Foster Parenting
Foster parenting is accepting a child into your care who might have been abused or neglected or who might need a temporary home. The foster parent is a temporary caregiver for a child whose goal is to return home or to be placed with a relative. A foster parent works with a team of people (the social worker, therapist, teachers, and the child's family, to name a few) to assist this child. Being a foster parent is both rewarding and challenging.
How to Become a Foster Parent
Contact us by emailing fosterparenting@nnva.gov or calling 757-926-6283.
Who Can Be a Foster Parent
- Married or single
- 21 years of age or older
- Have enough income to meet their own expenses
- Able to provide a safe, healthy home with enough space for a child
- Willing to be a part of a team with the agency, child's family, schools, and others
- Willing to attend preservice training and ongoing training
- No history of involvement with social services
- No criminal record
- Have a working telephone and transportation and be willing to take child to appointments
Benefits
- Being able to experience the joy and importance of providing a stable and caring environment for a child
- Helping a child feel safe and secure
- Helping a child's self-esteem
- Becoming a part of a professional team whose goal is to provide support and care to vulnerable children
Challenges
- Knowing that being a foster parent is temporary and that saying goodbye is not always easy
- Working with birth parents toward returning the child home
- Helping recruit other families willing to foster children
- Knowing that your life and your family's life might need to be rearranged to accommodate the needs of the foster child
- Realizing that being a foster parent is a big step for you and your family
Approval Process
Each applicant must:
- Complete training
- Complete FBI and Child Protective Services checks
- Provide current TB tests
- Provide two references
- Complete a home study
Additional Information
Contact Us
-
Venerria Lucas-Thomas
Director
Email
(Monitored Mon-Fri 8 AM - 5 PM)
Main Office - Rouse Tower
6060 Jefferson Ave.
Newport News, VA 23605
Phone: 757-926-6300
Fax: 757-926-6118
Denbigh Satellite Office
368 Deshazor Drive
Newport News, VA 23608
Phone: 757-369-3160
Fax: 757-369-3186
Four Oaks Day Service Center
7401 Warwick Blvd
Newport News, VA 23607
Phone: 757-975-5201
Fax: 757-975-5225
Hours
Monday - Friday
7:00 AM - 5:30 PM
View our Staff Directory