Whether you’re interested in private adoption, foster care adoption or another path, knowing what to expect is crucial to a successful adoption.

West Virginia’s adoption laws are designed to ensure that children are placed in safe, loving homes. While the state has general guidelines, additional adoption criteria may vary depending on the type of adoption you pursue and the agency you work with.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the key adoption requirements in West Virginia, including the steps you’ll need to take to qualify for adoption. For more information, fill out our online contact form today.

What Are the Requirements to Adopt in West Virginia?

If you want to grow your family through adoption, you will want to review West Virginia’s basic adoptive parent requirements:

• Age: You must be between the ages of 21 and 65 to adopt in West Virginia.
• Marital Status: You can adopt whether you’re single, married, in a same-sex relationship, divorced or cohabitating.
• Residency: While you don’t have to be a resident of West Virginia to adopt a child from the state, you will need to follow the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children.

Private Adoption Agency Requirements

In addition to West Virginia’s adoption requirements, private agencies may have their own adoption criteria. Some agencies might have age limits, while others may only work with families of a specific faith or background.

It’s important to communicate with your chosen agency to understand any additional requirements they might have. By meeting adoption agency requirements, you can increase your chances of adopting a newborn or infant after an expectant parent selects you to be her baby’s family.

Each private adoption agency operates differently, so it’s essential to do your research. Find an agency that aligns with your values and family-building goals. Once you’ve met the agency’s specific requirements, you’re one step closer to welcoming a child into your life.

Foster Care Requirements to Adopt

You will need training to become a foster parent in West Virginia. Before a child can be placed with your family, must first attend an orientation. During your first year as a foster parent, 15 additional hours of training are required. Afterward, you’ll need to complete 12 hours of ongoing training annually, along with first aid and CPR training.

Foster care can be challenging because many children in the system have experienced instability, trauma or abuse. The training you receive is designed to help you provide the care and support these children need. You may also need to interact with the child’s birth family, as the ultimate goal of foster care is reunification.

If reunification isn’t possible, you may be able to adopt the child. Many children in foster care who are already available for adoption are older, part of a sibling group or have special needs. Depending on your family-building goals, foster care adoption could be the right path for you.

How to Qualify for Adoption [Completing a Home Study]

You will need to complete a home study in West Virginia before you can adopt a child. This adoption qualification ensures that your home will be a safe, supportive environment and that you are physically, emotionally and financially ready to care for a baby.

Here’s what the home study process typically includes:

• Documentation and a background check: You’ll need to provide your social worker with your driver’s license, Social Security card, marriage license (if applicable), proof of income, most recent tax return, medical records and more. You will also need to undergo a criminal background check.
• Home visit: Your social worker will visit your home to ensure it meets safety standards. Although you might worry about appearing perfect, the home visit isn’t a white glove test. Rather, your social worker will be looking for childproof features like gated stairways and locked medicine and chemical cabinets.
• Family interviews: You and your family members will participate in interviews to discuss your motivations for adopting, your parenting style and your overall readiness. This isn’t an interview you need to study for, but it can help to go over potential questions with a close friend so you feel more prepared.

The home study is one of the most important requirements for adoption. Completing the home study might seem daunting, but it’s an important step in your adoption journey. If you want to learn more about what to expect, be sure to check out our home study agencies guide.