Foster Care – two words that embody hope, empathy, and a chance for a brighter future for West Virginia’s children. With over a century of dedication, Burlington United Methodist Family Services stands at the forefront of transforming lives in the foster care system.

You might be looking for a way to make a difference. Becoming a foster parent through Burlington is more than providing shelter—it’s about opening your heart and home to children who need guidance, affection, and stability that only a nurturing environment can offer. Foster parents give children the foundation for growth, healing, and the ability to thrive in society.

Burlington recognizes the unique journey that every prospective foster parent undertakes. We will ensure you are ready to become a beacon of hope in a child’s life by providing a thorough understanding of the emotional and physical well-being necessary to host a foster child. Our support extends from the initial inquiry to ongoing assistance post-placement. Through comprehensive training and an insightful home study, we will ensure you’re well-equipped to meet the challenges and celebrate the victories that fostering entails.

Our home study is meticulously designed to evaluate all aspects of a safe and nourishing environment. The process includes examining your physical and emotional health, as well as your financial stability. A criminal background check is essential to ensuring the safety and security of the children entrusted to our care.

Once you join the Burlington family, you become part of a continuum of care that lasts from prenatal to adulthood. Our one-stop-shop approach to offering hope and healing has solidified our reputation in every corner of West Virginia. The thousands of children in the state foster care system, all seeking the comfort and permanence of a loving home, have a diverse set of challenges and needs.

We acknowledge that the commitment to foster a child can be overwhelming, so we offer various avenues to participate in the foster care system. For those not ready to commit long-term, consider respite care or volunteering. Respite care allows you to take a foster child into your home for short periods, providing relief to full-time foster parents and a fresh, supportive environment for the child. Volunteering opens the door to experiencing the foster care system before diving in fully. It’s a stepping stone that can lead to a life-changing decision.

The crux of effective foster care lies in its ability to help children find the tools for self-determination and productive citizenship. Our agency’s extensive impact is not limited to the children; it enriches the lives of our foster parents, volunteers, and donors. Those who embark on this journey with Burlington are not just contributing to the community but are partaking in a deeply rewarding experience that resonates with joy and fulfillment.

At Burlington United Methodist Family Services, we guide you through every stage of the fostering process. We stand by your side, ensuring you are fully supported, and your questions are answered. You are not alone; we provide the resources and an expert team to help you make a difference.

If you feel the call to foster care, contact Melissa Hauck at (304) 260-5884 x1445 or mchauck@bumfs.org.

Together, we can shoulder the responsibility and share the joy of shaping the future, one foster child at a time. The difference you make by becoming a foster parent is immeasurable, and the impact will last a lifetime. The journey begins with you, and Burlington United Methodist Family Services will be with you every step of the way. Let’s change lives together.