Supports and Services for Expectant and Parenting Youth in Foster Care - West Virginia

Date: October 2025

Youth's Parental Rights

This issue is not addressed in the laws and policies reviewed.

Placement Options
Citation: WV Code § 49-2-101

The Bureau for Social Services is responsible for the care of the infant child of an unmarried mother who has been committed to the custody of the Department of Health and Human Resources while the infant is placed in the same licensed child welfare agency as his or her mother. The bureau provides care for those children in family homes meeting required standards, through a licensed child welfare agency, or in a State institution providing care for dependent or neglected children.

Health Services 
Citation: Foster Care Policy § 2.4.12

In policy: Programs for pregnant and parenting youth intersect with and include the basic structure of programs for vulnerable youth but have additional services and supports, including appropriate health care and health education.  

Parent Preparation for Expectant Youth

This issue is not addressed in the laws and policies reviewed.

Education and Services to Support Parenting Youth
Citation: Foster Care Policy § 2.4.12

Programs for pregnant and parenting youth also must provide the following services and supports:

  • Education specific to the needs of the pregnant or parenting youth
  • Nutritional guidance and support
  • Counseling services specific to making decisions and planning for the child
  • Parenting educational services
  • Maintenance of an environment conducive to the safety of children (infant through toddler) and pregnant women

The issue of assisting parenting youth in finishing high school is not addressed in the laws and policies reviewed. For information on assisting youth in foster care complete high school, see Educational Supports for Youth in Foster Care - West Virginia | Child Welfare Information Gateway.

Economic and Concrete Supports

This issue is not addressed in the laws and policies reviewed.

Services and Supports for Parenting Youth That Promote Self-Sufficiency

This issue is not addressed in the laws and policies reviewed.

Foster Care Prevention Strategy for any Child Born to the Youth

This issue is not addressed in the laws and policies reviewed.