Support & Strategies Blogs for Foster Parents

Bookmark this page for easy access – we regularly update this collection of foster care essentials, serving as a go-to resource guide for current and prospective foster parents.

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Frequently Searched Blog Topics About Foster Care and Adoption

  • Foster family sitting in the woods in the fall How Does the Foster Care System Work?
    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…
  • Foster mother kissing a new born child A Guide to Fostering Babies - Newborns, Infants and Toddlers
    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…
  • Foster parent looking a Child holding up a drawing The Impact of Education in Foster Care and Adoption
    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…
  • Foster parents watching a child draw Navigating the Legal System for Foster Care or Adoption
    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…
  • foster parents hands holding a little red heart How to Prepare for Your First Foster Child Placement
    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…
  • Inspiring graphic about foster care in words Everything You Need to Know About How to be a Foster Parent
    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…
  • Two foster parents playing with two foster kids on the floor How to Volunteer and Support Foster Kids
    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…
  • A compass with the North needle pointing to the word Resilience How to build resilience in children in foster care
    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…
  • 5 ways to help foster children enjoy the holiday season Holidays and Starting New Traditions with Your Foster Child
    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,…
  • Great questions to ask before my first foster care placement Questions to Ask Before Your First Foster Care Placement
    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…