Human Services Department

Foster Care Program

Mission Statement

We seek to facilitate permanency and well being for our foster children and their families by identifying their critical needs and providing them with quality services.

We increase our capacity to achieve our mission through leadership combined with self and organizational improvement.

Values/Principles:

• Compassion
• Empathy
• Honesty
• Dedication

Can I bring my child to the Chesapeake Social Services and place my child in foster care?

No, every effort must be made to prevent foster care placement. Foster Care placement takes place through the Juvenile Court. If you are having problems with your child, the department will assess the needs of the family and refer the family for services.

How does a child become involved in the Foster Care System?

A child becomes involved with the foster care system through an abuse/neglect petition filed by the Chesapeake Child Protective Service Unit in which the child is found by the Chesapeake Juvenile Court to be at imminent risk of harm. Delinquent children are sometimes placed in foster care, as well as children whose legal guardians have been relieved of custody by the Juvenile Court.