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If you have a desire to become a parent or grow your family, we encourage you to consider foster care or adoption.

Here are the minimum requirements to get started:

  • You must be at least 21 years of age.
  • You must be economically stable.
  • You may be single, married, divorced or widowed.
  • You may rent or own your home.
  • You will need to complete a criminal background check.
  • You will be provided free training and support, including a 24 hour crisis number.
Inquiry Form

Finding Lifetime Families for West Virginia Children Since 1896

With You Every Step of the Way

When you decide to foster or adopt through the Children’s Home Society, we make sure you have all the training and support needed to successfully bring a child into your home. Counseling and other support services are available to all members of the adoption triad (birth parents, adoptive parents, and adoptees).

Guidance You Can Trust

The Children’s Home Society offers individual and family counseling services to birth parents, adoptive parents, and adoptees. Our social workers have expertise in adoption and attachment issues, as well as blended families, school adjustment, and mental health. Foster and adoptive parents can participate in regular family support groups to connect with others experiencing similar challenges. We provide professional and confidential services through consultations, crisis intervention, assessment, and referral. Because we know that the decision to foster or adopt is a life-altering one, we’re here to walk you through it.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose the age range and gender of the child I want to care for?

Yes. We strive to match a child to a family based on strengths and needs.

What are the costs associated with foster care?

There are no fees. Foster parents receive a stipend to meet the needs of the child. Medical, dental, and vision care is covered by Medicaid. Daycare is covered if parents work.

Can I foster if I work outside the home?

Yes. Many foster parents use approved daycare providers or afterschool care for foster children while they work. Daycare is covered for foster children when foster parents work at least 20 hours per week.

Isn’t it hard to give up a child once you become attached?

Loving a child and then sending him/her back to a healthier family is one of the hardest and most important aspects of fostering. The love you provided to the child will live in their hearts forever.

What groups of children are most in need of foster parents?

Teenagers, medically fragile children, sibling groups, and children with other special needs are the most in need of foster care. It is possible to foster very young children.

Can I adopt through foster care?

Yes. When children are unable to return to their families, foster parents are often able to adopt. Keep reading below to find out more about adoption.

Can I adopt a newborn?

The majority of our adoptions occur through foster care, however we do work with a few families each year who voluntarily decide to place a child for adoption.

How do I get started?

If you want to know more or you are ready to get started, please complete our inquiry form here.

What are the steps to fostering or adopting?

Complete an inquiry form. Attend orientation (virtual or in-person options). Complete specialized, free training (virtual or in-person options). Complete a home study assessment so we can get to know each other. Complete a Family Profile, if you wish to adopt.

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Adoption Services

Adoption may be an option when a child’s birth parents are unable to care for him or her, for various reasons. Some birth parents choose to make a voluntary adoption plan when they recognize they are currently not ready to be parents. Some foster children cannot return home because their parents or other family members are unable to meet their needs. Adoption is a positive way for children to become part of a permanent family.

Infant Adoption

As a certified foster/adoptive family through the Children’s Home Society of West Virginia, you have the option to be considered by birth parents for placement of a newborn child.