Foster Care
The Department of Social Services manages the provision of services and treatment to a child who is in the legal custody of the department due to abuse/neglect or the need for services. To be placed in foster care the child must have been placed in the department's custody by a Virginia court. Services are provided to the child as planned by the court and to the family in order to prevent further need for foster placement.
The Department of Social Services manages the provision of services and treatment to a child who is in the legal custody of the department due to abuse/neglect or the need for services. To be placed in foster care the child must have been placed in the department's custody by a Virginia court. Services are provided to the child as planned by the court and to the family in order to prevent further need for foster placement.
For more information on the Foster Care Program, please call (804)646-7428.
Foster Parent Training and Support
The Foster Parent Team Training Unit is responsible for the recruitment, training, support, and placement coordination for the
agency's foster and adoptive families. Members of this team recruit qualified families from the Richmond community and surrounding
areas (within a one hour radius) to serve as foster and/or adoptive parents to the children in care.
The agency provides the following services to individuals interested in becoming a foster parent:
- Free training
- One-on-one assistance from a social worker to complete the process
- A series of home visits and interviews to help each family determine the type of child they feel they can best parent
- Monthly ongoing training and other special events throughout the year
The Foster Parent Team Training Unit is also responsible for placing children in homes when they enter foster care, or when a
change in placement is required while the child is in care. The team considers the strengths and needs of the child in making the
best possible placement, to ensure stability for our youth. The unit participates in Team Decision Making meetings along with
youth and families as well, and along with the entire Child and Family Services division, works to find permanency for our youth.
If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a foster parent for the City of Richmond,
please call (804)646-KIDS (5437).
A social worker will talk to you about the process, answer any questions you may have, and give you information about our monthly
orientation sessions.
