Become a foster parent in Harrisonburg, VA
Fill out our intake form to get started, and our foster parent advocate will be in touch to answer all your questions about fostering a child!
Or give us a call to get started over the phone, and help us find a safe home for a foster child in Harrisonburg .
About Harrisonburg
Harrisonburg, Virginia, often referred to as "The Friendly City," is located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley and has a population of about 54,000. Known for its welcoming community and scenic surroundings, this city is home to James Madison University, which brings energy and resources to the area. Harrisonburg combines small town charm with cultural diversity, offering a lively downtown filled with local shops, farm-to-table restaurants, and community events. The nearby Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains provide endless opportunities for outdoor adventures, making it a vibrant and family friendly place to call home.
For foster families, Harrisonburg provides a supportive and resourceful environment. The city’s Department of Social Services, in partnership with Rockingham County, works to ensure that foster parents have the tools they need to succeed. Comprehensive training, financial assistance, and ongoing support are available, helping families navigate the challenges and rewards of fostering. Organizations like FosterVA and CASA for Children in the Shenandoah Valley offer additional resources, from mentorship programs to counseling services, ensuring that foster children and their caregivers feel empowered and connected. Start your journey with us to becoming a foster parent!
Harrisonburg’s family focused atmosphere is particularly beneficial for foster children. The city offers numerous parks, like Purcell Park with its expansive playgrounds, and seasonal events such as farmers' markets and the Harrisonburg International Festival, which celebrate the area’s rich cultural diversity. These activities provide foster families with opportunities to create positive memories and foster a sense of belonging. Educational resources, such as the Explore More Discovery Museum, make learning engaging and fun for children of all ages.
The close-knit and welcoming community of Harrisonburg makes it a nurturing environment for foster families. Whether through local organizations, community events, or simply the kindness of neighbors, foster children and parents can find the support they need to thrive. Consider reaching out to find out how you can become a foster parent in Harrisonburg!
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 Harrisonburg . 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 Harrisonburg ?
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 Harrisonburg , 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
Brethren & Mennonite Heritage Center
The Brethren & Mennonite Heritage Center shares and celebrates the historical and spiritual legacies of Brethren and Mennonites in the Shenandoah Valley. These two faith traditions emphasize peace and non-violence, the priority of spiritual over material values, disaster relief and voluntary service, care for neighbors, stewardship of the land, and the role of the faith community in discernment and practice. At the Brethren & Mennonite Heritage Center, visitors and volunteers alike engage with these values and faith traditions through stories, artifacts, historic buildings, and experiential learning opportunities. The 24-acre campus of the Heritage Center features historic buildings from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries, interpretive displays, and stunning panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley--a hidden gem that is not to be missed!
Edith J. Carrier Arboretum
The Edith J. Carrier Arboretum is a beautiful public garden and woodland preserve located on the campus of James Madison University (JMU) in Harrisonburg, Virginia. It serves as both a natural retreat and an educational resource, showcasing a variety of native plants and ecosystems.
Elevation Sports
Elevation Sports is the Shenandoah Valley's premier provider of Bubble Soccer, Combat Archery, and Nerf Wars. We provide Unforgettable Experiences by offering unique, family-friendly recreational activities that promote health and wellness through physical exercise! Enjoy walk-in Pay & Play as well as pre-booked reservations with your family or a group of friends! Also offering Party & Event reservations for exclusive use of our facilities!
Hardesty-Higgins House Visitor Center
Discover the history, culture, and amenities that make Harrisonburg one of the Virginia's most visited cities at the Hardesty-Higgins House Visitor Center. Browse our library of brochures, maps, and travel resources for the areas best best place to explore, shop, dine, and recline. Exepreince what makes life better in the 'burg -plan your next adventure at the Hardesty-Higgins House Visitor Center. Awarded with the "2016 Virginia Green Travel Star Award"
Harrisonburg Farmers Market
The Harrisonburg Farmers Market is proud to be a source of fresh local foods and high quality local handcrafts while supporting and sustaining the small farm family and the local economic health. We are producer only market, offering only the freshest and best locally grown and produced items. Our vendors are primarily from Rockingham and adjoining counties.
Harrisonburg Fire Department Museum
The museum showcases a rich collection of historic firefighting memorabilia, including uniforms, medals, equipment, old fire alarms, and photographs, providing insights into the evolution of firefighting in Harrisonburg.
Rolling Hills Antique Mall
The Rolling Hills Antique Mall is a well-established antique store located in Harrisonburg, Virginia, offering a vast selection of vintage and collectible items.
Shenandoah Heritage Market
The Shenandoah Heritage Market is a popular shopping destination in Harrisonburg, Virginia, known for its charming, rustic atmosphere and wide variety of locally sourced goods and unique items. It is one of the largest country markets in the Shenandoah Valley and offers a delightful experience for visitors.
White Oak Lavender Farm & The Purple WOLF Tasting Room
White Oak Lavender Farm & The Purple WOLF Tasting Room in Harrisonburg, Virginia, offers a serene escape with fragrant lavender fields, a family-friendly discovery area, and a gift shop featuring lavender products. Visitors can also enjoy wine tastings in the Purple WOLF Tasting Room, where unique lavender and stunning views create a relaxing experience.
