Rate Increases Approved For Foster Care Assistance Agencies

In a continuing effort to improve conditions for West Virginia’s most vulnerable citizens, pay rates are increasing for agencies that help with state foster care programs.

The Department of Health and Human Resources Bureau for Social Services announced on Monday in a press release that it will increase the administration rate for Child Placing Agencies by 10 percent. 

A placing agency is a child welfare organization, other than one operated by the state, established for the purpose of placing children in private family homes or other approved living arrangements for foster care or for adoption. These additional funds will be used to recruit and certify traditional and therapeutic foster homes.

DHHR will also give a 30 percent rate increase for Socially Necessary Services Providers. Socially necessary services are interventions designed to maintain or establish safety, permanency and well-being for the Bureau for Children and Families’ targeted populations of child protective and youth services. They provide child welfare involved families with prevention services and supports to assist in reunification including transportation, supervised visitation and parenting skills.

“These providers are critical partners in our efforts to support the well-being of West Virginia’s children and families,” Jeffrey Pack, commissioner of DHHR’s Bureau for Social Services, said in the release. “We are pleased to provide this enhanced rate in recognition of their important work.”

The Bureau for Social Services anticipates these rate increases will be effective Oct. 1, 2023. Additional rate increases are being studied and will be proposed for state fiscal year 2025. 

Those interested in foster care opportunities can contact Mission WV at 866-CALL-MWV. To view and apply for DHHR career opportunities, visit dhhr.wv.gov/Pages/Career-Opportunities.aspx.