About Foster

Access Virginia foster care data reports with trends, demographics and outcomes to support safety, stability and permanency for children and youth in care. Official government information is available at dss.virginia.gov.

Meeting schedules are available through the local government office.

In matters of public safety, the Foster Police Department diligently serves the community, ensuring a secure environment for its residents. For people seeking to obtain arrest records, mugshots, booking records, or criminal history, the process begins by contacting the local police department’s records unit, where requests can be made in person or via phone. For a more extensive background check, individuals may access the Virginia State Police's Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which is the central repository for criminal history in the state. Several online portals help with these requests, allowing residents to access certain public information with ease, streamlining the process of obtaining crucial data. Foster’s judicial matters are primarily handled by the Mathews County Circuit Court, which provides a range of services including civil and criminal cases, as well as family court matters. Those looking to request court records can do so through the court's online portal or by visiting the clerk's office in person. Vital records, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, are maintained by the Mathews County Clerk-Recorder’s Office, where residents can file requests both in person and online. For property records, the county assessor and recorder's offices offer documentation and information regarding local real estate, and similar online resources are available for convenient access. Individuals wishing for more on public records can submit requests under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA). Typically, respondents aim to fulfill these requests within 5 to 10 business days, ensuring that transparency and access to information are maintained in the community. This strong framework of law enforcement, judicial processes, and public records access exemplifies Foster's commitment to an informed and engaged citizenry.

Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement in Foster

Foster Police Department

The Foster Police Department is a small department of 9 Police Officers. With 6 of the officers being retired from other Police Departments. A nice town, country setting with very nice people.

https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Foster-Police-Department

Mathews County Sheriff's Office

Mathews County Sheriff’s Office is a full-service law enforcement office which currently employs 16 full time and 6 part-time sworn law enforcement personnel.

https://www.mathewscountyva.gov/232/Sheriff

⚖️ Courts & Case Records in Foster

Case Status and Information | Virginia Court System

To receive notification from the Supreme Court of Virginia and the Court of Appeals of Virginia when opinions, orders, rule changes, dockets and other information has become available, please enter your contact information below.

🔗 https://www.vacourts.gov/caseinfo/home

🏠 Property & Public Records in Foster

Foster Town Clerk and Public Records - OnGenealogy

The Foster Town Clerk has online access to Foster Public Records links where you can look up property addresses & owners, tax values, maps, & more.

🔗 https://www.ongenealogy.com/listings/foster-town-clerk-and-public-records/

Public Records & Services in Foster

About Foster — In Depth

Jail & Inmate Records

Detainees from the area are held at the Middle Peninsula Regional Security Center rather than a county-operated facility. This regional jail serves multiple counties and handles the standard booking process, including fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting personal information. Residents can search for current inmates through the center's website, which maintains updated information on detainees. Visitation requires advance scheduling and adherence to the facility's specific guidelines.
Local specifics: Inmate lookups for individuals arrested in or near Foster can be conducted at henrico.gov.

Arrest Records

The Mathews County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the community and surrounding areas. Under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, these records are available to the public upon request. Residents and attorneys can obtain arrest documentation by contacting the sheriff's office directly. Each record typically contains the individual's name, charges filed, arrest date, and booking information. Requests usually require formal submission, and the office may assess a nominal processing fee.
Local specifics: Recent arrest records for Foster are published online at henrico.gov.

Criminal Records

Criminal records in Mathews County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. Residents can request criminal records through the sheriff's office or use the Virginia State Police's online criminal history check system. The Virginia State Police offers further support for background checks, making sure of access to statewide criminal data.
Local specifics: Statewide criminal background checks covering Foster residents can be requested through vsp.virginia.gov.

Vital Records

Vital records for Foster, such as birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses, are managed by the Mathews County Circuit Court Clerk's Office. This office, situated at 10622 Buckley Hall Road in Mathews, is the central repository for these important documents. Residents can visit in person or submit written requests to obtain certified copies of vital records about events that occurred within Mathews County, including the community of Foster.

Business & Licensing Records

Business owners and entrepreneurs in Foster work with the Mathews County Planning and Zoning Department for permits, licenses, and land use matters. Located at 10622 Buckley Hall Road in Mathews, the department issues business licenses, building permits, and zoning approvals throughout Mathews County. Staff members help property owners and businesses navigate local ordinances and secure the necessary documentation to launch or expand their operations in the community.

Economy & Demographics

The local economy in Foster thrives on a blend of small businesses, agriculture, and tourism, which draws visitors eager to explore the natural beauty of the area. Major employers in the region include the Mathews County School District, local healthcare providers, and several family-owned farms and seafood operations. The town's proximity to the Chesapeake Bay also supports a marine-related industry, with many residents working in fishing, boating, and tourism-related professions.

Elections & Voter Records

The Mathews County Office of Voter Registration and Elections serves Foster voters from its location at 10622 Buckley Hall Road, Mathews, VA 23109, phone (804) 725-7172. This office maintains voter rolls, processes registrations, conducts elections, and provides election information for all county residents. Virginia residents can register online at vote.virginia.gov, the official Virginia Department of Elections portal, up to 22 days before any election.
Registration requires providing name, address, date of birth, social security number, and Virginia DMV customer number or last four digits of SSN. Same-day registration is not available in Virginia. As an unincorporated community, Foster has no municipal elections for mayor or city council. Instead, residents participate in Mathews County elections for the Board of Supervisors, with five members elected from districts to four-year terms. They also vote for Constitutional Officers including Sheriff, Commonwealth's Attorney, Clerk of Court, Commissioner of Revenue, and Treasurer, all serving four-year terms, along with School Board members. County elections typically occur in November of odd-numbered years. Voters are assigned polling places by precinct, which can be looked up at vote.virginia.gov by entering a residential address.Current federal, state, and local election schedules, ballot contests, candidate filings, and certified results for Foster voters are published by the Virginia Department of Elections (https://www.elections.virginia.gov/). Absentee voting is available to all registered voters without excuse required since 2020 law changes. Applications can be submitted online at vote.virginia.gov, by mail, or in person at the Registrar's office beginning 45 days before an election. Completed absentee ballots must be received by 7:00 PM on Election Day. Early in-person voting is available at the Registrar's office starting 45 days before Election Day during business hours and extended hours closer to the election. Public election records in Virginia include voter registration lists available with restrictions under Virginia Code § 24.2-405, campaign finance disclosure reports searchable at elections.virginia.gov/candidatepac-vonris/sf/, candidate filings, and precinct-level election results published by the State Board of Elections and the Mathews County Registrar. The Virginia Department of Elections website provides information on voting deadlines, ballot questions, candidate lists, and polling locations.

Public Records Resources for Foster, Virginia

Official government websites for Foster, Virginia and the surrounding area. We prioritize official government sources (.gov,.us, or.mil) and supplement with verified municipal, county, or statewide portals (.org or.com) where the agency uses a non-government domain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Vital records for Foster, Mathews County, Virginia including birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses are available through the Virginia Department of Health. Requests can be made online, by mail, or in person. The Mathews County Clerk's office may also issue certified copies. Valid identification and proof of eligibility are required.
Public schools in Foster, Mathews County, Virginia are administered by the local school district. School performance data, enrollment information, and district boundaries are available through the Virginia Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics at nces.ed.gov.
Crime data for Foster, Mathews County, Virginia is maintained by local law enforcement agencies and reported to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Residents can access crime statistics through the FBI Crime Data Explorer or by contacting local police (where present) or the Mathews County Sheriff's Office.
The Foster Public Library provides access to public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. The Mathews County library system may offer additional resources. Contact the library for available databases and research assistance.
Fingerprinting services for Foster, Virginia residents are available through local police (where present) and authorized providers in Mathews County. Services cover background checks, professional licensing, and employment screening. Contact local police (where present) or the Mathews County Sheriff's Office for scheduling and fees.
To register to vote in Foster, Virginia, residents can register online through the Virginia Department of Elections website, by mail, or in person at the Mathews County elections office. Virginia requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the Virginia Department of Elections voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Foster, contact the Mathews County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
Property records for Foster, Virginia are maintained by the Mathews Commissioner of the Revenue's Office and the Mathews County Clerk of the Circuit Court. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Mathews County, including parcels in Foster. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Mathews County Clerk of the Circuit Court maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Virginia counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. The Mathews County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
Birth, death, and marriage records for Foster, Virginia residents are available through both county and state offices. The Virginia Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, located in Richmond, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Virginia. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Mathews County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Mathews County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.