Giving Kids Stability: Warren County Seeks More Foster Families

A closer look at foster care in Warren County shows both the challenges children face and the community’s role in helping them find stability.

In a recent conversation at the Royal Examiner Studio, members of the Department of Social Services’ Permanency Unit shared insight into their work with local foster children. The unit currently serves 47 children, ranging in age from newborns to young adults up to 21.

Joel Nutekpor and Kaylee Mills of the Warren County Department of Social Services join host Mike McCool in the Royal Examiner studio to discuss foster care and the need for local families.

Permanency, as staff explains it, is about finding safe, lasting homes for children who can no longer remain where they are. The first goal is almost always reunification—helping families address issues so children can return home safely. When that is not possible, caseworkers look at other options, including placement with relatives, adoption, or independent living programs for older teens.

“It really depends on each case,” said Kaylee Mills, Supervisor of the Permanency Unit. “We work closely with families to give them the support they need, so their child can safely come home.”

Children typically enter foster care after courts determine they are not safe in their current environment. Once in the system, cases often remain open for at least 15 months, with regular court reviews to track progress and decide next steps.

For many children, the transition can be difficult. Some are placed in foster homes, while others, especially older youth or those with specialized needs, may stay in group homes or residential facilities. Even so, maintaining a sense of normal life is a priority.

Joel Nutekpor, a Family Services Specialist, Foster Care, who recently joined the unit, said small efforts can make a big difference. He recalled helping a student in foster care purchase a graduation package so the teen could celebrate the milestone. “Life still needs to go on,” he said.

That focus on normalcy extends to family connections. Parents are encouraged to stay involved through visitation while working toward reunification. Caseworkers say the process is often emotional, but support services are in place to guide families through it.

When reunification is not an option, relatives frequently step in. Through kinship care, family members—often grandparents—can be trained and supported in much the same way as foster parents, allowing children to remain connected to their extended family.

Still, one of the biggest challenges remains finding enough foster families, especially for older children. While about 28 families are currently involved in the regional program, only about half are available for placements, and many prefer caring for younger children.

Teenagers, particularly those ages 10 to 17, are the hardest to place. Yet keeping them in their home community can have a major impact. Local placements allow students to stay in their schools, maintain friendships, and reach milestones like graduation.

Community awareness is key, staff say. Foster care is often seen as a difficult or uncomfortable topic, but increasing understanding can help recruit families and improve outcomes for children.

“It’s really about having people willing to step in and be open to the unexpected,” Mills said, noting that every child’s experience with trauma is different.

For older youth, support does not end at age 18. Virginia’s “Fostering Futures” program allows young adults to voluntarily remain in care until age 21, providing financial assistance and guidance as they transition to independence.

Despite the challenges, workers say the rewards come in small victories—watching a child adjust to a new home, seeing families reunite, or celebrating graduations and personal achievements.

As the need continues, local officials encourage residents to learn more about fostering or supporting the system in other ways. Even small steps, they say, can help change a child’s future.

Contact information is available on the County website.

More about Foster care – Virginia Department of Social Services.

Town Talk, sponsored by National Media Services, Inc., is a Royal Examiner series that introduces you to local entrepreneurs, business owners, nonprofit leaders, and public officials who help shape Warren County. Conversations cover a wide range of topics about our community and the people making a difference.