Pandemic Wears on Foster Children and Parents
As with most families, the stress and seclusion of the pandemic is wearing on foster children and parents, with some restrictions creating potentially traumatic experiences. (Photo:
*Clara Haizlett reported this story
At the start of the pandemic, it was uncertain how the foster care system would be affected, but the impact is becoming more evident as the year comes to a close.
The Virginia Department of Social Services estimates there are currently over 5,000 children in the state’s foster care system and over 6,500 approved foster and adoptive families. This year, the agency saw the number of adoptions grow to the second highest on record since 2016.