the goal.
6. If I become a foster parent, will I have to meet/interact with the child's birth parents?
Yes, foster parents must work collaboratively with the child ’ s family members.
7. What happens when the child is unable to return home?
For some children, their parents are not able to regain custody and, if relative placement is not an option, the child may become available for adoption.
8. Will I have other supports?
A worker will be assigned to support you throughout the children's stay in your home. As you foster, there will be opportunities to attend in - service training throughout the year. Children in foster care are covered by Medicaid, which covers all necessary care and treatment. Childcare services and funding for other activities for children may be available. Joining a foster parent support group or the National Foster Parent Association (NFPA), is a good way to get advice and assistance from experienced foster parents.
9. Will a past conviction affect my eligibility to foster?
It depends on the nature, severity of the offense and length of time that has passed since the conviction. Applicants with barrier crimes cannot be approved as a foster parent. All adult household members must have background checks free of barrier crimes.
10. Is it possible to adopt a child who has been in foster care?
Children in foster care with a goal changed to adoption must be placed in the adoptive home for a minimum of six months prior to signing an Adoptive Home Agreement. In Virginia, over 70% of our foster care youth who are adopted are adopted by their foster parent.
Source: VDSS - https://www.dss.virginia.gov/fosterVA/faqs.html
FOSTER CARE BY THE NUMBERS
In February 2021:
• Virginia had 5,240 children in foster care with a total of 1,930 new children entering foster care.
• Virginia had 2,964 (57%) children placed in non - relative foster homes.
• There were a total of 1,877 (36%) of children between the ages of 13 and 18 in foster care.
• The average age of children in care in February 2021 was 10.66 years old.
In 2020:
•
858 children were adopted from foster care.
•
Virginia had 406 (16%) children exit to emancipation.
Sources: VDSS Office of Research and Planning Foster Care Children Demographic Report
SafeMeasures Active Foster Care Length of Stay (from Last Removal: 03/15/21 extract)
SafeMeasures Scorecard – Discharges to Permanency (03/15/21 extract)
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