The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources Bureau for Social Services is emphasizing the need for certified foster families for older youth.
In West Virginia, nearly half of youth entering foster care are 9 to 17 years old. Twenty-seven percent of those children are between the ages of 13 and 17 years old.
For the first quarter of 2023, there were on average 1,427 certified foster homes in West Virginia. Only 25 percent of these homes reported a willingness to accept youth ages 13 or older.
Mission West Virginia is the first point of contact for individuals interested in becoming a West Virginia foster parent, and also works with Child Placing Agencies to arrange matches between families and children in West Virginia. To learn more about foster care and relative/kinship care certification and resources, contact Mission West Virginia at www.missionwv.org or 1-866-CALL-MWV (1-866-225-5698).
To view and apply for careers in the child welfare field, visit the DHHR website. Individuals currently enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s social work program may receive tuition assistance. Email DHHREAP@wv.gov or call 304-558-6700 for more information.