Foster families: first-aid and CPR standards
First Aid & CPR Virginia
Becoming a foster family in Virginia means providing a safe, nurturing home to a child who cannot live with their own family. Among the requirements to complete for approval: holding current CPR and first-aid training.
The first-aid requirement
In Virginia, foster parents complete state-approved pre-service training that includes CPR, first aid and medication administration, and CPR/first-aid certification must be in place before a child is placed. The training builds the ability to respond to common emergencies — injuries, choking, cardiac arrest — and is delivered by a recognized provider.
This certification is recognized by the Department of Social Services as part of the approval process, which also includes the home study, background checks and completion of pre-service training. The certificate is one requirement in addition to the assessment of parenting suitability, and must be kept current.
Severe allergies and anaphylaxis
Because the pre-service training also covers medication administration, foster parents learn to manage a child's prescribed medications, which can include emergency treatment for a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) with an epinephrine auto-injector.
How to meet it
A recognized, up-to-date first-aid and CPR certificate meets this requirement. It is in addition to the required training or assessment, and is renewed periodically.
Training aligned with the latest emergency-care standards
Our CPR, AED and first-aid training is developed in line with the most recent international guidelines for emergency cardiovascular care and first aid.
We rigorously follow the recommendations of ILCOR (International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation), the international body responsible for the scientific evaluation and development of global resuscitation standards. These recommendations serve as a reference for health organizations, institutions and professional orders worldwide — and are updated as scientific and clinical evidence evolves.
Keep your skills current with confidence
Every intervention can make a difference. Keeping CPR and emergency-care skills current is both a professional requirement and a responsibility toward patients, colleagues and the public.
See the recognized first-aid courses in your regionReferences
- Virginia Department of Social Services — Foster Care
- FosterVA — Foster Parent Training Requirements in Virginia
- ILCOR — International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation
Content is being updated.