There are more than 5,500 children and teens in foster care in communities throughout Virginia. With your support, these kids are capable of anything.
Opening your heart and home to a young person in foster care can be a daunting proposition, but it doesn’t have to be. When you partner with Shineforth Child & Family Services to become a foster parent, we walk with you every step of the way and connect you with a vast network of resources and support.
But there’s more.
Shineforth (formerly United Methodist Family Services or UMFS) has been serving some of Virginia’s most vulnerable children since 1900. Our legacy has sustained for more than 12 decades in large part because of the people who choose to do the important work of serving others. At Shineforth, we’re a team of highly skilled and highly experienced professionals, and we’re grateful for the more than 100 foster families across the commonwealth who choose to partner with us in service to kids in foster care.
When you choose to become a foster parent with Shineforth, we equip you to better understand the full scope of how and why children and teens are placed into foster care. We also prepare you to be successful in your foster care endeavor by connecting you with pre- and post-placement resources, including financial support.
Here are some common questions we get from potential foster parents.
Do I have to be married or be in a relationship to be a foster parent?
No! You don’t have to be married or be in a relationship to be a foster parent. Sometimes, couples are a great fit for children in foster care, and other times single parents are the perfect match.
Can I be foster parent if I’m queer or LGBTQIA+ ?
Yes! At Shineforth, we’re focused on matching children and teens in foster care with the best possible foster parents. We embrace different perspectives and value diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Do I have to make a certain amount of money to be a foster parent?
No! There are no specific income requirements to become a foster parent, but financial stability and a steady income source are required. Families receive a monthly stipend to support a child in foster care, and the child’s healthcare is covered under Medicaid.
Do I have to own my own home to be a foster parent?
No! You don’t have to be a homeowner to be a foster parent. You can rent your home or own your home. However, you must have a bed for each child in your home.
Are kids in foster care bad?
No! No! No! Children and teens in foster care are remarkable. There’s a common misconception that children and teens are in foster care because of something they did wrong. Kids are placed in foster care through no fault of their own.
Am I too old to be a foster parent?
No! There’s no maximum age for being a foster parent, but you must be at least 21 years old to foster a child. Successful foster parents should be prepared to invest energy and time into the children they serve.
Can I be a foster parent if I have pets?
Yes! You can be a foster parent if you have pets and will need to provide proof of up-to-date vaccinations. In many cases, children and teens respond positively to furry friends.
Want to learn more about becoming a foster parent?
At Shineforth, our foster parent process is supportive, transparent, and personalized for each family’s unique journey. Fill out an inquiry form below to start your fostering journey today.
