FosterVA.org
FosterVA.org — A Place to Begin, A Team You Can Trust
At FosterVA.org, we understand the significance of this decision. Whether you’re thinking about fostering or adoption, it’s not just paperwork and process—it’s heart, home, and a calling to do something that truly matters. That’s why we’ve built this site as a place where you can feel seen, supported, and never pressured.
We walk with you from the very beginning—answering your questions, guiding you through the steps, and making sure you’re never left guessing. Our mission is straightforward: to help every child find a safe and loving home, and to ensure you feel equipped and encouraged every step of the way.
We work hand-in-hand with Extra Special Parents, a trusted agency with years of experience placing children with families who care deeply. You’ll find honest information, practical tools, and real stories from people who’ve been right where you are now.
FosterVA.org isn’t about selling you on something—it’s about standing beside you as you explore what fostering or adoption could mean for your life. When you're ready to open your home and your heart, we're ready to help make that possible—with trust, care, and real support.
Services and information
- Kinship / Relative Care
- Non Related Kin (NRKIN)
- Traditional Foster Care
- Specialized / Therapeutic Care
- Emergency Foster Care
- Respite Foster Care
- Adoption
Requirements to become a foster parent
Each state has requirements foster parents must meet. In Virginia, licensed foster parents must:
- Be 18 years old or older
- Attend a one-time foster parent orientation
- Finish pre-service foster care training
- Complete three face-to-face interviews
- Clear a Home Study
- Pass a criminal background check (criminal record, child abuse/neglect history, DMV)
- Provide a doctor's report showing physical and mental capability of parenting
- Verify a stable income
- Have a safe and healthy living environment
- Submit three personal references
Additional rules apply for foster housing in Virginia. Considerations include providing a separate bed for each foster child, as well as storing hazardous materials out of reach.
Foster families must pass a home inspection before fostering Virginia children. Foster homes must meet all safety guidelines, including having working smoke detectors and functioning bathroom facilities. Your foster care placement agency will tell you more about the process. After the home inspection, they will provide details of any necessary changes.