Foster Parent Services
Foster Care
Foster Care is a temporary living arrangement providing parenting for children who cannot stay in their homes because of abuse, neglect or other family problems.
The goal of foster care is to make children safer and strengthen families.
During the period a child is in foster care, social workers, foster parents and birth parents work together to help the child return home. When returning home is not possible, an alternative plan is made.
You Can Be a Foster Parent!
Here's what it takes to be a foster parent:
- Over the age of 21
- Married or single
- With or without biological children
- Employed inside or outside the home
- Of all races, ethnicities, religions, cultures, and sexual orientations.
- Living in Arlington County or the surrounding Virginia area
- Renter or homeowner
Join us for the next Foster Parent Information Session to learn more. Register by emailing us at OpenHeartsOpenHomes@arlingtonva.us.
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
From 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
View all our past Foster Parent of the Year videos in this playlist.
Foster Kinship Care
Arlington County Child and Family Services recognizes the vital role that kinship providers play as members of the child’s team when out-of-home care is needed. Placement with kin can increase stability, reduce trauma, and help children maintain a sense of family, belonging, and identity.
12% of Arlington approved foster parents are kinship foster parents.
Learn about our specialized Kinship Navigation Services.
Arlington Needs You!
- Families for teens
- Families with the capacity to keep sibling groups together
- Families who can provide cultural and racial matches for children of color who are over-represented in child serving systems.
703-228-1550
OpenHeartsOpenHomes@arlingtonva.us
Llámenos para obtener información en español: 703-228-1550