Requirements to Adopt Children in Need from VA Foster Care
Every child deserves a loving family and a safe, permanent home. Nationwide in the United States, 20,000 kids leave foster care without a family to guide or support them. Right now in Virginia, about 5,000 children in the state foster care system need families. Over 1,700 children and teens are waiting for adoption, hoping for a caring family to call their own.
If you're thinking about adopting a child from foster care, your heart is in a good place. You may be looking for answers to common questions, such as, what are the requirements for fostering to adopt a child? What is the first step to becoming an adoptive parent? We're here to guide you through every step of your foster-to-adoption journey.
Among the most important criteria for foster youth is a stable home and nurturing care. Aspiring adoptive and foster parents in Virginia must meet the same eligibility criteria to get state approval. Once licensed, foster-to-adopt parents can welcome a child into their homes. Adopting a child from foster care is one of the most life-changing and rewarding decisions you'll ever make.
Eligibility Criteria for Becoming a Foster-to-Adopt Parent in Virginia
By meeting a few essential requirements and completing foster parent training, you can change a child's life. Your forever family will provide a child in need with the love, stability, and security they need to thrive. The rewards are life-changing not only for your adopted child but for you and your whole family, as well.
Who Can Adopt a Child From Foster Care?
Let's look at the key requirements you must have to foster and adopt a child in Virginia. You must:
Meet a Minimum Age
The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) sets the parental age requirements. To foster or adopt from foster care in Virginia, you must be at least 18 years old. Some child-placing agencies in the state require parents to be 21 years or older. The minimum age requirement identifies adoptive parents most likely to provide mature, stable, and nurturing care.
Attend an Orientation Meeting
Your foster-to-adopt journey begins with a free, no-obligation adoption orientation meeting. This session gives you an overview of the foster care system and how to adopt a foster child.
Orientation also helps you answer questions specific to your lifestyle needs and goals. Attendees have no obligation to take the next step. Orientation is a chance to learn and ask questions. It helps you decide if foster care and adoption are right for your family.
Complete Pre-Service Training
Before fostering or adopting a child from foster care, you'll need to complete 40 hours of parent training. Foster parent training takes a trauma-informed approach. You'll gain the knowledge and tools you may need to meet the needs of a child who has experienced the turmoil of foster care.
Training covers a variety of topics, including:
- Understanding the foster care system
- Child-development education
- The impact of trauma and how to support children who have experienced loss, child abuse or neglect
- Managing unwanted behaviors and childhood emergencies
- Building trust with your child
- Navigating the foster-to-adopt process
During training, you'll also have the chance to expand your parent support network as you meet others on a similar journey. You'll also meet advocates and specialists at your chosen child-placing agency partner as they guide you through training.
Completing training is not only a requirement but a sign of your commitment to providing a child in care with the best possible home. Once you are a licensed foster or adoptive parent, you can stay updated through continuing resources.
Clearing the Home Study Process
The Home Study process is the most detailed portion of the process of earning foster parent approval. The steps involved in the Home Study are the same whether you plan to foster or adopt a child from foster care. Many parents find the thought daunting, but we recommend you take it step by step. Your adoption advocate will answer questions and guide you all along the way.
The Home Study process helps ensure your home is a safe and loving place for a child. It makes no difference whether you rent or own. What matters is that you can provide a safe, stable, and loving home environment.
The Home Study for foster care and adoption includes key steps:
- Home Visits - A licensed social worker will visit your home to ensure it meets basic safety and comfort standards for a foster child.
- Personal Interviews with Family Members - You'll discuss your parenting style, family lifestyle, experiences, and motivations for expanding your family through foster-to-adoption. They may also interview other family members. These talks help social workers identify children who meet your preferences and are likely to flourish in your care. In addition, they provide one-on-one time for you to ask and get answers to all of your questions.
- Background Checks - All potential foster and adoptive parents must pass a criminal background check. They will also have a check for child abuse or neglect history and a review of their driving record. Any adults living in the home will also need to clear background checks.
- Medical Reports - Your doctor must confirm that you have the physical and mental health to care for a child. A health statement must confirm your parental well-being in this regard.
- Financial Review - There is no minimum income requirement. However, you must show proof of sufficient and reliable income to care for your family. Basic material needs include food, clothing, and home. So, while you don't need to be wealthy, you must have sufficient income to provide for your child.
- Personal References - You'll need to provide three personal references. In addition, you'll have to submit a personal statement about your life as part of your motivation for adopting. Some child-placing partners may accept social media pages as part of this requirement.
You can foster and adopt a child regardless of your marital status, sexual orientation, or gender identification. What is vital is that you can provide a stable and nurturing home where a child can thrive in your family. If you have a spouse or partner, they will have to meet all the same requirements.
FAQs About The Foster-to-Adopt Home Study Process
Aspiring parents often have more questions about the requirements for the foster-to-adopt and Home Study process. Here are a few of the most common:
Q: What is the Difference Between Foster Care and Foster-to-Adoption?
A: Fostering and adopting a child in Virginia begins when the Department of Health grants your license to foster.
Foster Care
Foster care provides temporary respite and safe care for kids under 18 who cannot safely remain with their birth parents. In some cases, Kinship care is available with a birth family member. In many cases, children who enter foster care will stay with a non-relative foster family.
Foster home care is usually in the best interests of the child. Virginia's foster care program lacks enough foster homes. Because of this, child protective services may place children in group homes. In any case, when children can safely return home to their biological parents, the court approves reunification.
Foster-to-Adoption
In many cases, foster youth can never safely return to their biological family. Reasons may be a loss, such as death, incarceration, or abandonment.
Some children experience neglect, emotional, or physical abuse and cannot safely rejoin with their family. In these circumstances, birth parents may have their parental rights terminated. In these cases, their children in foster care become eligible for adoption.
Foster-to-Adoption is the process of adopting an eligible child. Adoptive parents must foster their children for six months before finalizing their adoption. At that time, they become legally responsible for their child as part of their permanent, forever family.
Children who age out of foster care without a family face many challenges. They must navigate life without family support or social services. Older kids and teens in high school face the highest risk because families are less likely to adopt them compared to young kids.
Teens finishing high school and moving into young adulthood need reliable adult mentors and role models. While older kids are naturally more independent, they need stability and nurturing care, just as their younger siblings do.
Q: How Long Does It Take to Adopt a Foster Child?
A: Most people who want to foster and adopt finish the approval process in three to four months. The longest part is the Home Study. As an approved foster parent, you will be able to welcome your child into your home.
The average age of a child in foster care in the U.S. and Virginia is about 8 years old. If you prefer to adopt an infant or toddler, your wait could be longer.
The most urgent need is among teenagers and sibling groups. So, if your preferences allow, you may be able to quickly find your child or children in care. Once matched, you must foster your child for six months before finalizing your adoption.
Q: What are "Unsafe" Living Conditions?
A: Adoptive homes are rarely perfect, but they must be safe. Some safety standards apply to every foster care or adoptive home. These include storing weapons, having pool safety barriers, etc.
Depending on the age of the child you want to foster or adopt, you may need special safety measures. For example, you might need gated stairways and a crib that meets current safety standards.
Major hazards include situations such as:
- Broken windows, exposed wires, or other structural dangers
- Mold, pest infestations, or environmental risks
- Unsecured weapons, ammunition, medications, or cleaning chemicals
Most safety concerns are easy to fix, and social workers will guide you on how to make necessary changes. The goal is to help families qualify by creating a safe and nurturing home environment for children and families.
Q: Do Foster or Adopted Children Need Their Own Bedrooms?
A: Not necessarily. Children in foster care can share a bedroom with a same-gender sibling, as long as they have their own bed. Your child must also have adequate space to store their personal belongings, such as drawer or closet space.
Many families find that having a separate bedroom provides extra privacy and comfort. Older kids and teens particularly value privacy, but separate rooms aren't a requirement to foster or adopt.
Q: Does Having a Chronic Health Issue Disqualify Me from Adopting a Foster Child?
A: No. Good health is important for parents who must have both energy and time to care for their children. However, many parents with chronic conditions maintain good health with care from their physician. You can adopt a child from foster care if you meet their needs. Your doctor must also confirm that you are physically and mentally capable.
Q: Do I Need a Car to Foster or Adopt?
A: Foster-to-adopt parents must have:
- A valid driver's license
- Reliable transportation
- Up-to-date auto insurance
Children need dependable transportation and an adult to help them get to school, medical/therapy appointments, and extracurricular activities.
Q: Why Are There So Many Requirements to Foster or Adopt a Child?
A: Becoming a parent and supporting a child's healthy growth and transition to adulthood is a major responsibility. Adoption is a major commitment. The Home Study, background checks, and parent training help set you and your family up for success.
Remember, the goal is not to find "perfect" parents. Rather, It is to help every child find a permanent home where kids can grow, heal, and thrive in life. Being a forever family is icing on the cake of every child's wishes.
When you adopt, you provide:
- A permanent, loving family for today and all of your tomorrow's
- Emotional and educational support for your child
- Guidance and encouragement to help your child grow into their best selves
- Opportunities for a child to heal from their past and grow into a bright future
- A lifetime of love and laughter
For children in foster care, finding an adoptive family is truly life-changing. Every child dreams of having a family where they feel loved and belong.
Are You Ready to Adopt a Child?
Adopting a child, teenage, or sibling group from foster care takes commitment, preparation, and an open heart. Any foster or adoptive parent will also tell you the defining words are "patience" and "rewarding." If you meet the eligibility criteria and feel ready to start, we are here to help. We will answer your questions and support you throughout your adoption journey.
Your decision to open your heart and home to a child in foster care will make a lifelong impact.
Take the Next Steps to Changing a Child's Life...and Yours!
Become a foster parent to become a forever family for a child who is eligible for adoption today. If you're ready to learn more about adopting a child from foster care, reach out today. Your first step is to attend a free, no-obligation orientation for prospective foster parents.
A child who is vulnerable today could be your creative, empowered, and confident child of the future. Indeed, a child's forever family could begin with you.