Become a Foster Parent
in Southeastern Virginia
Experience the deep fulfillment of becoming a foster parent through The Up Center. By offering a safe haven and unwavering support, you can make a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable children, providing them with the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive.
| Start Your Journey Today
Becoming a foster care parent in Southeastern Virginia is crucial to providing our at-risk children with a safe, temporary home. Our mission is to offer a safe and nurturing environment while working towards family reunification or finding a permanent home. When you become a foster parent, you provide a lifeline of hope and healing.
Through our foster care service, we help children feel safe, seen, and supported, and we work hand-in-hand with foster families to ensure stability and growth. Each child’s journey is unique, and your presence can be the turning point in that story.
| Change the Life of a Foster Child
If you’re located anywhere in Virginia Beach or Southeastern Virginia, you can become a beacon of hope by becoming a foster care parent with help and support from The Up Center. Our organization helps you navigate the foster parenting process from the very beginning, with compassion and clarity.
Whether you’re new to the foster parenting process or simply looking to support children in your community, The Up Center is here to guide you every step of the way. Serving families across Virginia Beach and the surrounding region, we are proud to be a trusted resource for those seeking to make a difference through foster care in Southeastern Virginia.
| Why The Up Center?
Foster Parent Support
We’re with our foster parents every step of the way.
We equip you with compassionate, evidence-based parenting strategies, empowering you to create a nurturing and supportive environment. From the first informational meeting to the day you welcome a child into your home—and throughout every step that follows—our team walks beside you. You’ll never be left guessing. Whether you’re responding to an emergency placement or navigating long-term care, we ensure you have the support you need. Become a foster care parent today with our help!
“We had a great experience with The Up Center. Our clinicians were caring, empathetic and supportive. They showed love to our kiddos and our family as a whole. I believe that The Up Center is truly impacting lives for the better every day.”
K. Berry – Foster Parent
Foster Family Support
Wraparound Care
Families in our Foster Program receive personalized care in their home, educational support at school, and access to community and peer resources.
Wraparound means you are supported from all sides. You’ll have access to clinicians, case managers, peer support groups, and more. We’re here to help you manage transitions, build trust, and support a child’s emotional and educational needs.
“Jen and I are so impressed with The Up Center as a whole. That certainly applies to Sheridan but also everyone that we have had the pleasure of dealing with. The kid’s safety and growth are clearly your #1 priority.”
The Dalton Family – Foster Family
Financial Support
Get paid to make a difference
The Up Center provides support by helping you navigate relevant systems and access potential income streams for your dedication. Foster parenting is a major commitment of time and energy, and we believe that caregivers deserve to be recognized and supported. Many of our families find that the financial assistance offered helps them focus fully on their role as healing caregivers.
“It’s been the most challenging and most rewarding experience, amazing in the best and sometimes the very worst ways. I can say with zero doubt that we have worked alongside the best of the best by being with The Up Center. You will never tell me differently.”
The Cholewinski Family – Foster Family
Myths about Foster Care
Single individuals can become foster parents.
Renters can also become foster parents, provided the home meets safety standards.
Working parents can foster with available childcare and support.
Training and support are provided, regardless of prior parenting experience.
“Through my anger and pain, she never gave up on me. I owe who I am today to my Up Center case manager. Without her support, I don’t believe I would have become the woman I am now.”
Former Foster Child
| Start Your Journey
Becoming a foster parent is not only a personal transformation—it is a gift to a child who needs you.
The foster parenting process begins with your decision to say yes. Yes to opening your home. Yes to showing up during tough moments. Yes to helping a child find safety and strength.
Across Virginia Beach and the broader Southeastern region, there are children in need of a safe, caring place to call home—even if only temporarily. By working with our foster care center, you’re joining a powerful community of difference-makers.
Whether you’re looking to foster one child or many, for a short stay or a long journey, The Up Center helps ensure every placement is built on compassion, preparation, and care.
Donate
While we are unable to accept in-kind supplies due to storage limitations, your monetary donation helps us provide essentials for a child placed in a new home.
Begin Your Foster Care Journey Today
Meet The Team
director of youth services
Outreach Coordinator
Resource family supervisor
Raini is the Resource Family Supervisor for Foster Care and Adoptions. She has been part of the Foster Care team since 2011. She is passionate about empowering children and families whose lives have been impacted by trauma and helping them heal.
placement supervisor
Natasha is the Placement Supervisor of Foster Care and Adoptions. She has been with The Up Center since 2009. She is committed to serving children and families in the Hampton Roads community and promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in programs for children and families.
resource home clinician
Holly is a Resource Home Clinician. She joined the Foster Care team in 2018 and has worked in child welfare since 2013. Holly is a Virginia Beach native and enjoys advocating for children in her community.
Therapeutic family clinician
Joseph has been with The Up Center since 2006. He started as an In-Home Clinician and now works in Foster Care as a Therapeutic Family Clinician. Joseph loves working with the children and families to assist in their growth and progression.
resource family coordinator
Victoria is the Resource Family Coordinator. She joined The Up Center in 2016 to help children and families in the community receive and connect with additional resources and support. Believing families are forever, she enthusiastically works with the team to ensure children have a dedicated family with whom to stay.
THERAPEUTIC FAMILY CLINICIAN
Paige is a Therapeutic Family Clinician. She joined the Foster Care & Adoptions team as a full-time employee in June 2024 after her internship. She enjoys being able to support and advocate for youth in foster care until they’re able to reach permanency.
