The number of youth entering the foster care system has never grown at such a steep rate as it is now. There are currently more than 1,700 youth in Virginia foster care waiting to be adopted. Unfortunately, youth enter the foster care system due to neglect, parents’ substance abuse, and physical abuse. We know that […]
November is National Adoption Month! We believe that every child deserves a permanent, loving home. Permanency makes all the difference in the life of a child. National Adoption Month has been celebrated every November across the country for more than two decades. November serves as a time to educate local communities through programs, events, and […]
In Virginia, 400 youth age out of foster care each year. These youth are at risk for devastating outcomes, including homelessness, drug use, unemployment, early parenthood, and even incarceration. Fewer than 1 in 6 will graduate from high school. 1 in 4 will be incarcerated within two years. 1 in 5 will be homeless within […]
According to the Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star, foster care family inquiries have declined by 30 percent in the state of Virginia within the last six months. Yet, the demand for children and teens needing safe homes is rising. Indeed, there is a particular need for families who are able to foster and adopt teenagers. Courage and […]
Did you know next month is Foster Care Awareness Month? Each May we take the time to acknowledge foster parents, family members, volunteers, mentors, policymakers, child welfare professionals, and other members of the community who help children and youth in foster care find permanent homes and connections. Today, there are nearly 1,000 children in Virginia’s […]
Virginia is ranked 50th in the nation for the rate at which youth age out of foster care. The outcomes for youth who age out of foster care are bleak: 1 in 4 are incarcerated within two years. 1 in 5 are homeless within two years. Only 3% will graduate college. Because of these heartbreaking […]
On Tuesday February 23rd, 2021, the Richmond Times-Dispatch published an Op-ed authored by Children’s Home Society of Virginia president and CEO, Nadine Marsh-Carter, and Policy Director, Cassie Baudeán (formerly Cunningham.) Our goal is to continue to inform the public about the plight and often dire outcomes of youth in Virginia’s foster care system, and to […]
As the CHS President, former board member, and adoptive parent, I am humbled and proud to be small part of the agency’s 120+ year legacy of serving Virginia’s children, youth and families. Like CHS’s charter board members who started the agency in 1900, our current board, staff and community supporters are committed to ensuring children […]
Over the last twelve months, we have been writing about our rich history. Since our founding in 1900, we have overcome a lot of hurdles to best serve the vulnerable youth in Virginia. For 120 years, we have learned to adapt to best serve our children and communities. We have adapted through financial burdens, World […]
November is National Adoption Month! This month, we want to take the time to shed light on the importance of post adoption services. Adoption is a lifelong process. In order to build strong, permanent families, post adoption services and support‒which continue to serve adoptive families long after the adoption is complete‒are crucial for a successful adoption […]