Becoming a foster parent is a life-changing decision that profoundly impacts both the child you welcome into your home and your own journey. At Impact Living Services, we believe people from all backgrounds can make a difference through foster care. If you’re considering fostering in Virginia, we are here to provide answers and support. The good news is that Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) guidelines are inclusive and welcoming, and Impact Living Services will guide you every step of the way.
Things You’ll Need
- Financial Stability & Safe Housing: While foster parents don’t need to be wealthy, a certain level of financial stability is required to provide a stable home. Financial stability means managing daily living expenses and supporting a child until the monthly stipend arrives. At Impact Living Services, we understand that stability looks different for everyone. Whether you rent or own, what matters most is having a safe, comfortable home where a foster child can feel secure.
- Background Checks and the Home Study Process: As part of the home study process, background checks play a critical role in ensuring the safety and well-being of children. These checks help identify any barrier crimes that could make an applicant ineligible to become a foster parent. While we understand that everyone makes mistakes, certain offenses cannot be overlooked due to the need to prioritize the safety and stability of the foster home.
- All Family Structures Welcomed: Foster parents come from all walks of life. The diversity of family structures is valued at Impact Living Services. We recognize that loving, supportive homes can look very different, and we’re committed to supporting each unique family structure as you welcome a child into your home.
- Patience and Trauma-Informed Parenting: Foster children may come from traumatic backgrounds, often with experiences that require additional understanding and patience. At Impact Living Services, we offer trauma-informed parenting resources and training to help foster parents develop the skills to connect and support children in need. If you’re patient, empathetic, and willing to learn, you’re already on the path to becoming a successful foster parent.
- Parenting Soft Skills: Although anyone who meets the technical requirements can become a foster parent, we believe that the most successful families have learned certain soft skills such as flexibility, adaptability, patience, and a sense of humor.
- Willingness to Learn and Grow: Parenting is a continuous journey; the best foster parents approach it with an open mind and heart. Impact Living Services provides ongoing training and resources to help you expand your skills and foster positive relationships. If you’re willing to learn, adapt, and support the unique needs of children in your care, fostering could be the perfect fit for you.
Are You Ready?
If you have any questions about your qualifications, reach out to Impact Living Services—we’re here to help answer your questions and guide you on the path to fostering. If these qualities sound like you, you may already be more qualified to foster than you realized! Virginia’s foster system always needs caring, dedicated individuals ready to offer stability and compassion. At Impact Living Services, we’re committed to providing guidance, answering your questions, and offering ongoing support to make fostering a rewarding experience for both you and the child in your care.