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Virgin Islands Foster Care and Adoption Requirements

 

The U.S. Virgin Islands Division of Children, Youth and Families includes the Office of Intervention Services.  Within that office, children who need to be placed in foster care for a period of time are served by the Protective and Foster Care unit.  To find offices located on St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John, please visit the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Human Services website.

Things You Should Know

 

Foster Care and Adoption
Licensing Requirements

 

A family must have sufficient resources to care for a child. Age and health are also considerations. The Virgin Islands’ Department of Human Services (DHS) requires identifying documents: a birth certificate, a Social Security card, immigration documents, marriage or divorce documents, if applicable, verification of address, and employment and income. The department also requires a doctor's physical exam, five letters of reference and a police record check. We also request a letter of introduction, including the family’s reasons for wanting to become foster or adoptive parents, and a photo.

 

Costs to Foster and Adopt

 

DHS does not presently charge a fee for any part of the adoption process. However, when it is time to finalize the adoption, the family must hire a private attorney to file the petition (This costs $500 or more).

 

Agency Contact and Orientation Information

 

St. Croix, VI

  • Office of Intervention Services, Division of Children and Family Services
    Contact: Jean A. Nesbitt-Matthew, District Manager
                    Cherlyn Bradford-Wattley, Licensing Specialist
    Address: 6179 Anna's Hope, Christiansted, St. Croix, VI 00820
    Phone: 340-773-5303
    Fax: 340-773-1882
    Email: jggmatth@yahoo.com

St. Thomas and St. John, VI

 

Information on the Virgin Islands'
Waiting Children

 

The children in the public child welfare system range in age from infants to 21 years old. Abuse, neglect or other family issues prevent them from living with their birth parents.

Learn more about adoption, foster care and children who are waiting for families.

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