Full Breakdown
Proposed Financial Support for Kinship Caregivers in West Virginia
2/14/2026, 1:39:31 AM
Overview of the Proposal
A new legislative proposal in West Virginia aims to provide kinship caregivers with full foster care subsidies within 30 days of children entering their care. Kinship caregivers, often relatives such as grandparents, frequently take in children on short notice when they are removed from their parents' homes. This sudden responsibility can lead to increased financial burdens, including food, clothing, and utility costs. Currently, these caregivers do not receive the same financial support as certified foster families until they complete a lengthy certification process, which can take several months.
Legislative Details
Del. Adam Burkhammer, a Republican from Lewis County, introduced the proposal, which would allow kinship families to receive $790 per child per month, similar to the amount provided to certified foster families, pending successful background and safety checks. This initiative aligns with recommendations from the national Grandparents & Kinship Families Support Network, emphasizing the importance of kinship care in providing stability and cultural continuity for children in foster care. Burkhammer stated, “You’re putting a child through a traumatic event when you’re removing them from their home... if you’re able to place them with a relative that they’re already familiar with, I believe there is a major advantage.”
Opposition and Concerns
The proposal has faced opposition from Lorie Bragg, the commissioner of the Bureau for Social Services, who expressed concerns about the financial implications for the state. During a House Health and Human Resources Committee meeting, Bragg noted that implementing this proposal could cost the state approximately $3.9 million annually. She highlighted that about 60% of children in state custody are currently in kinship care, underscoring the reliance on these families. Bragg also mentioned that while kinship caregivers can apply for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), the benefits are limited, starting at $417 per month, and not all families qualify.
Legislative Progress
The proposal has been amended to provide kinship families with more options for assistance during the certification process. It has moved to the House Committee on Finance, where Del. Vernon Criss, a Republican from Wood County, plans to advance it further. Scot Heckert, also a Republican from Wood County and a co-sponsor of the proposal, remarked on the necessity of the support for kinship families, stating, “The kinship families feel it’s needed because they are trying to do what’s right by a family member, and they feel like the state doesn’t want to help.”
Conclusion
The proposed legislation represents a significant shift in how West Virginia supports kinship caregivers, aiming to alleviate the financial strain they face when taking in children. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it highlights the ongoing debate about the best ways to support families in crisis while managing state resources effectively.
