Become a Foster Parent in West Virginia & Kentucky
Training, licensing, and full support provided by OVP Family and OVP Health.
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Call us at (304) 999-5437
What Fostering With OVP Family Actually Looks Like
Fostering with OVP Family means having the right support from the start. In this short video, our team explains what the process actually looks like — including training, ongoing guidance, and the support available along the way — so you can decide if fostering might be right for you.
What Makes OVP Family Different?
OVP Family is a foster care agency backed by OVP Health, giving foster parents direct access to medical, behavioral, and emotional support when it matters most. As a division of OVP Health, we combine the personal guidance of a local foster care team with the stability and resources of a broader healthcare network, helping foster families feel supported, informed, and confident throughout every stage of the fostering process.
Why Become a Foster Parent with OVP FAMILY?
Built-In Support
Access medical, behavioral, and emotional care through OVP Health when children or families need extra support.
Guided Training
We walk you through every step — from orientation and licensing to ongoing support after placement.
Local Foster Care Team
Our local teams and foster families are part of the same communities you live in.
Thinking about fostering but don’t know where to start?
At OVP FAMILY, we make the process simple, clear, and supportive. Whether you’re just curious or ready to commit, we’ll help you every step of the way.
What foster parents are saying about OVP Family
Hear from foster parents who started exactly where you are.
Rooted in Community. Backed by OVP Health.
OVP Family supports foster parents across West Virginia and Eastern Kentucky with local teams who understand the communities they serve.
Because OVP Family is backed by OVP Health, foster families also have access to medical and behavioral health resources when additional support is needed.
This means foster parents never have to navigate challenges alone.
Local offices across West Virginia and Eastern Kentucky ensure support is never far away.
OVP Family Office Locations:
WEST VIRGINIA
- Huntington
- Logan
- Mason
- Ravenswood
- Spencer
- Williamson
KENTUCKY
- Louisa
- Pikeville
New to Fostering? Start With the Basics.
If you’re starting to look into foster care and want to understand how it really works, you’re not alone. Most families begin by learning what to expect before deciding what the next step should be.
How to Become a Foster Parent in West Virginia & Kentucky
Becoming a foster parent begins with a simple interest form and an initial conversation. From there, OVP Family guides you through training, the home study, and state licensing in West Virginia or Kentucky, helping you understand each step before deciding how you’d like to move forward.
Foster Parent Requirements & Licensing Timeline
Foster parent requirements vary slightly by state but generally include background checks, home safety standards, required training, and a home study. For most families, the licensing process takes about 90 days, depending on scheduling and availability.
Foster Parent Training, Classes & Support
Foster parents complete required training that prepares them for real-life fostering, including trauma awareness, child development, and supporting children as they work toward returning safely to their families. After licensing, families continue to receive guidance and local support, with access to medical and behavioral health resources through OVP Health.
Foster-to-Adopt
Explained
Foster care focuses on providing children with safe, stable homes while efforts are made to reunite them with their families when possible. In some cases, children become eligible for adoption, and foster parents may be considered first. Foster-to-adopt allows families to provide stability while remaining open to adoption if that path becomes available.
See If Fostering Is Right for Your Family
Learn more about the process and talk with our team before deciding on next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be married or have parenting experience?
Nope! You can foster as a single person, married couple, or part of a same-sex partnership. And no previous parenting experience is required — we’ll train and guide you through every step.
Is it expensive to foster a child?
No. Foster parents receive a monthly stipend to help with things like food, clothing, and school supplies. Most medical expenses are covered through Medicaid.
How long does it take to become licensed?
Most families complete the process in about 90 days. That includes training, background checks, and a home study — and we’ll walk you through it all.
Can I choose the age or number of children I foster?
Yes. You’ll work with us to decide what’s right for your home — including age, gender, and the type of care you’re most comfortable providing.
Can foster parents adopt?
Yes, in many cases. If a child becomes legally eligible for adoption, foster parents are often given the first opportunity to adopt.
What kind of support do foster parents receive?
OVP FAMILY provides full wraparound support — including medical care, behavioral health services, and a dedicated team to help you and your foster child thrive.
Ready to change a child’s life — and your own?
At OVP FAMILY, we make the process simple, clear, and supportive. Whether you’re just curious or ready to commit, we’ll help you every step of the way.
Most conversations take less than 15 minutes.
OVP Family This program is funded in part under an Agreement with the West Virginia Department of Human Services.
© 2025 OVP Family