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Family Services / Virginia's Adoption Program / Myths vs. Facts About Adoption
Adoption in Virginia is filled with hope and possibility, yet many families hesitate because of common myths. In reality, adoption is open to adults of all ages and backgrounds, and most adoptions from foster care are free or low-cost. Whether you are single, married, military, a relative or a foster parent, you can provide a safe, loving home for a child. This page clears up common misconceptions with facts, so you can better understand the process and see how you might be part of a child’s future.
Learn the facts about adoption in Virginia and compare them to common myths. Review the information below to learn more.
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| You must be wealthy or own a home to adopt. | Most adoptions from foster care are free or low-cost. Supports such as adoption assistance and medical coverage may be available. |
| You can only adopt a child of the same race. | Federal law prohibits delaying or denying adoption because of race or ethnicity. Families adopting across cultures are encouraged to learn how to support a child’s heritage and identity. |
| Only young parents can adopt. | Adoption is open to adults of all ages who can provide stability and love. |
| Military families cannot adopt. | Military families can adopt. The process is flexible to accommodate moves or deployments. |
| Relatives cannot adopt children in foster care. | Virginia law gives preference to safe, stable relatives through “kinship care.” |
| Foster parents cannot adopt children in their care. | In Virginia, foster parents are usually the first families considered if a child cannot return home. |
| All children in foster care have severe special needs. | “Special needs” often just means a child is older, part of a sibling group or from a certain background. Many are simply kids who need safe, loving families. |
| International adoption is easier than foster care adoption. | International adoption is usually longer and more expensive. Foster care adoption is local, lower-cost and hundreds of Virginia children are waiting for permanent homes now. |
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