Essential Steps to Become a Foster Parent in West Virginia

Becoming a foster parent in West Virginia is an excellent way to make a positive impact on a child’s life. It’s important to know that becoming a foster parent involves a thorough process of evaluation and training to ensure that you’re ready to provide a safe, stable, and nurturing home for a child or young adult.

• Meet basic requirements – To become a foster parent in West Virginia, you must be at least 21 years old, have sufficient income to meet your own family’s needs, have a stable home environment, and pass a criminal background check.
• Attend orientation – You will be required to attend an orientation session to learn more about the foster care system in West Virginia.
• Complete pre-service training – You will need to complete a pre-service training program which includes classes on parenting, child development, abuse and neglect, and trauma-informed care.
• Submit an application – After completing the pre-service training, you’ll need to submit an application to become a foster parent with the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources.
• Complete a home study – A social worker will visit your home to make sure that it’s safe and suitable for a child or young adult.
• Provide references – You will be required to provide at least three references who can vouch for your abilities as a parent.
• Get licensed – Once you’ve completed the training, home study, and provided references, you’ll be licensed as a foster parent in West Virginia.

Becoming a foster parent in West Virginia is a rewarding experience that can change both your life and the life of a child. By providing a loving and supportive home, you can help a child overcome past trauma and build a brighter future.

how to become a foster parent in West Virginia

Number of Foster Parents in West Virginia	1,450
Number of Children in Foster Care in West Virginia	7,000
Average Age of Foster Parents	39
Percentage of Single Foster Parents	31%
Percentage of Married Foster Parents	69%
Types of Foster Care Provided	Regular, Respite, Kinship, Emergency, Therapeutic
Training Requirements	30 hours of pre-service training and 12 hours of ongoing training per year

Guide to Becoming a Foster Parents in West Virginia: References and Resources

To learn more about becoming a foster parent in West Virginia, there are several resources you can turn to:

• The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) has a website dedicated to foster parenting that provides information on the application process, training requirements, and support services available to foster parents. Visit https://dhhr.wv.gov/bcf/Services/family/Pages/Foster-Care.aspx to learn more.
• The DHHR also offers an informational packet for prospective foster parents that can be requested by calling (877) 716-1212. The packet includes an overview of the foster care system in West Virginia, information on the licensing process, and details on the types of children in need of foster homes.
• Local adoption and foster care agencies may also be able to provide guidance on becoming a foster parent in West Virginia. These agencies may offer training courses, support groups, and other resources to help foster parents navigate the licensing process and succeed in their role.

Before making the decision to become a foster parent, it’s important to thoroughly research the requirements and responsibilities involved in providing a safe and loving home for a child in need. By working with the DHHR and local foster care agencies, prospective foster parents can gain the knowledge and support they need to make a positive difference in the lives of children in West Virginia.

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