Open your home. Change a life
Children in our community need safe, caring homes. Foster care provides a temporary home while we work toward reunification or another permanent plan. We walk with you from your first question to your first placement—and beyond—with training, 24/7 support, and a team that truly cares. Single adults, renters, and working parents are welcome. We’ll help you prepare every step of the way.
Why The Up Center?
We equip you with compassionate, evidence-based parenting strategies, empowering you to create a nurturing and supportive environment.
You’ll have a team: clinicians, case managers, and peer support to help your family and the child thrive at home and in school.
We help you access eligible financial supports so you can focus on caregiving.
Small steps add up—trust, routines, and progress. We celebrate those with you.
Your Journey Through Foster Care
Call, email, or submit the interest form to get started.
Learn what fostering involves and ask questions.
Complete forms and background checks.
Build skills with our team—practical, trauma‑informed tools.
We get to know you and ensure your home is safe and ready.
You become an approved foster parent.
We look for the right match and support your first placement.
You’ll have continued coaching, resources, and community.
Apply
Why Families Choose The Up Center
We’re with you every step—clear guidance, quick responses, and a team that listens. You’ll never be left guessing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Single adults, married couples, renters, and working parents can foster. What matters most is a safe home and the willingness to learn.
No. We provide training and ongoing support.
It varies. Foster care is temporary while we work toward reunification or another permanent plan.
Training, coaching, and wraparound services for your family and the child. We’re available when you need us.
Yes. We help you navigate available financial supports.
Safety, healing, and stability—while aiming for reunification when possible.
Real Voices
Our Team
Our Team
I oversee the Foster Care and Team Up mentoring programs, ensuring high-quality support for youth and families across Hampton Roads. With over 20 years of child welfare experience and a Master of Social Work degree, I bring deep knowledge and dedication to my role.
As a Hampton Roads native, I’m passionate about helping children and families thrive and reach their full potential. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and engaging in community activities.
I work to increase awareness of the need for foster families and connect the community with resources and support. I hold both a B.S. and MPA and bring over 20 years of experience in social services and program coordination.
My motivation comes from helping families build connections and seeing communities grow stronger through support and education. I love being able to make a meaningful impact on children and families.
I advocate for and provide support to the children and families we serve in the foster care system, ensuring they have access to the resources they need. My experience includes an internship with the Foster Care team from August 2023 to April 2024.
Being able to make a positive impact on the community and set children up for successful futures is what motivates me every day. I own over 20 houseplants and love taking care of them in my spare time.
I provide case management for children placed in foster care, supporting families and ensuring children’s needs are met through individualized plans and services.
I’m motivated by helping as many children and families as possible and enjoy working to provide children with safe, stable, and supportive environments. Outside of work, I collect Christmas music and have built an extensive collection over the years.
As Placement Supervisor, I provide leadership and oversight to staff, ensuring high-quality service delivery within the Foster Care and Adoptions program. With 16 years at The Up Center, I’ve gained extensive experience supporting children, families, and staff across multiple roles.
I’m motivated by knowing the work we do directly improves the lives of children and families in our community. I take pride in leading a dedicated team that works tirelessly to create safe and nurturing homes for youth in care.
I assist with approving new foster homes by co-teaching PRIDE classes and writing home studies, ensuring that families are prepared to provide safe, nurturing environments for children. I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology and over 10 years of child welfare experience, including Child Protective Services, Foster Care, and Early Intervention case management.
I’m motivated by colleagues who care deeply about children, families, and positive outcomes. I enjoy meeting families who are ready to open their homes and hearts to children who need a safe place to live. Outside of work, I enjoy taking walks in my neighborhood, listening to podcasts, and reading.
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.
In my role as Resource Family Supervisor, I supervise and train a team of clinicians and caseworkers who support foster parents and youth in care. I hold a master’s degree and bring a strong foundation in supporting families as they navigate the fostering process.
I’m committed to helping youth and families reach their goals and thrive. I especially enjoy seeing the difference our support makes in people’s lives. Outside of work, I love the beach—it’s my favorite place to relax and recharge.
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