West Virginia launches a $6M fund to expand in-state foster care, reducing out-of-state placements and reinvesting savings.

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey unveiled a $6 million revolving fund to expand in-state foster care services, aiming to reduce the number of children placed out of state. The plan focuses on renovating state facilities to provide specialized psychiatric, developmental, and trauma care, with savings from lower out-of-state placement costs—averaging $156,000 per child—reinvested into the system. The initiative supports broader reforms including improved case supervision, data tools, and kinship care, building on recent progress like 1,100 adoptions and declining removal rates. Lawmakers are expected to consider related legislation, with further funding details to be shared in the governor’s January 14 State of the State address.