How much do foster parents get paid in Virginia?
Foster parents in Virginia are not paid a salary but receive a tax-free monthly maintenance stipend to cover the cost of raising a child. Payments are based on the Virginia Enhanced Maintenance Assessment Tool (VEMAT), which evaluates a child's age, needs, and behaviors. As of August 2025, rates range from $580 per month for children aged 0–4, $677 for those aged 5–12, and $861 for individuals aged 13 and older. An annual clothing allowance is also provided, from $376 to $564, depending on age.
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Episode 4: What makes Therapeutic Foster Care DifferentIn this episode, Richard Kingswell, CEO of FosterVA and Extra Special Parents (ESPVA), explains the difference between traditional foster care and therapeutic foster care…
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Episode 8: What Do Agencies Look For In Foster Parents?In this episode, I speak directly to one of the most common questions I receive: what are agencies actually looking for in a foster parent? Spoiler alert: there is no…