Open Your Heart to a Child in Foster Care

Every child is worthy of a home, at the very least, a place to lay their head down to sleep, a beautiful meal to be served, and someone who loves them unconditionally. And sadly, foster children in Virginia lack a permanent home as hundreds of children remain in disposal. They need parents like you, someone who is ready to open their heart and provide stability, care, and love to every child.

It is not only about sheltering the child by becoming a foster or adoptive parent. It is that hope, belonging, and a chance to excel in a child. There exists an emergency in Virginia. Do you think you could be the person who makes a lasting difference in a child's life?

Every Child Deserves a Home

Why Virginia’s Kids Need Permanent, Loving Families

Children in Virginia come to foster care across the state due to numerous reasons, or simply because of the situations that they cannot change. Some of them have felt neglected, and some have been abused, but most of them have been affected by a family crisis in the form of sickness, addiction, or poverty.

Based on the latest statistics, thousands of children in Virginia are already staying in foster care, and a lot of them await a permanent loving family. The numbers in those statistics represent children who have ambitions and abilities, and who require at least one person to believe in them.

A child who does not have permanent residence tends to have difficulties:

• Emotional Effect: Often, children struggle to learn to trust people or feel safe.
• Learning and Stability: Educational disruptions can occur when transitioning to a new school.
• Future Stability: Young people who leave foster care without a permanent loving family have greater chances of becoming homeless, unemployed, etc.

Children need a solid foundation, provided by a stable home filled with love, which will help them navigate life successfully. The call to action is so obvious for this reason: Every child wants a home.

Breaking the Myths About Fostering and Adoption in Virginia

Some believe that fostering or adopting is limited to a family of a specific nature; however, the reality is that Virginia is open to foster and adoptive parents of any nature. You may be:

• Married, single, or partnered
• An owner-occupant or a tenant
• People who are young or old (must be the legal age requirement)
• Regardless of cultural or religious orientation

Common misconceptions:

“I need to be rich to foster. This is not true. You require a steady income, and you can support the needs of the child.”

“Adoption can only be done by couples. Single parents are and can be good parents.”

“I must have a large house. All you need is a child to have the space to develop.”

The agencies that offer foster care in Virginia provide training, resources, and support to help you navigate the process.

The Journey From Foster Care to a Forever Home

Children are admitted into the system when their birth families are incapable of providing a safe family. Reunification is usually the primary goal; in situations where this is not feasible, foster-to-adopt in Virginia offers an alternative, ultimately leading to a permanent, loving home.

Stages of the process

Inquiry & Orientation: Contact your local agency to learn about the process of fostering a child in Virginia.

Training & Home Study: Satisfy mandatory courses and a home exam.

Matching: Social workers match children with families based on their individual needs and the families' compatibility.

Placement: The child comes into your house.

Support & Finalization: Till the legal adoption takes place, families are given constant assistance.

Agencies offer supportive services to help you succeed throughout your journey.

Your Role in Changing a Child’s Life

Opening your heart and home is a life-altering experience for both you and the child. Consider the possibility that you can make this child feel safe, loved, and valued.

Solid experiences of a Virginia foster family:

Maria: One schoolteacher took in two sisters who were separated in two different households. She brought them back together and subsequently adopted the two, making them have the stability they desired.

The Thompsons: This married couple fostered teenagers, who are often overlooked. One is now at college and refers to them as Mom and Dad.

These stories demonstrate that love, patience, and dedication can change pain into possibility.

More Ways You Can Help Foster Children

Not all people have an opportunity to foster or adopt, yet there can be lots of ways to make a change:

• Be a mentor to any youth in foster care.
• Become a volunteer at child welfare agencies in your area to assist foster parents.
• Contribute school materials, clothing, or toys to children newly in care.
• Raise awareness by providing information on the importance of foster parents in the state of Virginia.

Even by taking tiny steps, you are a citizen in a community where children are valued and cared for.

First Step

Should you wish to help, this is how to begin:

• You should contact your local Virginia Department of Social Services or a licensed agency.
• Attend an information session to learn about the requirements.
• Talk to existing foster or adoptive parents to gather their insights.
• Start the various processes of home study and the training to be placed.

Here is the thing to remember: You don't have to be perfect; you have to be willing to care.

Last Word: Every Child Needs a Home-Could it be Yours?

Children in foster care in Virginia are awaiting. Somebody has to tell them, you count. “You belong. I love you.” You can make a difference by fostering, adopting, volunteering, or raising awareness.

All children need a home—and you can help them find one. Is it yours?