West Virginia Bureau for Children and Families
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BCF Support Article

What are the general guidelines to be a foster/adoptive parent?

Category:

Foster Care

Updated:

3/10/2003

• Foster families must have a stable and secure income that is not dependent on the financial support that children in foster care placements receive.


• Adoptive families must have sufficient income to meet the immediate and future needs of a child.


• Married couples, as well as single people, may be reviewed as potential parents.


• Foster/adoptive parents must be 21 years of age or older.


• Families must be in good physical and mental health as demonstrated with a current medical statement about their physical and emotional capacity to care for children.


• Working parents will be considered, however appropriate child care arrangements must be provided.


• Families can either rent or own their home.


• No more than six children can live in a foster home with no more than two children under the age of two. A special exception may be given, if necessary, to maintain a sibling group in the same home.


• Families must pass a health/fire/safety inspection of their home.


• Families may not have had an active child protective services case at any time.


• Families may not have had criminal involvement. Everyone in the home over age 18 will be fingerprinted for a criminal investigation background check.


• Families must have a stable family relationship and respect for children and their families as demonstrated through a positive family assessment.


• Families must demonstrate the ability to commit to a child for the duration of the placement, provide the child with maximum opportunities for personal development, and respond honestly to a child’s questions.

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