Henrico County to host 3 information sessions about foster parent opportunities

Henrico County will host three information sessions this summer for people interested in becoming foster parents or offering respite care for other foster parents – beginning with one June 14 at Fairfield Library, 1401 North Laburnum Avenue, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The two other sessions each will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., as well – one July 12 at the Henrico Department of Social Services, 8600 Dixon Powers Drive, and the other August 9 at Fairfield Library.

To obtain a license to become a foster parent or respite parent (by providing breaks for other foster parents), attending one of the information sessions is mandatory before a 10-week training process.

The county is experiencing an urgent need for more foster parents and respite providers, with 129 children currently in foster care in the county. There are a number of children between the ages of 8 and 17 who are living in group homes or residential facilities because there are not families available for them to live with.

For those who are unable to bring a child into their homes but who still want to contribute, various avenues for assistance exist.

Organizations such as For Richmond and Virginia's Kids Belong offer opportunities for involvement in supporting foster care initiatives.

The Henrico Foster Care/Adoption Network, a group of local churches collaborating to meet child welfare needs in the county, also offers opportunities for support. Those interested in joining the network or learning more about its activities should e-mail HenricoPartners@gmail.com. The network helps provide meals, rides, mentoring, donations, summer camp sponsorships, clothes, gift cards, and more to help support foster children and foster parents.