10 Great Resources for West Virginia Foster Kids
There are few things more challenging than ending up in foster care. Children in West Virginia’s foster care system have often experienced abuse or neglect. Then, they’re forced to leave their homes, switch schools, and navigate the legal system.
At CASA of New River, we train volunteer advocates who serve as a foster kid’s voice in the courtroom. But our CASA Advocates also do so much more. They review case files, serve as a trusted adult, and connect foster youth with helpful resources.
Here are ten of the best free or low-cost resources we’ve found for West Virginia foster kids:
1. FREE COLLEGE
If you’ve been in the foster care system, you can receive a tuition waiver to attend one of West Virginia’s public colleges or universities.
You must have graduated from high school or gotten your GED while in the system, and you also need to apply for financial aid.
To learn more about the program, visit this website.
2. HELP APPLYING TO COLLEGE
In addition to tuition waivers, West Virginia offers several grants to help people go to college. College for West Virginia can help you apply for this funding, fill out your college application, and even give you financial aid counseling.
And fun fact: Anyone who has been in foster care after age 13 is automatically considered independent on the FAFSA form. That’s true even if you’ve been adopted.
This typically qualifies you for the maximum federal Pell Grant amount: $7,395 per year, which doesn’t have to be repaid.
Visit CFWV’s website here or text “CFWV” to 304-912-2398 to learn more.
3. MORE MONEY FOR COLLEGE!
Young people exiting the foster care system at age 18 or older can receive up to $5,000 from an Educational and Training Voucher. You can use this money for tuition, vocational training, or other key needs like textbooks, computers, and transportation.
Learn more here.
4. FREE OR LOW-COST HEALTHCARE
Did you know former foster youth can stay on Medicaid until they turn 26, regardless of how much money they make? You just have to renew your coverage every year after turning 21.
You can apply for Medicaid here.
5. NEARLY $12,000 IN INDEPENDENT LIVING SUBSIDIES
Young people who are aging out of foster care can receive independent living subsidies. This includes a one-time $1,100 start up payment, plus ongoing $900 monthly subsidies to help establish independence. That’s up to $10,800 a year in monthly support, on top of the initial payment! You can get this support until age 23.
Reach out to your caseworker to learn more.
6. FREE MIDDLE COLLEGE AT FAIRMONT STATE UNIVERSITY
This program is open to 11th and 12th graders across West Virginia who’ve been in foster care. It allows students to finish their high school diploma while also earning an associate’s degree or two years of college credit toward a bachelor’s degree.
Students live in off-campus housing with community-based support services, including life skills workshops, social-emotional learning activities, and more resources to help them navigate young adulthood.
Learn more here.
7. FREE PARTICIPATION IN SCOUTING PROGRAMS
West Virginia youth in foster care can easily participate in Girl Scouts or Scouting America (formerly the Boy Scouts), thanks to the Next Generation Program.
This program pays membership fees and associated program costs for children in foster and kinship care.
Learn more and apply online here.
8. FREE LEGAL SUPPORT
Legal Aid of WV’s FAST program (Family, Advocacy, Support, and Training) helps families plan, manage, and evaluate a foster child’s education.
FAST Advocates can help you develop IEPs, assist with the transition between schools and school districts, and help resolve legal concerns that impact a child’s academic success.
To apply for help from FAST, call Legal Aid of WV at 866-255-4370 or apply online at lawv.net.
9. FREE SUMMER CAMP – EVERY YEAR, 4-H HOSTS A WEEK-LONG SUMMER CAMP FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AGED 14-21.
Foster youth can receive a full scholarship to attend. Participants develop leadership skills, increase civic engagement and can participate in more than a dozen week-long workshops. These include beekeeping, canoeing, and ropes courses.
Learn more and apply here.
10. DISCOUNTED ADMISSION TO THE HUNTINGTON CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
Both parents and children in foster care can visit the Huntington Children’s Museum for a discounted rate of just $2 each.
Learn more here.