Adoption from Foster Care
Creating forever familiesAdoption out of foster care is unique to any other kind of adoption. It often takes time, special training, and an equal amount of understanding and determination. Yet for many people, it is considered one of the best decisions of their life.
While the primary goal of foster care is reunification, for approximately one-third (1,500) of the kids in foster care this is not an option. If a kinship placement is also not a possibility, their permanency goals are changed to connecting them to a family who is open to adoption.
Adopting from foster care requires patience, a willingness to create a trauma-informed home environment, and an understanding of the importance of birth family connections to long-term well being. The first step is to become a licensed foster parent because after a match is made, a minimum of six months together is required before the adoption process can begin.
Waiting Kids
Let's change who waits
Timothy's Story
How it can workAfter a long history with Child Protective Services (CPS), 9 year old “Timothy” (name changed to protect privacy) entered foster care. Struggling to find his place in this new environment, he experienced multiple failed placements, including hospitalizations, residential, and therapeutic foster care environments. Through VKB’s partnership with a local DSS, Timothy participated in the I Belong Project shoot in April 2021. In August, his local DSS was connected with his future adoptive family.
It all started with a simple post on social media. Timothy’s future adoptive family was going to move and the new house would have an extra bedroom. The family posted “I wonder what we plan on doing with an extra bedroom?” A Wendy’s Wonderful Kids partner who had worked with the family before, sent them a message. “I’ve got the perfect kid for you” and she was very right.
Our partner introduced “Timothy” to his future adoptive family through our I Belong Project video. From this introduction, the family connected with Timothy’s local DSS and members of his team.
VKB continued to support this family as they began to bond and provided resources for a sensory room inside the home to help meet “Timothy’s” needs.
There was an amazing team surrounding Timothy to support his journey to adoption. Timothy’s adoption ceremony was a special moment of joy, relief, and celebration. At 11:01 on May 20th the judge struck his gavel and said “It’s official. You are adopted.” Timothy let out a huge sigh of relief and said “oh thank heavens” and began to smile. His wrap-around team and VKB team all joined in the celebration and continue to serve his new family.
Considering Adoption
Getting Started- Being a foster parent first is key to adopting.
- Be open to adopting older kids and sibling sets whenever possible.
- Talk to the kids in your family about what adoption would mean and make sure everyone is on board.
- Adoption is a partnership between your family, the child, the birth family, and your support network.
- Adoption from foster care is not a solution for childless couples. It is a solution for parentless children.
Helpful Links
Find the Information You NeedUNDERSTANDING FOSTER CARE ADOPTION
There is so much to consider when exploring adoption from foster care. Our partners at America's Kids Belong have curated some helpful blogs, podcasts and webinars to help you understand the process. The exact process in Virginia will depend on where you live and the child's county of origin.
Regional Post Adoption Consortium Services (RPACS)
The Virginia Department of Social Services’ Division of Family Services has organized 76 localized agencies, known as the Regional Post-Adoption Consortium. This means post-adoption resources and information are available in your area, so you have access to a range of support when and where you need it.
Supportive Connections
VKB is a referral partner to several service providers in our Connected Communities. Each partner offers different resources and we love to make referrals. Please ask!
Become a Foster Parent
You must be a licensed foster parent to adopt from Virginia's foster care system. This includes any of the kids featured through our I Belong Project.