This bill proposes the addition of a new section, 49-2-815, to the Code of West Virginia, which establishes a temporary payment subsidy for kinship parents that is equal to the subsidy provided to foster parents. The eligibility for this temporary increase in subsidy is contingent upon the kinship parent passing a background check through the WV Cares Program, the successful completion of an initial home screening to address any critical safety issues, and the assignment of the kinship parent to a child placing agency for assistance in obtaining foster parent certification.

The bill stipulates that the temporary increase in subsidy will be payable within 30 days of the initial kinship placement and will last for a maximum of six months, allowing time for the kinship parent to achieve certification. If the kinship parent does not become certified within this timeframe, the temporary increase will be discontinued. The intent of this legislation is to provide financial support to kinship caregivers during the transition period as they work towards becoming certified foster parents.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 49-2-815