Virgin Islands foster care and adoption requirements
The US 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 US Virgin Islands Department of Human Services website.
On this page:
- Foster care and adoption licensing requirements
- Costs to foster and adopt
- Agency contact and orientation information
- Post-adoption support
- Information on the children
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
Contacts: Lovine Johnson, foster care and adoption manager
Address: 6179 Anna's Hope, Christiansted, St. Croix, VI 00820
Phone: 340-773-5303
Fax: 340-773-1882
Email: lovine.johnson@dhs.vi.gov
St. Thomas and St. John, VI
Office of Intervention Services, Division of Children and Family Services
Contact: Charrisse Hart
Address: Knud Hansen Complex, 1303 Hospital Ground, St. Thomas, VI 00802
Phone: 340-774-0930, Ext. 4392
Fax: 340-774-0082
Email: charrisse.hart@dhs.vi.gov
Post-adoption support
See a comprehensive list of post-adoption and guardianship support services and support groups available to families who live in the US Virgin Islands.
Information on the children in the US Virgin Islands
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.