Foster parents are people (single or married; employed inside or outside the home) who open their homes to a child or children and are committed to meet the individual needs of the child or children. Foster parents work in partnership with the child, the agency and the birth parents to help in resolving problems and reuniting the family whenever possible. Adults, over the age of 18, may become foster parents.

How do I Become a Foster Parent?

• If you are considering foster parenting, you must contact your local department of social services. Each local department has a contact person for foster parents who can provide you with the information you need to make your decision about foster parenting. The local department is responsible for approving foster parents.
• Local department staff will give you more detailed information about the application process and training. Basic requirements include:
  • Completing an application
  • Consenting to a criminal background check
  • Consenting to a child abuse/neglect record check
  • Providing references
  • Providing medical information
  • Providing employment history
  • Meeting with a social worker to:
    • Discuss the roles and responsibilities of a foster parent
    • Show that your home is a safe environment for your foster child
    • Review state and local foster care requirements
  • Participating in orientation and/or training workshops provided for foster parents
• The time it takes to gain approval varies, but the approval process usually takes between two and four months.

How do I Renew Approval as a Foster Parent?

Foster parents must renew their approval every two years. In Virginia, you must be approved by a local department of social services to be a foster parent. Private licensed child-placing agencies also can approve foster parents.

Can I adopt a child if I am a foster parent?

Yes. Many foster parents become adoptive parents of children in their care if the child cannot return home or be placed with a suitable relative.

Foster Parenting Related Links

• FACES (Foster, Adoption & Kinship Association) (Web page)
• For Keeps (Virginia Teens) (Web page)
• National Foster Parent Association (Web page)