You May Already Know a Child in Foster Care…
Did you know that there are over 5,000 young people in foster care in Virginia? 150 school buses of young people need a safe place to stay while their families work on stabilizing. With 2,015 schools across the state, imagine if each school had just 2.5 foster parents (let’s be practical and round that up to 3). Even that small number of caring adults could change the lives of every child currently sleeping in a DSS office, waiting in an overcrowded group home, or stuck in residential care after doing everything they can to move forward, simply because a foster home hasn’t yet been found. Just a few dedicated adults in every school could ensure that every child has a safe, stable place to call home.
If you work in or around a school, chances are you already know children in foster care—even if you don’t realize it. They are in your classrooms, your lunch lines, your library, your front office, and on your football fields. From bus drivers and food service staff to janitors, librarians, teachers, and administrators—you play a role in their daily lives.
Every day, you encourage, serve, and support young people who are navigating one of the most challenging seasons of their lives. Yet, there’s often a stigma surrounding foster care. Too many people assume these children are “scary” or “too difficult.” The truth is, they are simply kids whose families need time and support to heal. What they need most is what every child needs: a safe place to sleep, encouragement in learning, and caring adults to believe in them.
Incredible Foster Parents are found in schools
Schools are a natural place for foster parents to come from because they are at the heart of a child’s daily life. Educators, staff, parents who already have children enrolled, and other school community members all understand children’s needs, routines, and strengths. They see firsthand the impact stability and support can have. By stepping into foster parenting, these community members can extend their care beyond the classroom or the carpool line, providing a safe and nurturing home while continuing to be a consistent and familiar presence in the child’s school environment. Their existing connection to education and child development makes them uniquely positioned to help a child thrive both academically and emotionally.
Research consistently shows the powerful role foster parents play in a child’s healing and success. A stable foster home can improve school performance, reduce behavioral challenges, and give children a foundation of belonging. Studies highlight that children with at least one consistent, supportive adult are significantly more likely to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.
Taking the First Steps Toward Fostering
At Impact Living Services, we know that becoming a foster parent is not a one-size-fits-all journey. It begins with curiosity, not commitment. You can:
- Learn more about the needs of children in your area
- Ask questions of our experienced staff
- Explore fostering at your own pace
When you’re ready, you can complete an application. This step helps us get to know you and your home. Families, single adults, couples, people with or without children—all can be foster parents. When families take time to identify their strengths and readiness, it leads to the best outcomes for children.
From there, you’ll begin self-paced training, available both online and in-person at times that work with your schedule. The home study process may sound overwhelming at first, but we guide you step by step, breaking it down into manageable pieces and ensuring that you feel prepared when you are approved.
Ongoing Support for Foster Families
At Impact, we stay beside you every step of the way. Foster parents receive:
- 24/7 support from trained foster care staff
- Continued education and specialized training to meet the needs of the youth in your care
- Connection with other foster families, so you’re never alone in the journey
Our goal is not just to license foster parents, but to equip and encourage them—because the more supported you feel, the more stability and hope you can provide to a child.
You Can Make the Difference
You already make a difference in your school community. Now imagine the impact of extending that care into your home. A child needs exactly what you can provide: a safe bed, a listening ear, and the steady encouragement to keep moving forward. Be the consistent presence in a child’s day, from the lunchroom to home.
Contact us today to learn more about becoming a foster parent with
Impact Living Services.