How to Become a Foster Parent in Virginia

Foster parenting is a satisfying way to become involved in the lives of the less fortunate children in your community. Children are in foster care through no fault of their own but because of the adults in their lives, who might not be able to care for them due to a number of circumstances. In Virginia, there are over 4,000 children in the foster care system, according to AdoptUSKids. Foster parenting is regulated and handled by the Virginia Department of Social Services.

Instructions

    • 1

      Contact the local extension of the Virginia Department of Social Services in your community. Each prospective foster parent needs to attend an orientation where you will learn vital information about becoming a foster parent, collect application materials and be able to ask any questions you might have about the process.

    • 2

      Determine if you are eligible to become a foster parent. Virginia requires that foster parents be emotionally and mentally stable, financially able to care for themselves, in good health, able to provide ample space for an additional child, and able to pass a criminal and background check. You do not have to be married to be a foster parent in Virginia.

    • 3

      Complete the foster parent application, which includes general information about your family, a criminal and background check form for all adults in the household, a physical form and fingerprint card.

    • 4

      Schedule a home inspection with a social worker to determine if your home meets the requirements set forth by the Virginia Department of Social Services. During the home study, you will need to show the bedroom you plan the foster child to sleep in, demonstrate that you have required safety devices -- fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, a locked medicine and chemical cabinet -- and show that your home is clean and free of sanitary problems.

    • 5

      Attend foster parent training once your application and home study are approved. This training will give you the tools you need to deal with a child who might be emotionally or mentally challenged. You will also learn how to collaborate with your social worker and the foster child̵7;s parents for reunification if applicable.

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