FAQs • Chesapeake, VA • CivicEngage

What is required for the home study?: The home study includes the following: home visits to your home, three or more interviews, three references per adult applicant, federal, state, and local criminal checks, child abuse and neglect checks, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) checks, tuberculosis (TB) tests on all household members, physicals on adult foster/adoptive parents within the last 12 months, financial paperwork, background paperwork, fire escape plan, disaster plan, proof of marriages and divorces, animal shot record and license, and other information.

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Adoption Program

1. How do I become an adoptive parent?: We are not currently conducting home studies for prospective adoptive parents. If your specific interest is adoption, please contact a private adoption agency.

To become a foster/adoptive parent you must meet the following criteria:

3. What is required for the home study?: The home study includes the following: home visits to your home, three or more interviews, three references per adult applicant, federal, state, and local criminal checks, child abuse and neglect checks, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) checks, tuberculosis (TB) tests on all household members, physicals on adult foster/adoptive parents within the last 12 months, financial paperwork, background paperwork, fire escape plan, disaster plan, proof of marriages and divorces, animal shot record and license, and other information.

4. Can I specify what age and sex of child I prefer? Can I choose if I want a sibling group? Can I state what disabilities I will accept?: Yes, you can inform your social worker during the home study process what type of child you prefer or if you will consider a sibling group. The family services specialist will find out what disabilities, if any, you will accept. The family services specialist will obtain very specific information from you.

5. Will I receive financial assistance for the child?: The agency will provide a monthly payment for room and board, clothing, and other expenses. An enhanced maintenance payment may be provided for a child who has special needs and requires extra supervision, support, and services by the resource parent. A yearly clothing voucher will be supplied based on the age of the child. Medicaid is provided to cover medical and dental costs.