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Virginia Foster Care Statistics - VA Foster Data

The child behind the numbers

The average child in foster care in Virginia is just 8 years old.  They don't need another placement.  They need someone who stays.

With your support, a child who didn't choose this path can find stability, connection, and a future.  We brought them into care to protect them.  Now we must help them thrive.

Our children in foster care?

  • 5806

    Number of children in foster care in Virginia, March 2026 (Source)

  • 1731

    Number of Children waiting to be adopted in Virginia in March 2026 (Source)

  • 85

    Number of weeks a child will spend in foster care on average in Virginia (Source)

  • 500

    The number of children who aged out of foster care in Virginia in 2024 (Source)

Why Children Enter Foster Care in Virginia

  • Physical

    Physical abuse refers to intentional physical harm to another person. It does not refer to punishments such as spanking if it is reasonable. Still, if it causes bodily injury to the child, it is abuse.

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  • Emotional

    Emotional abuse includes constant criticism, threats, rejection, and withholding of love or guidance. However, each act prevents children from learning proper emotional regulation and lowers their sense of self-worth. The child is often told that their abuse happens because of a failure on the child's part, such as bad grades.

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  • Sexual

    Unfortunately, those in or who have been in foster care are at a much higher risk of becoming victims of human trafficking. Foster parents should be aware of the signs of human trafficking. It allows them to educate and prevent the children in their care from becoming victims.

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  • Neglect

    Child neglect is a form of abuse that can cause physical and psychological issues in children. A caretaker fails to provide for a child's basic needs physically, emotionally, medically, or even educationally.

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Every Child Has A Story: Learn Why They Need Your Support

  • 50%

    71% of girls in foster care pregnant by 21

    50% of girls who have been in foster care are pregnant by the age of 21. (Source)

  • 38%

    Homelessness in foster youth

    38% of foster care youth have experienced homelessness before the age of 26. (Source)

  • 80% 

    Former foster children often diagnosed with PTSD

    80% of former foster children are diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)(Source), which is twice that of US veterans. (Source)

  • 55%

    Foster care high school graduation rate

    Only 55% (Source) of foster care youth will graduate high school by 19 compared to 92.7% of non-foster care kids in 2025. (Source)

  • 30% 

    One in five foster youth will be incarcerated by 21

    Nearly one in three foster youth will be incarcerated by the age of 21. (Source)

  • 8

    Christians and foster care

    While many believe most kids in foster care are very young, the average age of a child entering foster care is eight years old. (Source)

Can you be the difference in a child's life?