Alexandria's foster families increase stability in a child's life by helping the child remain in a familiar community.

	When caretakers haven’t been able to change unhealthy conditions in their home, a child may need to be placed in foster care by the state. That gives birthparents a chance to improve their situation, through counseling and services.
	Here’s where foster parents come in, taking a child into their home for a few weeks or months. Foster care is a temporary response to family difficulties, not a long-term solution. The goal is for the child to return to his or her home or to find another permanent home.
	Children from troubled families need to maintain important personal, school and neighborhood relationships. If possible, the child is placed close to the caretakers' home, so he can continue to see his parents and develop a healthy relationship.
	Alexandria’s foster families increase the stability in a child’s life. They help children remain close to the friends, family, school, church and community they already know.
	Children under the care of Alexandria’s Department of Human Services have many needs, from overnight emergency care to pre-adoptive homes.
	You are not alone. You and your foster child get support and helpful services from the Department of Human Services.

Interested in becoming an
Alexandria Foster Parent?
Call 703-746-5858 become a hero and give a child a foster home.

Be a Hero—

Adoptive parents bring stability and love to children who cannot live with their birthparents. Adoptive families are heroes who make a significant difference in the lives of the children they adopt.

	Adoption in Virginia
	Virginia Department of Social Services
	Adoption 2002: The President’s Initiative on Adoption and Foster Care