Become a Foster Parent
UMFS knows that becoming a foster parent is hard and rewarding work. We provide unparalleled training and support for foster parents so you feel confident and ready to impact the life of a child or teenager.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Call 855.367.8637 or fill out our inquiry form.
Become a Foster Parent
UMFS knows that becoming a foster parent is hard and rewarding work. We provide unparalleled training and support for foster parents so you feel confident and ready to impact the life of a child or teenager.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Call 855.367.8637 or fill out our inquiry form.
There are over 5,000 children in foster care in Virginia.
They need YOU.
What is foster care?
Foster care is a temporary living situation for children and teens whose parents can’t take care of them and whose need for care has come to the attention of a child welfare agency. The length of time a child or teen spends in foster care varies depending on the family’s circumstances and the services available to help children and teens return safely home.
Why become a foster parent?
Foster care is a temporary living situation for children and teens whose parents can’t take care of them and whose need for care has come to the attention of a child welfare agency. The length of time a child or teen spends in foster care varies depending on the family’s circumstances and the services available to help children and teens return safely home.
Can I become a foster parent?
YES, YOU CAN.
Foster families come from all walks of life. They’re teachers, nurses, social workers, book keepers, chefs and more. They are people who have realized that they have room in their homes, room in their schedules and room in their hearts for a child in need.
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
Foster Parent Information Session [Virtual]
Foster Parent Information Session [Virtual]
For your convenience, all information sessions are held virtually. You can sign up...

Other Resources
- How Much Do Foster Parents Get Paid
- Foster Care vs. Adoption
- Adopting From Foster Care in Virginia
- Therapeutic vs. Traditional Foster Care
- Virginia Foster Care Statistics
- Foster Parent Training Requirements
- 5 Benefits Of Being A Foster Parent
- What Is Respite Foster Care?
- How to Help Teens Aging Out of Foster Care
- 15 Misconceptions of Foster Parent Requirements