Mark Earley Jr., a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, announced that new legislation signed by the governor will strengthen foster care through collaborative reforms. The statement was made on X.
“As a foster parent myself, I was glad to stand by Governor Youngkin as he signed new legislation we passed in the General Assembly session improving our foster care system,” said Earley Jr., House Representative. “I’m grateful for the partnerships and work that is going toward ensuring safe children and strong families.”
In May 2025, Virginia enacted major foster care reforms with the signing of two bipartisan bills aimed at improving child welfare services across the state. According to WTVR News, the legislation enhances kinship care placements, accelerates adoption timelines, and expands resources for child protective services. Governor Glenn Youngkin emphasized that the laws are designed to ensure stability and long-term support for children and families in crisis. The initiative reflects a coordinated effort to modernize Virginia’s foster care system.
As of 2024, there were approximately 5,370 children in Virginia’s foster care system, up from 5,150 in 2014. According to data presented by SlidePlayer in collaboration with Virginia child welfare officials, the steady rise in foster care placements over the past decade underscores the need for targeted reforms. The statistics reflect increased demands on family services and highlight the importance of new legislation to strengthen placement outcomes and support for foster families.
Virginia’s foster care reforms reflect a growing national trend toward prioritizing kinship care to improve placement stability and reduce reliance on institutional settings. According to a 2024 report by Stateline, states including Virginia are using “kin-first” policies to divert children from the traditional foster system and place them with relatives or close family connections. These approaches have been linked to better emotional and developmental outcomes for children. Kinship models are reshaping the structure of foster care across the U.S.
Earley is a Republican member of the Virginia House of Delegates, representing the 73rd District since 2024. According to his official campaign website, he is an attorney, husband, and foster parent whose legislative platform focuses on strengthening families, improving foster care, and supporting law enforcement. He has actively supported recent foster care reforms and frequently advocates for policies that prioritize the well-being of vulnerable children. His leadership is informed by personal and professional experience.
