View all articles about foster care and adoption

If you have begun to learn about the foster or adoption process, you've probably heard the term "Home Study." This study helps social workers ensure you're ready to provide a home for children in foster care. It also helps in matching you with a child most likely to thrive in your care.

So, how can you prepare for a foster or adoption Home Study? First, you'll want to understand what the Home Study process entails.

The Home Study includes a home inspection. Foster homes must meet all safety standards and contain specific items necessary to properly care for a child. The items are detailed and checked during the Home Study process.

The U.S. foster care system works to reunite children with their biological family or primary caregiver whenever possible. However, recent data shows that less than 50% of children in foster care return full circle. This is down from nearly 60% in 2000.

Around 400,000 kids in foster care need temporary care, preferably from foster parents in a home setting. About 25% – over 50,000 children – cannot return to their birth parents. They require long-term care and hope to find forever homes with adoptive families.

You might have a Court-Appointed Special Advocate Volunteer (CASA) for your foster child. Who are these special volunteers, and how does their advocacy help foster children? CASA Volunteers assist foster kids of all ages and give them a voice in court. They spend time with foster children and give direct support to judges to help children quickly find safe, permanent homes.

CASA Volunteers help the child welfare system by supporting children who need safe, stable, and loving homes. The opioid epidemic in our country has further taxed an already stressed system. In the United States, a gift of CASA is extra support for about 1 in 3 foster children in most states. The goal of the National CASA Volunteer Office is for every foster child to have an advocate.

In many cultures, family support in times of need is a longstanding tradition. The United States foster care system includes the kinship care permanency option for youth in foster care. Social workers recognize that foster kids benefit from consistent care in a family unit.

When a foster child cannot live with a biological parent, the best alternative is clear. Living in a foster home with relatives ensures a child can maintain connections to their family of origin.

Discovering that your spouse wants to foster a child can open a new chapter in your life together. Foster parenting is a path that invites both challenges and rewards. You'll hear about many foster care success stories. For a couple, foster parenting demands teamwork, flexibility, and a deep commitment to a child's well-being.

The foster care journey is not for every adult but a rewarding and life-changing experience for many. For children in foster care, having a nurturing family means the world. For a couple, it means more than a parenting role. Fostering with family members can strengthen your family bond and impact a child in the foster care system.

Applicants must complete the foster care and adoption Home Study to become a foster parent in any state. What is the Home Study process? In short, it is a vital process that child-placing agencies use to ensure you're fit and ready to become a foster parent. It also helps foster advocates understand how they can help meet your goals for raising a child.

Here are the essentials for completing the Home Study, including a handy Home Study checklist.

The rate of foster teen pregnancy in the child welfare system shows a grim statistic. Nearly 20% of foster youth report having their first consensual sex at or before the age of 13. By contrast, only 8% of their peers in the United States general population report the same.

Accidental pregnancy is not unusual for young people in foster care. Health and Human Services recognizes the alarming rate of pregnancy. It creates significant consequences on the lives of everyone involved: parents, children, foster families, and their communities.

Social services have learned a lot about the impact of trauma on children in foster care. Foster kids need to have the promise of better outcomes than becoming part of a teen pregnancy or homeless statistic. Hope exists, but we need more action in the foster care system. Potential solutions are in play that will better support and improve outcomes for our foster children and families.

CDC research studies show nearly 6 million children aged 3-17 years struggle with anxiety. 5.5 million kids in the same toddler-to-teen age range have behavior problems. Some affected children suffer from both anxiety and behavior issues together. 

Most children in the United States foster care system have suffered trauma. A significant percentage of kids experienced child abuse and neglect while with their birth parents. Kids in foster home care may need help from a professional therapist to navigate the trauma they've faced. Foster children may also struggle with loss, anxiety, or depression after joining their foster families.

You want to help the children or teens in your care, but it can be hard to figure out where to start when finding the right child therapist. To keep from feeling overwhelmed, learn more about the process and what to look for—finding a great foster child therapist is within reach. 

What is the model of a perfect foster or adoptive parent? No such perfect parent exists. Yet our perfectly imperfect foster parents make life-changing impacts on the lives of foster children every day. In case you've ever wondered, "Am I good enough to become a foster parent?" the answer is probably yes.

Many people feel a calling or find life's purpose in caring for children in need. Other foster parents wanted to expand their families through foster care or adoption. Some were once a child in foster care themselves or grew up in an adoptive family. Still, others share a victim history of child abuse or neglect and want to help children and youth in foster care programs.

What common qualities or character traits led people from disparate backgrounds to become the good foster parents they are? The answer is multi-faceted, yet simpler than you may think.

The United States foster care system is responsible for nearly 400,000 foster kids. Children in foster care need caring individuals to help them until they can return home to their birth families.

If you are a prospective foster parent or plan to adopt from foster care, you may have questions about the foster care process. The longest and most detailed part of the foster or adoption process is the Home Study. Let's take a closer look to help you understand and prepare for this vital tool used in the child welfare system.

Almost 400,000 children in foster care rely on child-placing agencies for safe, stable, and nurturing foster homes. When a child enters the foster care system, state agencies are able to place close to 50% in Kinship Care with birth family members. Hundreds of thousands of children remain in urgent need of foster parents.

When relatives cannot provide home care, agencies search their network of foster or adoptive parents. Focused on the best interests of the child, they match prospective foster parents who can care for each foster child or sibling group.

Children who enter the foster system have case goals for foster care or adoption. The needs of each foster child and their biological family situation are unique. Agency representatives work with foster providers who can offer short-term care or a permanency option.

To become a foster or adoptive parent, you must select a licensed child-placing agency (CPA) to help you. Whether you pick a public or private agency, they will help you and your child with adoption or foster care services. States have their differences, but most follow a similar process for licensing and placement.

Foster families are diverse and unique, with no one-size-fits-all definition. Child welfare agencies encourage foster parents of varied races, economic backgrounds, marital statuses, and sexual orientations to apply. The key qualifier is the ability to offer foster youth a safe, stable, and nurturing home environment.

Social workers and advocates in the foster care system are devoted to serving the best interests of foster children. These organizations prioritize the safety and well-being of foster kids who cannot safely live with their birth parents. Their goal is to achieve permanence that ensures the well-being of every child.

Being a foster parent is a challenging but immensely fulfilling journey. Many prospective foster parents don't realize they are eligible to foster children. Others have issues that could delay or disqualify them from caring for children and youth in the U.S. child welfare system.

If you are thinking about becoming a foster parent, review the five primary disqualifiers to fostering a child:

The United States is facing a significant foster care shortage. The child welfare system has an urgent need for foster families, especially for foster parents who will care for sibling groups and teens.

Now is the best time to join the foster family community. If you're considering becoming a foster parent, you'll enjoy the rewarding benefits that come from helping children and families. As with all parenting, you will also want to prepare for the emotional highs and lows foster parents experience.

Being an excellent foster parent means being ready for the joy – and challenges – of helping children in need.

Good parenting relationships make a lasting impact on your foster child and future generations. Raising, nurturing, and supporting a biological child has financial implications. So does raising a foster or adopted child. When you foster a child, you are making one of the most important investments of your life.

Practically speaking, it's important to understand what it costs to foster children. This guide details the financial implications of fostering. Understand basic impacts on children and families. Then, contact a child-placing agency in your state for additional information.

Prospective foster parents ask excellent questions as they learn about the United States child welfare system. If you're among adults considering foster care or adoption, this Q&A compilation about caring for children is for you.

People often imagine welcoming their first child in foster care. They wonder why social workers found it was in the interests of the child to leave their birth parents and enter foster home care. Were there other family members or siblings involved? What will their child be like?

As parents research, they have more questions about foster care, foster-to-adopt, training programs, and birth families.

These FAQs represent the top 13 questions we get from aspiring foster parents.

We All Play a Role in Caring for Foster Care Youth

You don't need to be a foster parent to build a better future for foster children in the United States. You don't have to be a social worker, foster care contact, or part of any state child welfare agency to support the foster care system. You don't have to wait for National Foster Care Awareness Month to start helping children and families.

Every adult can play a role in helping foster kids. Learn about the many opportunities to support foster children. Then, we'll help you take the first step to make a difference in a child's life.

Children's cultural identities profoundly influence their sense of self and feelings of well-being. A strong, positive cultural identity can boost coping skills, enhance self-esteem, and ward off depression. These are critical for foster youth, who are subject to trauma and instability in their homes, schools, and social lives.

Cultural competence is essential if you're entering the world of foster care as a parent or considering adoption. But what does it mean in the context of foster care, and how can foster parents cultivate it to support children in foster care?

Many people feel holiday cheer from Thanksgiving through New Year's. They look forward to Christmas trees, hot chocolate, and leisurely hours playing board games or enjoying family connections.

Those who have experienced trauma, loss, or loneliness feel the darker side of holidays. Their feelings of despair and depression can be quite tangible. Seemingly little things can bring back painful memories. 

Children in foster care are often among those who have conflicting, complex feelings during the holidays. Many feel a deeper sense of abandonment or grieve more intensely the loss of their biological families.

Holidays can be difficult times for kids in the United States foster care system. Here are tips for acting in your child's best interests during the holidays.

Nearly 400,000 kids are currently in the United States foster care system. Many children in foster care are the victims of some form of child abuse or neglect. Children placed in foster homes remain at a higher risk for abuse. Foster and adoptive parents and their family members must learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of child abuse.

What are the different types of abuse, and what can you do if you suspect a case of child abuse? Many red flags indicate a child's safety is at risk. You must first learn how to spot the signs if you hope to protect children in your care.

Four primary types of child abuse include neglect, as well as physical, emotional, and sexual abuse:

If you and your spouse or partner are thinking about becoming a first-time foster parent, it's a decision that can transform your lives. You can help children in foster care by welcoming kids into your home. Sadly, the United States is experiencing a 2% annual decrease in the number of foster homes. The foster care system needs more foster or adoptive parents to provide nurturing home care for nearly 400,000 children in care.

Before committing to foster or adoptive parenting, have a thorough discussion about your lifestyle goals with all family members. Consider these top ten questions essential for couples who are thinking about caring for children. Ask and answer these questions before committing to your journey together and taking steps toward your first foster placement.

Parents need to build trust with their children, no matter whether they are biological, adopted, or foster kids. Foster advocates recognize the importance of trust between adults and kids in the United States foster care system. The system can take it only so far, starting with prospective foster parent interviews and background checks. However, the long-term work of building or rebuilding trust with young people in the system falls to their foster and adoptive parents.

Establishing trust and building bonds don't happen overnight. This is especially true for foster or adopted kids who have experienced abuse or neglect from their primary caregiver. Rather, it's an ongoing process that requires patience, understanding, and consistency.

We've collected ideas to get you started in the process of building trust. Part 1 guides you through six trust-building tips, and Part 2 takes you through strategies recommended by Dr. Karyn Purvis:

We often hear about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) when soldiers suffer traumatic events in military combat. Trauma from accidents, events, or deliberate actions can cause emotional responses in people of all ages. Some responses may last a short while, and others extend over a long period of time. When people develop long-term symptoms of traumatic stress, it can impact their mental health and lead to a diagnosis of PTSD.

PTSD doesn't discriminate by age. Even infants and young children can suffer from PTSD.

People with PTSD may experience it differently from others. As individuals cope with the trauma they've experienced, they may have anxiety attacks, flashbacks, or nightmares. Most foster children have experienced trauma or even multiple traumatic events. Most commonly, foster children have lost a parent or caregiver, or they've suffered child abuse, neglect, or sexual abuse.

You might want to foster to adopt, or you may only be interested in foster care. You may have considered different possibilities, including the decision you might make if you can adopt your foster child. The natural next question is, 'How long does it take to adopt a foster child?'

The shortest route depends on how open you are to fostering and adopting among diverse ages and circumstances. Also, shorter timeframes depend on having fewer overall preferences or a preference for older kids, teenagers, or sibling groups. The potential timeframe grows longer as your preferences and requests get more complex.

For experienced and novice foster and adoptive parents, industry terms are always evolving. Just when we think we've mastered all the latest foster care acronyms, another emerges. Foster care and adoption sometimes seem to have their own language, which we hear at meetings, court hearings, parent visits, and even school enrollments.

A terminology primer will help you learn about the many foster care services for children, young adults, and families. Child care services include medical care, education, and support for every child in the foster care system. This includes counseling and therapeutic services in cases of child abuse or neglect.

In May, foster care teens get more attention because it's National Foster Care Awareness Month. However, teenagers in foster care have the most urgent need – year-round – of any age group of kids in the United States child welfare system. 7% of the children in foster care are less than one year old, and 24% are two years and under. They get more interest from foster parents offering home care than the 40% of foster kids aged 10-17 years.

Teenagers in the foster care system hold a special place in the hearts of parents who care for them. Teens in foster care face significant challenges, including disruptions at school that cause them to fall behind. Many are trying to handle the aftermath of trauma, including child abuse or neglect. They are aware that they will soon have to live on their own without family or social support services.

Foster parenting...it is an admirable path of service, but is it right for you? Maybe your partner mentioned the idea of foster parenting, or perhaps you've been considering it yourself. Welcoming a foster child into your home can change many lives. As with all life decisions, it's a good idea to slow down and ask yourself a few key questions first.

No bigger or more important job exists than being a parent. Parents provide love and care, financial support, and manage decisions small and large. Before becoming a foster parent, it's important to understand and prepare for the responsibilities that come with it.

Here are the top five questions to ask yourself before starting the foster parent approval and licensing process.

The latest information from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services AFCARS report states that in 2021, there were nearly 400,000 children in foster care. The case plan goal for 28% of those children was to find a permanent family through adoption. 

53% of youth in foster care have a goal to reunite with their biological families. The remaining goal categories include living with a relative, long-term foster care, and emancipation.

Both foster families and adoptive families help foster children who need a stable, caring home. But what is the difference between fostering and adopting? People sometimes confuse the two and often do not realize the connection between foster care vs. adoption. 

It helps to understand the distinction and intersection between foster care and adoption in the United States child welfare system. Learning about both processes will help you decide which path is right for you and your family members.

While it may appear that the number of children in foster care has decreased, the reality is more complex. Nearly 400,000 youth are in foster care, and there is a critical shortage of foster families across the United States. The need for foster parents, particularly for teens and sibling groups, remains alarmingly high.

Child protection agencies separate children and families for safety reasons. Every foster child needs a caring home to support them through difficult and uncertain situations.

A key aspect of fostering is understanding how foster parents interact with birth parents. This guide delves into building supportive relationships between foster and birth parents. We hope it provides valuable insights for those on the fostering journey.

Foster youth must rely on foster parents for financial education and guidance. You may not feel like an expert, but you can help foster kids, especially foster teens, to make smart financial decisions. Teaching important basics is easier than you think.

Young people who understand the essentials of interest rates, credit card debt, savings, and investing can build financial stability. Teaching foster kids about their personal finances is the first step to personal financial success. Learn why becoming financially literate is critical for foster kids to have financial security as young adults.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 1 in every 7 kids were child abuse victims within the last year. Child abuse is a serious public health issue that poses long-term risks to our children.

Since 1983, during the Reagan administration, the United States has designated April as Child Abuse Prevention National Month. We commit this month to building awareness and preventing child abuse and neglect. Vitally important, we must all do our part to support good parenting and healthy families for children.

Every month is a good month to act and prevent child abuse in America. You can protect children from abuse during any month of the year and, in fact, all year long.

Why wait? Here are seven actions you can take to protect and care for children and families today.

Foster parenting is a powerful way to change a child's life for the better, though at times, it may feel like an uphill climb. Whether you're a first-time foster parent or you've been raising foster children for years, there are obstacles you can count on facing. 

Every kind of parenting has its challenges. As a foster parent, remember you are never alone. In addition to a strong foster community, there are widely available tips and checklists for fostering challenges. As we talk to foster parents across the country, there are fostering frustrations that strike a common chord.

Over 200,000 young people entered the foster care system in the latest AFCARS reporting year. Children and family support services work hard to identify prospective foster parents to nurture youth in foster care. Most prospective foster parents come into childcare through referrals. However, there are also efforts to attract more people through inspiring personal service advertisements and direct outreach.

If you're thinking about providing foster home care, you'll want to understand the requirements to meet health and safety standards. Federal and state laws are in place to guide short and long-term placements that are in the best interests of the child. 

Here are the top 12 requirements for housing foster kids as a licensed provider: 

Close to 400,000 children are in the growing United States foster care system. Among all age groups, teens have a particularly tough time. Nearly 30% of youth in foster care programs are 13 years or older.

Foster home care often favors younger kids over teens. Without a family or foster parents to live with, social workers shift kids to wherever there is space. When the only option is a group home, the environment can make adolescence a more challenging time. However, continual moves around the system make it hard for teens to keep up with their high school workload and stay connected with friends.

Foster kids come into the child welfare system from across the United States. Ages range from young to young adults, with diverse backgrounds. But all kids in foster care have one thing in common: trauma.

Most foster kids deeply feel their world turning upside-down. Kids enter the foster care system after the loss of a parent to death, jail, addiction, or mental illness. Other foster kids experience some form of abuse, poverty, or neglect at home. Beyond these traumas, displacement often adds a new layer of loss, fear, and uncertainty.

Becoming a foster parent is a life-changing decision for you and the children you take in. It also impacts your family dynamic. The question is, will this change be positive or negative?

Many people hold back from fostering because the myths they've heard stoke fear. They worry they're not fit for the role or that foster home care is just too difficult. When myths go unchallenged, they discourage potential foster parents from learning more. This leaves an ever-widening gap between foster children who need a home and foster families to take them in.

In reality, children enter the foster care system through no fault of their own. They need dependable adults to believe in them, care for and guide them. Serving as a foster parent brings challenges, but most agree that the emotional rewards are well worth it.

The cost of college has become even more of a burden due to recent events. For foster kids, the cost of college and the application process can be extremely daunting and presents unique challenges. Due to this fact, only 3-4 % of former foster children and youth obtain a four-year college degree. Additionally, between 2-6 % receive a two-year degree. 

FMLA gives eligible employees up to twelve weeks of job-protected leave. The goal is to help workers better balance their work and family lives.

The Family and Medical Leave Act does clarify that it extends to the placement of a child for adoption or foster care. So yes, foster parents can rely on it if necessary.

However, you must meet the FMLA leave requirements first:

• Worked for an employer for at least 12 months
• At least 1,250 work hours logged (in 12 months)
• The company employs at least 50 people within 75 miles

Therapeutic foster care is a treatment that strives to provide a more structured home environment by focusing more on a child's mental health and skill building. It helps children and teens with complex behavioral, emotional, or social needs.

Usually, kids in therapeutic foster care were placed in multiple homes or faced many disruptions. They may also have experienced traumatic events while in the foster care system. In short, these kids need more resources and support to heal and thrive.

This is a question many people ask themselves when their children are separated from them. Although child welfare agencies only seek the best care and protection for kids, this can be an overwhelmingly stressful event for a parent. After all, there's nothing like the pain of having your children taken away.

We understand that navigating the foster care system and dealing with the court is often confusing. That's why we've compiled this guide.

Follow these steps if you're working towards family reunification so you can be with your kids again.

Foster care is usually a temporary solution until children can be reunited with their parents or family. Kids may stay with a foster family for a few weeks or upwards of a year. It depends on the biological family's case plan.

So, what is short-term foster care?

Children in foster care stay with temporary caregivers until it's safe for them to return home. During this period, the court and the foster agency work toward finding a long-term solution for the child.

Taxes here in the United States are notoriously complicated. It can be even harder to navigate and understand your tax forms if you're a foster parent.

For example, can you claim a foster child on taxes? It depends on several factors. The IRS is somewhat strict on its definition of foster children.

Unfortunately, there isn't much leniency if you make a mistake.

Find out whether your payments count as taxable income, if you can claim foster children, and more in this guide: Foster Care and Taxes 101.

Many people ask us, "How do I get my foster care license?" After all, it can be confusing trying to figure out who to contact and how to get started. Even finding the right agency can be a challenge.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, begin with this guide: Foster Care Licensing 101.

If you're new to foster care, you might be surprised by all the rules and limitations imposed on parents. Remember that you're not the child's legal guardian but a temporary caregiver. The goal in most foster cases is to reunite these kids with their families.

As such, you're not legally allowed to make certain decisions. Each state has different rules and regulations, so you should research them before placement. However, we've also compiled some of the most common (and often surprising) things that foster parents can't do.

Use these tips as a reference on what to avoid.

The foster care system serves over half a million children every year. According to the most recent Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS), this number reached 606,000 children and teens. Many people, such as foster parents, social workers, and caring individuals, help children in America's child welfare system.

However, the number of children entering state foster care programs is outpacing the number of foster families to care for them.

Adults who want to help children in foster care often start with questions about how the foster care system works. For those considering becoming foster parents themselves, a frequently asked question is about foster approval timing. How long does it take to become a foster parent?

One of the best ways to help the children in foster care is to get your foster license and open your home.

These children need somewhere to go and loving families to help them. They shouldn't feel unwanted or have to bounce between locations.

You must undergo training, background checks, and interviews to receive your foster care license. You must also meet your state's basic eligibility requirements.

Read our comprehensive guide to learn more about long-term foster care.

Recent estimates from the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) report show that 7% of the children in foster care are less than one year old.

Many aspiring foster parents want to care for newborns, infants, or toddlers. And while the AFCARS data shows that the median age of the youth entering care is six, young children often come with their siblings.

So yes, it is possible if you want to start fostering a baby. However, there's a lot you should consider first. Read on as we discuss it in a guide to fostering babies - newborns, infants, and toddlers.

The latest information from the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System reveals that there are currently 391,098 children in foster care across the United States. The good news is that the number has declined over the prior year. The reality, however, is that there are still nearly 400,000 foster kids who need foster parents.

Many aspiring parents have questions or doubts that may prevent them from taking that leap and getting their license. They may have heard myths and mistake them for facts. They may have unanswered questions or have made assumptions about who can or cannot foster a child.

For instance, a common belief is that you must be married to foster or adopt a child. In reality, marriage is not a requirement. You can be single and foster a child, and single-parent fostering is more common than you might expect.

Keep reading for information on becoming a foster family in a single-parent home.

There are different types of foster care, including respite care. It refers to when one licensed foster family needs a break and relies on the temporary support of another foster family to watch over the child placed with them.

Respite care is a short-term solution, just long enough to provide a family with a break. The time can be anywhere from a few hours to weeks, depending on the situation.

Think of respite care as babysitting, except the babysitter is highly trained to provide the right type of care that foster children need.

The United States child welfare system is in the midst of a foster care crisis. The shortage of foster care homes across the country has left many kids without parents to care for them. The Covid-19 pandemic widened the gap between the number of children in foster care and available homes for them. We have a greater need for licensed foster parents and adoptive families than ever before.

In many cases, foster care agencies face record-high numbers of children entering the system. The situation is so bad that some children are forced to sleep in the Department of Social Services offices. Children entering foster care experience intense distress. Providing them with a secure, caring home environment is crucial to restoring emotional and, at times, physical wellness, too.

Raising awareness is the first step to making proper support services available for every child in foster care. If you're a prospective foster parent, you may have questions about how your state foster care program works.

The state agency is the ultimate authority in the foster care system. As such, many first-time foster parents feel comfortable going this route.

A big advantage of working with a state agency is that they have custody of all foster children in the system. They understand each child's background. This can be an advantage in finding a good match and getting appropriate child and family support resources.

The COVID-19 pandemic set off a ripple effect of declining academic performance for U.S. kids. Almost half of students, 49%, in the academic year starting 2022, had at least one subject where they were still behind grade level.

Children in the United States foster care system often struggle with academic setbacks. Moving to a new foster home and school can negatively impact learning by disturbing their routine and environment.

Public school is of critical importance to the well-being of foster children and families. If you're a foster or adoptive parent, your support of education for your child will make a lasting long-term impact. This is particularly true for high school students who soon age out of the system.

This is what you should understand about the role of education and why it's so important for foster kids.

The process of becoming a foster or adoptive parent is undoubtedly complex, including legal stipulations and waiting periods. However, the reward is well worth the effort. In the end, you'll provide a vulnerable child with a nurturing foster home or a permanent adoptive family.

If you're worried about the legal parts of navigating your state's foster care program, you are not alone. Use this guide to understand better foster care service and support resources, as well as common legal delays. Your foster agency partner can also help demystify the laws governing foster care and adoption in your state. They will help you learn the information you need to become an exceptional caregiver to children in foster care.

You're on the cusp of an exciting milestone: your first foster placement! You have now met all requirements to foster children in your state. As a new foster parent, your mind may be spinning with questions about how best to prepare for your first foster's arrival.

Here are some tips for new foster parents on getting ready to welcome their first foster child into your family.

Becoming a foster parent is an exciting and rewarding experience. It can be challenging but worthwhile to become a foster parent and change the course of a child's life. Learn how to support foster children during a critical time in their lives. Get help, advice, and blogs here, or reach out to a child-placing agency to start your parenting journey.

After receiving the child's initial information from the referring worker, we meet and discuss our available families to consider household space and family makeup. We also consider conversations you have had with your Family Advocate, Trainers, and Family Services Specialist regarding what "type" of the child you would like to serve; this will include age, gender, child IEP needs, sibling group, and daycare needs, and many more areas to make sure your parenting plan will work this child for any visitation schedule that may be court ordered.

If you’re reading this, that means the holiday season is nearing. Holidays are times when it’s “in the eye of the beholder,” whether it’s a positive or not-so-positive time. Why, you ask? It depends on how you view your past holiday experiences, what you’ve created, and what the holiday season means.

Humans have a natural innate ability to adjust, pivot, and adapt (we are born with it). However, that doesn't mean it doesn't affect us, take a toll, or cause us to not operate at 100%. We naturally build resilience over time. Our personal life experiences can also help build that resiliency along the way. Our foster youth require it more now than ever. So how do we build up resilience and be able to apply it when tough situations arise properly?

As a volunteer, you can make a difference in the lives of foster youth in Virginia. Volunteer opportunities are plentiful if you are interested in helping kids in the foster care system that may also be waiting to be adopted.