In 2020, despite fewer reports of child abuse and neglect, the state still saw high numbers of kids in the foster care system with more than 7,000 kids at one time. Now, with school set to return next week, WCHS TV reported that foster care organizations like Necco in Huntington, are preparing for more referrals. Necco’s Executive State Director for West Virginia and Ohio Amy Kennedy-Rickman said the goal of the foster care system is for children to be eventually reunited with their families, but said that is not always possible. West Virginia has more than 7,000 kids in foster care now and adoption numbers have also increased. If you’re interested, now is a good time to become a foster parent.