Issue link: https://fredparent.uberflip.com/i/1045763
www.FredericksburgParent.NET 23 VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES WHAT IS THE ADOPTION PROCESS LIKE? The first step in learning more about the adoption process is to submit an inquiry to www.adoptuskids.org/states/va/browse.aspx or call 1-800-DO-ADOPT. Once your initial inquiry is submitted, you'll have the opportunity to attend an orientation where you'll learn details about the foster care and adoption process. There's also an application process and thorough training for foster/adoptive parents that will provide you with tips, best practices and resources to be successful in this new role. While completing a home study with your local department of social services, you'll have the opportunity to discuss your goals, expectations, fears and anticipation before submitting your final paperwork. When approved, you are then contacted for a placement based on the best fit for your family and the child coming into your home. Whether you're interested in adopting down the line or not, meeting one of the many great youth in care doesn't have to be an immediate commit- ment. The foster care period of the adoption process benefits both you and the child. It's a period of getting to know one another and experiencing the world together to see if you're a right fit. START YOUR JOURNEY TODAY BY VISITING ADOPTVA.COM WHO ARE VIRGINIA'S WAITING CHILDREN? The average age of children in care of the Virginia Department of Social Services is 8. Pre-teens are the largest population of the more than 600 youth who are legally available for adoption. Virginia's waiting children are in foster care due to no fault of their own. They have colorful stories sometimes tinged with loss, financial instability, abuse or neglect. Many of the real-world problems we hear about every day on a national scale, inevitably trickle down to localities, communities and of course, families. When parents are afflicted or embattled, vulnerable children are often displaced, and their lives disrupted. These children are siblings, teens, only children, extroverts, introverts, readers, math enthusiasts, musicians, athletes, bookworms, and more. They may have unique hobbies and individual personalities, but all have the goal of finding a home with a family that will support them in achieving their dreams. A PARTNERSHIP FOR LIFE. Adoption is a collaborative, community-based effort and your local department of social services is your partner every step of the way. The process to becom- ing a foster or adoptive parent isn't an overnight journey (nor should it be to ensure safety and compatibility for all). Throughout these steps and even after an adoption is finalized, the Virginia Department of Social Services ensures there are tools, resources and support networks available to help you and the child(ren) in your care be successful. Resources can include foster and adoptive parent train- ing, family counseling, support groups, case manage- ment, crisis intervention, adoption search and more. You don't have to be perfect to be the perfect parent for a child in need.