Virginia Beach Needs Foster Homes
Tuesday, May 15, 2012 · 12:30 pm
As it celebrates National Foster Care Month and Older Adult Month, Virginia Beach Human Services marks two important milestones with the recruitment of foster care providers:
Celebrating 20 years of service, the Alliance for Youth (TAFY) program seeks specialized foster families to provide an intensive level of care for children with severe behavioral and emotional needs as an alternative to group homes or residential treatment facilities. Families must:
- Live in Hampton Roads
- Be able to work with Virginia Beach Human Services staff to plan, assess and comply with services recommended for the child
- Have a minimum of five years of experience in foster parenting and at least three years of experience working with children who have severe emotional, medical and behavioral needs
- Complete an intensive home study process, including background checks
Foster care is not just for kids. Adults need foster homes, too. Established five years ago, the Adult Foster Care Program provides an opportunity for vulnerable adults to remain in a family home. Those served include young adults with lifelong disabilities who were former foster care children, adults who have mental health needs, adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities, and older adults unable to live independently. Adult foster care providers must:
- Provide a financial statement and personal references
- Participate in a criminal background check and a Child Protective Services/Adult Protective Services background check
- Have a home inspection and a fire inspection (homes must meet city codes)
- Attend training sessions
- Have a tuberculosis test
These programs are part of the Adult and Family Services Division of the Human Services Department. Over the years, TAFY has served 262 children and teens and currently serves 27 youths. For more information on TAFY, call Lorelei M. Jones at (757) 385-3435. For Adult Foster Care, call Michelle Dexter at (757) 385-3473 or visit HSD Adult and Family Services .
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