In foster care, the child welfare agency has legal custody of the child and assumes the ultimate responsibility for the child. With adoption, custody and responsibility for the child belong to the adoptive family. Single parents and working people may be certified, but each situation must be considered individually. These circumstances may affect the types and ages of children who can be placed with you. A family will receive a maintenance payment on behalf of the child to help with expenses while a child is in their home.
Children usually have medical and dental coverage while in foster care.
Your wishes and preferences, strengths and needs are considered before a child is placed in your home. You are free to ask questions about the child and about his or her background. You are not required to accept a child into your home - if you cannot accept a child, you simply let your social worker know. A reimbursement fee is paid to help with expenses incurred in transporting the child to the doctor, therapist, or family visits. You must abide by your local agency's training and discipline policies, which include the Commonwealth of Virginia's Policy on non-physical discipline.