Child, family, and youth services in West Virginia are administered through the state's department of children and family services, which distributes federal Title IV-E foster care funds, CCAP child care assistance, and Chafee Independent Living funds to county offices and contracted providers throughout the state.
Families in West Virginia interested in becoming licensed foster parents can contact their county child and family services office to begin the home study and licensing process, which includes background checks, training requirements, and a home evaluation.
Youth aging out of the foster care system in West Virginia can access extended foster care, transitional housing assistance, education vouchers, and independent living skills programs through the West Virginia Department of Children and Family Services. Reaching out to the agency before turning 18 gives youth the best chance of accessing the full range of transition support programs available.