Local Foster Statistics

Within the Roanoke County area alone, more than 100 children are currently in the foster care system. Further, we have families caring for children currently through fostering and kinship (link to page), but we continue to need more caregivers to help youth age 10 and up. 

Below, two pie charts detail the stark differences in placements for younger and older children. 

Children in Roanoke County foster care 10 to 17 years old, data taken January 2022

Children ages 10 and older sometimes need to be placed in group homes or residential facilities due to higher level needs. After a few months though, these children need to step down safely into community settings and foster families. This becomes a challenge though as many foster families are interested in caring for younger children.

Children in Roanoke County foster care 0 to 9 years old, data taken January 2022

Additionally, according to the Virginia Department of Social Services (as of December 2021), more than 5,000 children are currently in foster care within the state of Virginia. Of these children affected be foster care, more than half are over the age of 10 years old.