Alexandria Needs More Foster Parents—More Than Half of Local Youth Are Placed Outside the City
ALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandria needs more foster parents, and the shortage is sending many local children and teenagers away from the community they know.
More than half of Alexandria youth who need foster care are currently placed with families outside the city because there are not enough local foster homes, according to the City of Alexandria Department of Community and Human Services. That can mean living farther from schools, friends, relatives and other familiar supports during an already difficult period in a young person’s life.
The City says Alexandria has a monthly average of about 90 children and teens in foster care, with young people ranging in age from birth through 21. Almost half are teenagers.
The need is especially significant for families willing to foster teens, keep brothers and sisters together, and provide cultural and racial matches for children of color who are overrepresented in child-serving systems.
Foster care is intended to be temporary. Whenever safely possible, the goal is to reunify children with their families after parents receive the services and support they need. Foster parents work as part of a team with social workers, teachers, health professionals, counselors and birth families.
The City says foster parents may be married, single, divorced or LGBTQIA+, may have children of their own or not, and may work inside or outside the home. Applicants must be over age 25, demonstrate financial stability, live in Alexandria or the surrounding Virginia area, and complete required orientation and training.
For anyone who has considered opening their home but wondered whether they fit the profile, Alexandria’s message is broad: what matters most is the ability to provide a safe, stable, caring and affirming home while a child’s family works toward reunification.
Details about foster care, adoption and the application process are available on the City’s Foster Care and Adoption page.
