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FAQ's
after viewing sound of hope: the possum trot story
Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions VKB has been asked by those viewing this film. If you have other questions about getting involved please email us at connect@vakidsbelong.org. We would love to help you learn more about foster care in Virginia.
Are there really kids in foster care that are waiting to be adopted?
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Yes - while every child who initially enters foster care has the goal of reunification with their first family, about 33% of those children have their goal change to adoption after it’s determined they are unable to go home and no other family is able to care for them. Meet VA's Kids
Has every child in foster care been abused?
The number one reason kids come into foster care is neglect (approx. 60%), followed by parental drug abuse (approx 35%). Approximately 20-25% of kids in foster care have experienced some type of physical or sexual abuse.
Can I decide to adopt a child in foster care without becoming a foster parent?
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No - in order to adopt a waiting child, you must also have a foster care license. That does not mean that you “must” open your home to temporary foster care before pursuing an adoptive placement, but most agencies do prefer to license families that are willing and able to be an active foster family first.
If I foster or adopt a younger child, will they have less trauma?
Age is not the determining factor for how much trauma a child has experienced. Trauma takes many forms and has a direct impact on brain development and that can look different for each person. Every child in foster care has experienced trauma to some degree - even those that go to a foster/adoptive home at birth. We are not without HOPE - there is constant research and trauma training being done about how to help a child/individual heal from such trauma, but it does take time.
What if I decide to adopt a child and I want to change my mind after they move in?
Hopefully this will not happen. Part of the reason that an adoptive family must also have a foster care license is because there is a mandatory waiting period between when a child moves into their pre-adoptive home and when papers are officially filed with the courts for the adoption (typically 6 months) and you are the legal foster parents during that time.
During this time, the parent, child, or social worker could determine that it’s not an ideal situation and can halt the adoption process. With that said, you can imagine that the process of disrupting the adoption and moving the child is very traumatic for everyone involved and should not be done lightly.
Once the adoption has been finalized, the child is a legal member of your family and the time to “change your mind” has passed.
Is there an income threshold for becoming a foster parent or adopting?
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​Parents come from all financial levels. The primary requirement is that you are able to show that you successfully maintain your bills and lifestyle before fostering or adopting.
Do you have to be married with a big house to foster or adopt from foster care?
No - Foster parents can be single, married, renters, home-owners, military, working, stay-at-home, pet owners, retired, part of a small family or part of a big family. Foster parents must be at least 21 years old.
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Is adoption the only outcome for kids in foster care?
No - whenever possible reunification with the first family is the goal for kids in foster care. Some children find homes with relatives. In Virginia approximately 33% of kids need adoptive homes. Sometimes the best way to help is to encourage the birth families. Unfortunately some kids turn 18 before they are matched with a family or able to return to their first home.
How can I be part of the solution if I don’t want to be a foster parent or adopt?
Foster and adoptive families need support from their community! Check out some ideas HERE and contact Virginia’s Kids Belong to find out what support resources and opportunities are available in your community.
I’m interested in learning more about becoming a foster parent or even adopting, but I don’t know where to start?
Virginia’s Kids Belong partners with faith communities and with the Faster Families Highway as a first step for people who want to find out if they’re ready to become a foster parent. Once you’ve completed each step, you will get a readiness assessment score and someone from your local social services office will contact you with next steps.