The Steps to Becoming a Foster Parent in Virginia

 1.

TO BECOME A FOSTER PARENT YOU:

• Can be married, single, widowed or divorced

• Must be over 21 years old

• Have a monthly income that is enough to pay monthly expenses

• Pass background checks:  criminal history, child protective services, and driving record

• Need to have a physical exam and TB test or screening that shows that each household member is healthy and free of communicable diseases

 2.

THE APPROVAL PROCESS INVOLVES: 

• An orientation session that is scheduled at your convenience

• Pressley Ridge Training that gives you the knowledge and skills to parent foster children 

• Home visits to make sure the home meets licensure standards

• A meeting at an Intercept office to introduce foster parents to Treatment Foster Care staff and review paperwork requirements.

• Completing the Intent to Foster Assessment to tell us about your preferences about age, gender, race/ethnicity as well as what needs or behaviors you could work with

 3.

AFTER APPROVAL, WE SUPPORT YOU BY:

• Matching placements with your preferences and abilities

• Maintaining low caseloads so our workers can make frequent contact with foster parents and provide assistance as needed

• Offering 24/7 on call support

• Arranging respite on an emergency or planned basis

• Paying foster parents a monthly reimbursement that is based on the child’s age as well as the child’s needs and  behaviors.  This is not income and is not reported on your taxes.

• Providing monthly foster parent training.  This is a great opportunity to meet other foster parents and gain additional information about foster parenting.

• Intercept Health's LifeBridge Continuum of Care connects parents to additional support services.