At UMFS, we believe every child deserves a safe, stable, and loving home. Unfortunately, right now in Richmond, there are more children in need of foster care than there are families ready to care for them. As a leading provider of foster care and adoption services in Virginia, UMFS is calling on compassionate individuals in our community to step up and consider becoming foster parents.
The Growing Need
Across Virginia, more than 5,000 children and tends are in foster care. Nearly 600 of those youth are in the greater Richmond area alone. Richmond, like many cities, faces a significant shortage of foster families who can provide a temporary or permanent home for children in need. These children have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect, and they require the love and stability that a foster family can provide while they navigate this challenging chapter in their lives.
For many children, the journey through foster care can be long and uncertain. While some return to their biological families, others are adopted, and some age out of the system. Without the support of foster families, children risk being placed in group homes or shelters, far from the individualized care and attention they deserve.
Why Foster Parents Are Vital
Foster parents play a critical role in helping children heal, grow, and thrive. They provide more than just a roof over a child’s head—they offer a sense of belonging, consistency, and love. Foster families are also part of a collaborative team that works to reunite children with their biological families whenever possible, and when that is not an option, they help children transition to adoptive homes or independent living.
Foster parents are everyday heroes who give children hope for a brighter future. However, the shortage of foster families in Richmond means that too many children are left waiting for the safety and comfort of a nurturing home.
Who Can Be a Foster Parent?
There is no such thing as a “perfect” foster parent, but there are qualities that make a great one: patience, empathy, flexibility, and a willingness to open your heart to a child in need. You don’t have to be married, own a home, or have children of your own. At UMFS, we welcome people from all walks of life—single individuals, couples, and families of all backgrounds. We provide extensive training and ongoing support to help foster parents navigate the ups and downs of fostering.
How UMFS Supports Foster Families
UMFS is committed to ensuring that foster parents have the resources and support they need to be successful. From comprehensive training to 24/7 access to a dedicated team of social workers and therapists, we stand by our foster families every step of the way.
We understand that fostering can be challenging, which is why we offer respite care, financial support, and a strong network of fellow foster families who can offer advice and encouragement. Our goal is to make sure foster parents never feel alone in their journey.
Take the First Step
The need for foster parents in Richmond has never been greater. If you’ve ever considered fostering, now is the time to take the first step. By opening your home to a child in need, you can make a profound difference in their life and in the future of our community.
To learn more about becoming a foster parent with UMFS, visit UMFS.org/foster or call our Foster Family Outreach Specialist at 804.310.7572. Together, we can change lives, one child at a time.
About UMFS
UMFS is a child and family-serving non-profit dedicated to building stronger communities throughout Virginia. We offer a range of essential services for vulnerable youth, including foster care, residential treatment, private day school, and a comprehensive array of community-based programs. With over a century of experience, we are committed to helping children and families thrive through care, education, and community support.
