WV SB544

Kinship parents who receive placement of a child would be eligible for a temporary subsidy increase equal to the foster parent subsidy rate for up to six months while working toward foster parent certification.

To qualify for the increased subsidy, kinship parents must pass a background check through the WV Cares Program within five days of initial placement and pass an initial home screening for life safety issues.

Kinship parents receiving the temporary increase must be assigned to a child placing agency to assist with obtaining foster parent certification.

The increased subsidy payments would begin within 30 days of initial kinship placement and automatically end after six months if the kinship parent does not become certified as a foster parent.

The bill adds a new section (§49-2-815) to West Virginia Code relating to state responsibilities for children.