Opening your home to a child or teen in foster care is a life-changing decision—one that comes with both logistical planning and emotional readiness.
In Virginia, there’s a growing need for foster parents who can offer safe, welcoming spaces for children and teens facing uncertain times. Whether you’re just beginning this journey or are already working through the approval process, knowing how to prepare for foster care is essential.
In this guide, we’ll walk through practical steps for preparing your home, from child-proofing and setting up age-appropriate areas to navigating the emotional side of the transition. We’ll also highlight local support from Richmond-based resources for finding supplies, furniture, and community connections. And finally, we’ll help you understand what to expect during your foster care home inspection.
Safety First: Child-Proofing and Home Inspection Tips
Before bringing a teen or child into your home, you must meet certain safety standards. While the term “home inspection” might sound intimidating, think of it instead as a helpful process that ensures your home is physically safe and emotionally supportive.
Here are a few basic child-proofing tips to guide your preparations:
- Secure medications and cleaning supplies: Store these in locked cabinets, especially if you will have younger children or teens who are curious and exploring. (This includes vitamins and supplements)
- Cover electrical outlets and exposed wiring: This is especially important for homes preparing for infants or toddlers.
- Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: These should be present on every level of your home, in every bedroom, and tested regularly.
- Check window locks and stair railings: Ensure windows can’t open fully if a child is present and that staircases have proper railings or gates. There is also a requirement for screens on all windows and doors.
- Fence off pools and hazardous outdoor areas: Any body of water, including hot tubs and ponds, needs to be properly secured.
Each child or teen who enters foster care has different needs, and the Shineforth team will help guide you on what’s developmentally appropriate based on the age range you’re open to fostering.
During your foster care home inspection, you’ll be supported by a caseworker who will work with you to identify any needed adjustments. This isn’t a pass/fail situation; it’s a collaborative process designed to ensure a safe and nurturing home setting.
Creating Age-Appropriate and Comfortable Spaces
One of the most meaningful parts of preparing your home is creating a space that feels like a sanctuary, not just a spare room. Whether you’re preparing for a toddler or a teen, the goal is to provide an inviting, respectful environment that says, “You belong here.”
For Younger Children
Younger children entering foster care are often adjusting to entirely new surroundings, and they may not have the words to express how they’re feeling. A calm, safe, and familiar atmosphere can go a long way in helping them feel at ease.
Think about how to make their room not just functional, but comforting—a place where they can begin to settle in and just be a kid again.
- Soft bedding and stuffed animals can offer security during a big transition.
- Keep things simple but cozy—nightlights, colorful rugs, and age-appropriate toys can go a long way.
- Consider a small bookshelf with picture books and puzzles.
For Teens
Teens in foster care are often dealing with big emotions alongside the challenges of a new environment. They’re old enough to notice the details and to deeply appreciate when someone has taken the time to set up a room that respects their need for independence.
A thoughtful setup that offers privacy, personal choice, and dignity helps teens stay grounded and feel respected during a time of significant change.
- Privacy and respect are key. A desk or quiet workspace, a full-length mirror, and some say in how the room is arranged can help a teen feel more at home.
- A comfortable bed with neutral bedding, access to a closet or dresser, and even a simple welcome note can be powerful touches.
- Ask yourself: “What would I want in a space if I were starting over in a new home at 15?”
Navigating the Emotional Side of Preparation
Let’s be honest, getting your home ready is only one part of preparing to foster. It’s just as important to prepare your heart.
Children and teens in foster care may arrive with trauma, uncertainty, or grief. They may not respond with immediate warmth or trust, and that’s okay. What they need is consistency, compassion, and patience.
Take time to reflect:
- Are you open to parenting a teen who may test boundaries as a way of expressing fear?
- Can you offer calm reassurance when a child struggles to sleep in a new bed?
- Do you have a support system in place for those days that feel overwhelming?
Many foster parents find comfort and confidence through the structured support that Shineforth provides. Before opening your home to a child or teen, you’ll complete required pre-service training, a hands-on learning experience that prepares you for real-life situations and helps you understand the needs of children and teens in foster care.
And our help doesn’t stop there. From continued training to support and access to helpful resources, Shineforth walks alongside foster parents every step of the way, making the journey less overwhelming and far more connected.
Remember, no one expects perfection. Your role isn’t to “fix” a child, but to show up with openness and care, day after day.
Local Help: Richmond Resources for Supplies and Support
Preparing for foster care doesn’t mean you have to furnish a whole room from scratch. The Richmond area has several local organizations and community groups that help prospective foster parents find beds, clothes, toys, and more.
- Caring Closet – A volunteer-run organization providing free essentials like clothing, cribs, diapers, and school supplies to foster families in the area.
- CARITAS Furniture Bank – Offers gently used furniture to families in need, including those supporting children and teens through foster care.
- Shineforth Resource Team – Once you’re connected with Shineforth, staff can point you toward grant programs or donation drives, especially during the holidays or back-to-school season.
- Facebook Groups & Local Churches – Don’t underestimate the power of your local community. Many churches in Richmond have “foster care ministries” that offer everything from meal trains to furniture swaps.
If you’re unsure where to start, attend a local information session. These not only walk you through the requirements but also introduce you to a community of people who’ve been in your shoes.
You’ve Got This
Opening your home to a child or teen in foster care is no small act—it’s one of the most generous and meaningful ways you can make a difference in someone’s life. And while preparing your home might feel like a checklist at times, it’s really about laying the foundation for healing, trust, and connection.
Start simple. Clean sheets. A nightlight. A space that feels safe, welcoming, and truly theirs. You don’t need to have everything perfect, and you certainly don’t have to do it alone. The most important thing is your willingness to show up with patience, with an open heart, and with the support of a community that understands the journey.
If you’re wondering what the next step looks like, no matter where you are in the process of becoming a foster parent, we’re here to help.