Virginia Foster Care Leaders Unite to Recognize and Support National Foster Care Month

ELEVATE program supported by the Virginia Office of the Children’s Ombudsman; licensed foster parents can now earn 5 annual training hours through self-paced modules

RICHMOND, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As Virginia recognizes National Foster Care Month in May, Anthem HealthKeepers Plus is expanding its efforts to support youth in foster care through its ongoing partnership with 3Strands Global Foundation (3SGF). The initiative brings additional tools and resources to youth, caregivers, and professionals who support some of the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable populations.

As part of the program’s continued rollout, licensed foster parents can now earn five hours of annual training credit through self-paced modules—helping meet state requirements while reducing the time and logistical burden often associated with training.

“National Foster Care Month is a reminder that meaningful progress comes from engaging youth, building supports, and strengthening opportunities,” said Eric Reynolds, VA Office of the Children’s Ombudsman. “We are encouraged by the collaborative efforts being coordinated to equip youth, caregivers, and professionals with practical, trauma-informed tools—and that center the lived experiences and safety of young people in care.”

This program approach simplifies requirements for caregivers while ensuring they have access to relevant, real-world tools that can be applied immediately to support youth in their care.

“Caregivers and frontline professionals play a critical role in supporting youth in foster care, and they need access to tools that are practical and easy to use,” said Jennie Reynolds, Plan President, Anthem HealthKeepers Plus. “This partnership allows us to better support those individuals while improving access to resources and helping drive stronger health outcomes for the youth and families we serve.”

A Focus on Prevention and Early Support

Rather than reacting to crises, the partnership emphasizes early intervention—equipping caregivers and professionals with resources to address challenges before they escalate into more serious health or safety concerns. This includes support for behavioral health needs, life skills development, and strategies to improve placement stability.

By investing in prevention and coordinated support, Anthem HealthKeepers Plus is helping create a more sustainable model of care—one that improves outcomes while supporting the efficient use of resources and reducing the need for more intensive interventions over time.

This approach aligns with broader statewide priorities focused on lowering costs of care, housing stability, and strengthening social services, all of which play a critical role in supporting family stability and improving outcomes for children in and at risk of entering foster care.

“This work is about making sure the right support is available at the right time,” said Ashlie Bryant, CEO and Co-Founder of 3Strands Global Foundation. “By equipping caregivers and professionals with practical tools, we can help strengthen systems of care and improve outcomes for youth across Virginia.”

Strengthening Partnerships Across Virginia

The initiative is supported by the Virginia Office of the Children’s Ombudsman and continues to expand through collaboration with local agencies, community organizations, and caregivers statewide. As part of National Foster Care Month, outreach efforts will focus on increasing awareness and engagement across the foster care community.

About Anthem HealthKeepers Plus Foster Care Specialty Plan

Anthem HealthKeepers Plus administers Virginia’s Foster Care Specialty Plan, providing coordinated, specialized support for youth in foster care, their caregivers, and the professionals who serve them. The plan focuses on whole-person, trauma-informed care to improve outcomes and support long-term stability.

About 3Strands Global Foundation

3Strands Global Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to prevention, education, and collaboration to strengthen systems of care and improve outcomes for vulnerable populations.