A new proposal in West Virginia would give kinship caregivers full foster care payments within 30 days of children entering their homes.
Right now, relatives who take in children removed from their parents do not receive the same $790 per child monthly payment as certified foster families until they complete a certification process that can take months. In the meantime, some qualify for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, which starts at $417 per month.
Del. Adam Burkhammer is sponsoring the bill, saying kinship placements provide stability and reduce trauma for children. State officials estimate the change would cost about $3.9 million annually. The bill is now headed to the House Finance Committee for consideration.