24/7/365. These tried and tested systems are put in place to ensure you and the child are supported during this journey as a foster parent.
Can I foster a child in Arlington ?
Find out if you qualify to become a foster parent! Becoming a foster parent is a challenging and enriching experience for you and all family members. You can make a huge difference and change a child's life for the better, especially for sibling groups and older children in foster care programs. If you care about children and want to help them, fostering a child is an extraordinary calling.
Children in the foster care system have been through traumatic experiences. They need a loving home to help them recover and thrive. Providing a home for a child can be heartwarming and beautiful when you start to see them succeed in your care. If you have the heart and a home for a child in Arlington , VA please contact us to learn more about our process.
Our parents come from all works of life, and your work and life experience will enhance what you bring to being a foster parent. So please never think that your life experience is unsuitable for a child in foster care, with nearly 5000 kids in the Virginia Department of social services care. We will find a child that will be great for you or your family.
Start the process today to become a Foster Parent
Family Friendly Events and Places of Interest
Air Force Memorial
It is located in Arlington, Virginia, adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery and the Pentagon. Since its opening, it has been a place of honor and remembrance. It offers a place for the community to learn and appreciate the rich history of the AF through displays, AF Band performances, Memorial/Veterans Day commemorations and veteran-related events.
Arlington House - The Robert E. Lee Memorial
The pre-Civil War residence of legendary Confederate general Robert E. Lee, this Greek revival mansion was taken over by Union troops, and the estate was used to bury the war dead. Overlooking the Potomac and the grounds of what is now Arlington National Cemetery, the home has been restored as a memorial to Lee.
Arlington National Cemetery
Veterans of every American war from the Revolution to the country's most recent conflicts are buried at Arlington, which was officially declared a military cemetery in 1864. Among the more than 260,000 dead are three unidentified service members, buried at the Tomb of the Unknowns, and John F. Kennedy, whose gravesite is marked by an eternal flame.
Fashion Centre at Pentagon City
Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, located just moments from the nation's capital, and on the Washington DC Metro system, offers a world-class shopping experience where avenues of fashions and boulevards of style await. A scenic glass elevator ride to the third level reveals more than 140 fascinating stores and restaurants including Macy's, Nordstrom, The Ritz-Carlton, Apple, Coach and Tourneau. The Dining Pavilion features international specialties from the familiar to the exotic. Love shopping? Visit Fashion Centre at Pentagon City today.
Gravelly Point Park
Gravelly Point Park, located near Arlington, Virginia, is a popular spot for outdoor recreation and plane watching. Situated just north of Reagan National Airport, the park offers incredible views of airplanes taking off and landing overhead. Visitors can enjoy picnic areas, wide-open spaces, and access to the scenic Mount Vernon Trail for walking, running, or biking. The park’s location along the Potomac River also provides stunning views of Washington, D.C.’s skyline. It’s a favorite destination for families, aviation enthusiasts, and outdoor lovers alike.
John F. Kennedy Grave Site
The John F. Kennedy Gravesite, located in Arlington National Cemetery, is a solemn tribute to the 35th President of the United States. It features the Eternal Flame, a symbol of Kennedy’s enduring legacy, set against a granite platform. The site is surrounded by inscriptions of his most inspiring quotes, offering reflection on his vision for America. Nearby, the graves of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and their children complete the family memorial. Overlooking Washington, D.C., the site is a place of reverence and national remembrance.
Mount Vernon Trail
The Mount Vernon Trail is a scenic, multi-use path stretching along the Potomac River between George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate and Theodore Roosevelt Island. Ideal for walking, running, and cycling, the trail offers picturesque views of the river, historic landmarks, and Washington, D.C.'s skyline. It passes through charming parks, wooded areas, and iconic sites like Arlington Memorial Bridge and Old Town Alexandria. With well-maintained paths and numerous rest spots, it’s a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs. The trail provides a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural significance.
Pentagon Memorial
The Pentagon Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, honors the 184 lives lost in the attack on the Pentagon. The memorial features illuminated Bench Units, each dedicated to a victim, arranged by their birth year and aligned to show whether they were aboard Flight 77 or inside the Pentagon. A tranquil reflecting pool and trees surround the benches, creating a space for reflection and remembrance. The site’s thoughtful design conveys both individual loss and collective impact, fostering quiet contemplation and unity.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Guarded around the clock by the Army's 3rd infantry, this memorial in Arlington National Cemetery honors unidentified American soldiers from the two World Wars and the Korean War.
U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial
Commonly called the "Iwo Jima Memorial," the statue is a depiction of the famous raising of the U.S. flag on Iwo Jima and is dedicated to all Marines who have given their lives defending that flag.
