In West Virginia, approximately over 28,000 children live with grandparents or other relative caregivers. Additionally, over 16,000 grandparents reported having their grandchildren living with them.

The West Virginia Bureau of Children and Families offers financial resources to kinship care families through TANF Child Only Grants. Child only grants are awarded to kinship care families based solely on the income of the child. Mission West Virginia, Inc. coordinates the Relatives as Parents Program (RAPP), which exists to form partnerships with various organizations, governmental and nongovernmental, to provide support groups and education to senior citizens/relatives caring for children. RAPP in West Virginia works to refer kinship caregivers to other organizations that may provide assistance, such as; financial, emergency, and etc. All RAPP services are free of charge for kinship caretakers and families.

West Virginia offers a diverse range of services, support, and assistance for kinship care families. Through public and private partnerships the state has been able to place many children with relatives, and prevent their entrance into the foster system.

By the Numbers

• Over 28,000 children live with grandparents or other relative caregivers.
• Over 16,000 grandparents report having their grandchildren living with them.

Grandparent Visitation

Download the Grandparent Visitation information here (current as of 8/1/11)