Becoming a foster parent is a life-changing decision—and it’s natural to have questions. At Impact Living Services, we’ve collected the most common questions we receive from hopeful foster care parents and answered them clearly below.
1. How long does it take to become certified?
The certification process typically takes about three months, though exact timelines can vary based on scheduling, training availability, and completion of required assessments. Rest assured, our team works closely with you to move efficiently and support every step of the process.
2. Do I need to have a job?
While you don’t need to be employed full-time to foster, you must have a steady income that reliably covers your household needs and financial obligations. In short: stability matters more than job title.
3. Can single people foster?
Absolutely. In Virginia, around 3,100 single parents are currently serving as foster caregivers—making up about 21% of foster families. You don’t need to be married or have a partner to provide a loving home.
4. Who are the children I would foster?
Foster children come from a wide range of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. They may be part of sibling groups, or they could be teens in need of support, structure, and stability. Every child’s story and circumstances are unique.
5. How many children will I have?
Most foster homes care for one child or, when possible, sibling groups. An essential goal is keeping siblings together whenever it supports healing and belonging.
Why These FAQs Matter 📌
- Transparency builds trust: Knowing the timeline, expectations, and family types helps you decide if fostering is right for you.
- Financial confidence: Understanding income requirements allows you to plan thoughtfully.
- Inclusivity in caring: Single individuals play a vital role in the foster care community.
- Child-centered focus: Impact Living Services respects each child’s background and prioritizes sibling unity when feasible.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If these questions resonated with you and sparked your interest, we’d love to help you move forward. At Impact Living Services, we provide the following:
- Comprehensive training to prepare you emotionally and practically
- Home assessments that meet Virginia DSS standards
- 24/7 support—because foster parenting doesn’t come with business hours
- Ongoing training and support hours tailored to your youth’s needs
Ready to turn compassion into action? Use the button below to get in touch!
All the questions about foster care that you have deserves an honest answer—and every child you welcome into your home deserves a caring, prepared guardian. Let’s work together to create stronger futures for Virginia’s foster youth.