Become a Foster Parent in Charlottesville, VA

About Charlottesville

Charlottesville, Virginia, with a population of around 47,000, is known for its arts scene, historic significance, and proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Home to the University of Virginia, founded by Thomas Jefferson, this city is steeped in history, with sites like Monticello and Ash Lawn-Highland attracting visitors and residents alike. Charlottesville’s downtown area, including the bustling Downtown Mall, offers a unique combination of shops, dining, and cultural venues. This university town is often recognized for its intellectual community and progressive values, making it a popular choice for families and young professionals alike. It's an ideal place to become a foster parent!

Charlottesville, like many areas in Virginia, has a pressing need for foster parents. The city’s Department of Social Services oversees approximately 50 children in foster care, and we work closely with foster families and social workers in the system. We help provide training, counseling, and resources for foster parents, helping ensure that children receive stable, nurturing care.

For families, Charlottesville provides a strong educational system, including highly-rated public and private schools, along with many outdoor activities. The city’s parks, such as McIntire Park and Pen Park, offer playgrounds, sports facilities, and trails. Families also enjoy nearby nature excursions like the Shenandoah National Park and the Rivanna River, ideal for hiking, kayaking, and family picnics. Charlottesville’s emphasis on local events, farmers’ markets, and community-centered activities create a family-friendly atmosphere that fosters a strong sense of belonging.

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 Charlottesville . 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 Charlottesville ?

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 Charlottesville , 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.