Become A Foster Parent

Becoming a foster parent is very rewarding but it does take effort. We’ll help you understand what it takes and help you feel confident going into this new chapter.

Take Your First Step

Call 804.310.7572 for live support or choose an option below.

Become a Foster ParentAttend an Info Session

Become a Foster Parent

Becoming a foster parent is very rewarding but it does take effort. We’ll help you understand what it takes and help you feel confident going into this new chapter.

Take Your First Step

Call 855.367.8637 for live support or choose an option below.

Foster Parent Requirements In Virginia

Prospective foster parents need to meet these prerequisites to begin the foster parent process:

  • 21 or older
  • Stable form of income
  • Personal references
  • Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
  • Physical space in your home
  • Emotional space in your life
  • Medical information
  • Pass Child Protective Services and Criminal History Searches

There are no specific religious requirements or restrictions to participation.

Click to learn more about the requirements to become a foster parent.

There are over 5,000 children in foster care in Virginia

Many children come into foster care each year. Foster care meets a child’s need for safety and stability by placing them in a foster home, when possible. Dedicated and licensed foster care parents commit to caring for children who need a warm, welcoming, and loving home until they are reunited with their family.

How to Become a Foster Parent

Info Session

Learn more about the unique needs of youth in treatment foster care and the support you’ll receive so you can help them.

Pre-Service Training

Complete 25 hours of required training to prepare your family to meet the needs of children and teens in care.

Home Study & Paperwork

UMFS conducts an assessment of a parent’s ability to provide a safe and nurturing family environment for a child.

Estimated time to complete this process is 4 months.

Why Become a Foster Parent Through UMFS

In the UMFS Treatment Foster Care Program, you are never on your own. You are part of a village of foster parents and expert staff, and you benefit from an exceptional network of services focused on comprehensive education and exceptional support. We know fostering can be challenging, but rewarding. We’ve worked hard to give our foster parents the resources they need to succeed.

Ready to Get Started?

Contact Joshua Lewis at 804.310.7572 or e-mail foster@UMFS.org.

Next Info Session

Other Resources

A foster care youth benefits from care.
Therapeutic Foster Care vs. Traditional
Foster Care Training Requirements
a respite foster caregiver spends time with a teenage girl
What Is Respite Foster Care?
A foster care youth benefits from care.
Virginia Foster Care Statistics
A woman experiences the benefits of being a foster parent and adopting a child.
5 Benefits of Being A Foster Parent
a respite foster caregiver spends time with a teenage girl
How Much Do Foster Parents Get Paid?
A foster parent supports a teen after receiving foster parent training.
Adoption From Foster Care in Virginia
A foster parent spends time with a teen in foster care.
Foster Care vs. Adoption
a respite foster caregiver spends time with a teenage girl
15 Misconceptions of Foster Parent Requirements