Kinship Care Support WV: Family Caregiver Support & Resources
Kinship care support WV - Resources for family caregivers
Kinship care is a vital part of West Virginia’s child welfare system, with over 21,000 children living in grand-families or kinship care arrangements between 2021 and 2023.
Mission WV is dedicated to supporting these families with resources, guidance, and community connections.
What is Kinship Care?
Kinship care means a relative, such as a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or close family friend, provides a safe, loving home for a child. This can be a formal arrangement through the foster care system or an informal agreement within the family. Kinship care helps keep children connected to their roots and provides stability during difficult times.
If you are a Relative or Kinship Provider and would like to be contacted, please fill out the form below:
Challenges Faced by Relative Caregivers
Financial Strain:
Many kinship caregivers live on fixed incomes and may not receive the same financial support as foster parents.
Legal and Custody Issues:
Navigating the legal system can be complex and overwhelming.
Emotional Stress:
Caregivers often face feelings of isolation, guilt, or shame, especially when caring for grandchildren due to parental substance use or incarceration.
Lack of Information:
Many caregivers are unaware of the resources and support available to them.
Kinship Care Support WV: Resources
Legal Aid: Guidance on custody, guardianship, and adoption.
Financial Assistance: Information on state stipends, SNAP, and other benefits.
Support Groups: Connect with other kinship caregivers for emotional support and advice.
Workshops and Training: Learn about child development, trauma, and self-care.
Resource Library: Downloadable guides and checklists.
Kinship Care Support WV: Definitions
Informal Relative Care Provider: A person caring for a relative child who is not in foster care or otherwise involved in the child welfare system. The family decides on its own that this relative will care for the child. The child’s birth parents keep legal custody, not the state.
Formal Relative Care Provider: Cares for a child who is in custody of the state. The state places the child with an appropriate relative, who then must work toward certification as a foster parent for that child.
Kinship Care Support WV: Resources
Get Support
If you are a relative or kinship care provider, contact us to access kinship care resources in your area.
Based in Hurricane, WV, Serving All of West Virginia
Contact us online | 304-562-0723 (Office) | 168 Midland Trail, Suite 1 Hurricane, WV 25526