Foster Care Questions, Myths, and Facts

Requirements vary by agency, but here’s what’s generally consistent. You must be at least 18 years old (many agencies require 21), a U.S. citizen, a West Virginia resident, and in good physical and mental health. You’ll also need a stable income, a home that passes a safety inspection, and a clean background check through the WV CARES system.

Your family situation is more flexible than most people expect. You can be married, single, divorced, cohabitating, or in a same-sex relationship. What matters most is that you have a stable support system.

Yes, and most foster parents do. You don’t need to be a stay-at-home parent – you just need a reliable support system.

If you use a state-certified childcare provider, those costs are covered for foster parents.

For the most part, child care costs are generally covered. Certification is essentially free. You may encounter small fees for background checks or minor home preparation costs, but the financial barrier is much lower than most people expect.

Costs can be higher if you’re pursuing a private adoption outside the foster care system – such as infant or international adoption. But for foster care and foster-to-adopt situations, cost is rarely the obstacle people assume it is.

No – each child needs their own bed and space for their belongings, but not their own room. Children may share a room with other children of the same gender.

There are exceptions. Some agencies have square footage requirements, and certain behavioral considerations may mean a child needs their own space. When in doubt, ask your agency directly.

Yes. Once you’re certified, you work with your agency to define what placements you’re open to – including age range, gender, and number of children.

The goal is to match children with families who are genuinely prepared to meet their needs. Your preferences are part of that process.