Become a foster parent in Norfolk, 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 Norfolk .
About Norfolk
Norfolk, VA, with a population of 240,000, is a diverse and vibrant coastal city with deep historic roots. This city possesses a rich cultural scene, including arts, music, and festivals that reflect its diverse community. As of September 2024, there were over 200 children in Norfolk's foster care system - will you consider becoming a parent to a child in need?
Norfolk is a great place to foster a family due to its many outdoor and educational attractions, including the Virginia Zoo and the Norfolk Botanical Garden. It is also home to museums like the Chrysler Museum of Art and Nauticus, an ocean themed science center that is a delight for all ages. The city's numerous parks, waterfront spaces, and proximity to the beach make it ideal for outdoor fun. It also offers good schools and a strong sense of community. The relatively low cost of living, coupled with access to healthcare, education, and Norfolk's family friendly events, makes it a wonderful choice for raising a family. Let us help you get started on your journey to fostering a child! There are even opportunities for foster-to-adopt.
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 Norfolk . 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 Norfolk ?
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 Norfolk , Virginia 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
Upcoming Events in 2024
Looking for some great family fun in Norfolk? Here's a preview of some of the great things going on in our city this year.
- Virginia Children's Festival
- Fall Carnival at ODU
- Virginia Zoo: Zoo Boo
- Halloween Costume Parade at Waterside District
- Pumpkin Patch at Cullipher Farm
- Fall Harvest Festival at Hunt Club Farm
- Norfolk Public Library Storytimes
- Fall Festival at St. Mary's Home
- Norfolk Botanical Garden: Million Bulb Walk
- MacArthur on Ice - MacArthur Center
For more information, see our article about the top ten places for family fun in Norfolk this fall!
Family Friendly Events and Places of Interest
Battleship Wisconsin at Nauticus
Berthed at Nauticus, the Battleship Wisconsin is one of the largest and last battleships ever built by the U.S. Navy. Access to the Battleship Wisconsin is included in Nauticus admission. Explore its deck through a self-guided tour or, with an additional charge, one of our guided tours that will take you back in time to experience this majestic ship that earned five battle stars during WW II.
Chrysler Museum of Art
The Chrysler Museum of Art, located in Norfolk, Virginia, is a renowned cultural destination featuring an extensive collection of over 30,000 artworks spanning 5,000 years of history. Highlights include impressive glass art, European and American paintings, and contemporary pieces. The museum offers free admission and hosts rotating exhibitions, educational programs, and events. Visitors can also explore the Perry Glass Studio, which offers live glassblowing demonstrations and hands-on workshops. The museum is a must-visit for art enthusiasts and those seeking inspiration and creativity.
Hampton Roads Naval Museum
The Hampton Roads Naval Museum, located in Norfolk, Virginia, is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the region's rich naval history. The museum features engaging exhibits on the U.S. Navy’s role in significant events, including the Civil War and World War II. Visitors can explore artifacts, model ships, and interactive displays that highlight naval innovation and bravery. Admission includes access to the adjacent USS Wisconsin, a historic battleship that offers an up-close look at naval life. The museum is an essential stop for history buffs and maritime enthusiasts.
MacArthur Center
The MacArthur Center shopping mall in Norfolk, VA. hosts shops and restaurants including the area's premier Dillard's department store. At our Norfolk shopping center we have shops you won't find anywhere else in the area like Lush, Pottery Barn, and The Art of Shaving. The mall is off Interstate 264, just west of Norfolk State University.
MacArthur Memorial
The MacArthur Memorial is a museum and research center dedicated to preserving and presenting the story of the life of General of the Army Douglas MacArthur. The Memorial also pays tribute to the millions of men and women who served with General MacArthur in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. Situated in downtown Norfolk, VA the Memorial consists of a museum, archive and research center, education center, theater, welcome center, and a gift shop. Admission is FREE.
Nauticus
Nauticus is a maritime discovery center located along the waterfront in downtown, Norfolk offering a unique form of experiential learning for all ages. Through interactive exhibits and STEM to STERN programming, Nauticus uses the museum, Battleship Wisconsin, sailing center, and Schooner Virginia to tell the story of the maritime environment, industry, and the military.
Naval Station Norfolk
The oldest naval port in the United States that offers guided tours.
Norfolk Botanical Garden
Norfolk Botanical Garden, located in Norfolk, Virginia, is a stunning 175-acre oasis showcasing a diverse array of themed gardens and natural landscapes. Visitors can explore vibrant displays of flowers, trees, and shrubs, including a rose garden, Japanese garden, and butterfly garden. The garden features walking paths, boat tours, and a tram ride for a relaxing way to take in the beauty. It’s also home to seasonal events, educational programs, and a children’s adventure garden, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages.
The Chrysler Museum Glass Studio
The Chrysler Museum Glass Studio, located in Norfolk, Virginia, is a dynamic extension of the Chrysler Museum of Art dedicated to the art of glassmaking. The studio offers live glassblowing demonstrations, showcasing the creative process behind stunning glass art. Visitors can participate in hands-on workshops to craft their own pieces or watch expert artists at work. Regular performances, educational programs, and special events celebrate the versatility and beauty of glass as an artistic medium. It’s an inspiring destination for art enthusiasts and curious learners alike.
Virginia Zoo
The Virginia Zoo, located in Norfolk, Virginia, is a family-friendly destination home to over 500 animals from around the world. Spanning 53 acres, the zoo features themed habitats like the African Savannah, Asia Trail, and World of Reptiles. Visitors can enjoy up-close encounters with giraffes, tigers, elephants, and many other species. Interactive experiences, such as a petting farm and behind-the-scenes tours, make it an engaging and educational outing. Beautifully landscaped grounds and a variety of exhibits create a fun and immersive experience for all ages.
