Foster Care
Be a child’s no place like home for the holidays.
At Burlington, we believe every child deserves a loving home, especially during the holidays.
Interested in Becoming a Foster Parent?
If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, please click the button below to fill out an inquiry form and a Home Evaluator will contact you. WV residents only please.
The Bennett Family
The Bennett family began fostering children with Burlington in 2018. They have a passion for giving older children in the system a second chance and hope for a brighter future.
“Every child just needs to know that they are appreciated and that they are supposed to be on this earth. “ – Bethany Bennett.
Burlington entered the foster care ministry in 1985. Since that time it has become one of the agency’s largest program. Our program provides services to children from birth to 18 years of age as well as youth up to 20 years of age, if they remain in a school setting. They may have suffered from abuse and neglect; have emotional or physical challenges or other circumstances which make them unable to live with their family of origin. Children served are of all races and religion. Children are referred to the program primarily by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources as well as other social service agencies. Foster families are needed for the program. The agency continuously recruits families.
Eligibility criteria for foster parents include:
Over 21 years of age; good physical and emotional health, stable family relationships; ability to manage family financial obligations; willingness to undergo required criminal background checks and child abuse clearances; willingness to participate in initial and ongoing training; openness to issues of working with child’s birth parents; understanding of unpredictability of foster care (it may be temporary or may require that a family make a permanent commitment to the child); cannot receive state assistance such as food stamps and medical cards (CHIPS are acceptable); must provide a drug and violence free home; must complete a home study; must be in good physical and mental health; must have reliable transportation with insurance; must have ample space so each foster child can have their own bed.
Services we provide for the child:
Immediate placement in safe family environment upon referral; assignment of a social worker who will coordinate treatment and services; access to emergency service on a 24 hr. basis; coordination of birth family contact (if recommended); and other services as needed.
Services we provide for Foster Parents:
Individualized orientation; initial and ongoing training; supportive services from a treatment coordinator; monthly financial assistance to defray costs; access to respite care services if needed; and other services as needed.
Locations:
Beckley, Clarksburg, Elkins, Grafton, Keyser, and Martinsburg.
To read stories from our Foster Parents, please click here.
For more information please contact Melissa Hauck at 304-260-5884 or mchauck@bumfs.org
Ray and Tammy Michael started adopting children through Burlington in 1987.
“A child just wants a home, love, and care… When you see those needs get met you will see them blossom.” – Tammy Michael.