Roanoke, Virginia – Virginia’s foster care system is facing a significant challenge, with Roanoke City at the forefront, having the highest number of children in foster care across the state. As of September 2023, Roanoke City has 262 children in foster care, representing 5.2% of the total foster care population in Virginia. This issue is not isolated to Roanoke City alone; other regions like Lynchburg and Roanoke County also rank in the top 10 for the number of children in foster care. These high numbers raise concerns for social service agencies throughout the region.
The table below shows the distribution of children in foster care across various locations in Virginia as of September 2023:
- Roanoke City: 262 children (5.2%)
- Fairfax County: 210 children (4.2%)
- Richmond City: 204 children (4.1%)
- Norfolk: 202 children (4%)
- Virginia Beach: 202 children (4%)
- Lynchburg: 170 children (3.4%)
- Rockingham: 152 children (3%)
- Henrico: 127 children (2.5%)
- Washington: 106 children (2.1%)
- Roanoke County: 105 children (2.1%)
Gwen Coleman, the director of human and social services for Roanoke City, acknowledges that the high number of children in foster care is a concern for every department of social services, regardless of their size. When asked about the reasons behind these high numbers, Coleman pointed out several factors that might contribute. Roanoke City, with its public transportation and housing facilities, tends to attract families in need of intensive services or public assistance. Additionally, issues like substance abuse, mental health challenges, and domestic violence have been prevalent, especially since the pandemic.
Carrie Guzman, a Family Services Supervisor working for the Department of Social Services (DSS), sees the impact of these high numbers daily. It’s a strain not only on the families and children but also on the community, school system, and the staff at DSS.
In response to this situation, Roanoke, Lynchburg, and Franklin County are among 15 agencies in Virginia piloting a new program called “Kin First Now.” This program emphasizes placing children in kinship care, which includes relatives, teachers, coaches, or church members, rather than in foster homes with strangers. The rationale behind this approach is that children in kinship care tend to fare better and experience fewer placement disruptions.
Kinship care allows children to stay within their culture and community, surrounded by familiar faces, which can significantly reduce the trauma associated with being placed in foster care. The “Kin First Now” program is focused on urgently finding and engaging with family members first and reinvesting staff time to locate relatives or known individuals to the child.
However, Coleman emphasizes that there’s no single solution to this issue. The approach needs to be multi-faceted, considering various solutions and options. The goal is not just to reduce the number of children in foster care but to ensure that those in the system receive the support they need to succeed. This is particularly important as children who age out of foster care are at a higher risk of homelessness, incarceration, and mental health issues.
Currently, only 13% of children in Virginia are in kinship placements. The state aims to increase this to 35% by July 2025. Achieving this goal requires a collaborative effort from all stakeholders involved in child welfare, including social services, communities, and families. This concerted effort is crucial for providing a stable and supportive environment for children in foster care and setting them up for future success.
