Henrico residents interested in becoming foster parents can learn about the county’s Foster Care program at an orientation session scheduled for 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 19 at the Human Services Building boardroom, 8600 Dixon Powers Drive.

Participants will receive information on a variety of topics, including the special needs of foster children; what it takes to be a successful foster parent; working with program staff and the biological parents of a foster child; and the application and approval process. There will be a question-and-answer period as well.

Henrico’s Department of Social Services currently has a special need for families interested in serving as foster parents for sibling groups and teens. Pre-registration for the information sessions is encouraged. Participants can register or obtain additional information by calling Vickie Ladd at 501-4245 or Georgia Phillips at 501-7496. Information also is available online at http://www.henricocares.org .

Foster parents are “professional parents,” available around-the-clock to bring children into their homes and provide temporary and potentially long-term care in a safe, stable environment. Parents must be at least 21, have their own source of income and sufficient living space in their house or apartment to care for a child. They can be single or married, with or without children of their own, male or female, and from all backgrounds, races and nationalities.