Is a resource family the same as a foster family?
Yes and no. All of our Resource Families are trained to become foster-to-adopt families. Both a Resource Family and a foster family provide temporary substitute care for children who cannot remain in their homes. The ultimate goal is always to find permanency for a child. The goal of reunifying a child with birth parents or prior custodian is, in most cases the best plan for a child. If it is determined that it is not likely that the child can be returned to his or her prior family within a reasonable amount of time, then other opportunities are explored. These include placing the child with relatives for either adoption or custody transfer or if those are not viable options, adoption by a non-relative. Because Resource Families are trained to be foster-to-adopt families, a foster placement has potential to become an adoptive placement.

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1. Where is the Fredericksburg Department of Social Services located?
2. What are the hours of operation?
3. Do I contact the Fredericksburg Department of Social Services for issues regarding Child Support?
4. My address is in Fredericksburg. Does that mean I am a city resident?
5. How do I contact my case worker?
6. If I move to Fredericksburg from another Virginia locality, will my benefits transfer?
7. How do I report child abuse or neglect?
8. How do I report adult abuse or neglect?
9. How do I learn more about becoming a foster parent?
10. Is a resource family the same as a foster family?
11. How long does the certification process take?
12. Can I choose the child I want?
13. After I complete the certification process, how long is the wait before I get a placement?
14. Can a single adult be a resource parent?
15. Can we foster and/or adopt if we are living together without being married?
16. Is there financial assistance for resource families?
17. What about the medical needs of the children?
18. How can I find out if I am eligible for benefits?
19. Are there any general requirements?
20. How can I get an application for benefits?
21. Where do I return my application?
22. Will I need to provide any sort of documentation?
23. How soon will I know if my application has been approved?
24. My application was denied because I could not provide all of the requested information. Can I re-apply?
25. Who is eligible for SNAP?
26. When do I get my SNAP benefits?
27. How do I get my SNAP benefits with the Virginia EBT card?
28. What is a PIN?
29. What if I forget my PIN?
30. What if I lose or damage my EBT card?
31. What if I don't want to use all of my benefits in one month?
32. What if I plan to move or change my address?