All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

DHHR reminds residents of resources for foster care families

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) reminds residents of support available for caregivers of children in foster care. Through programs administered by DHHR’s Bureau for Family Assistance, foster families may be eligible to receive help meeting nutritional needs, child care, school clothing, and more.

“Foster care families provide critical support to West Virginia children and youth, and these resources can help them address potential financial concerns so that they can continue their important work,” said Janie Cole, Commissioner of DHHR’s Bureau for Family Assistance. 

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides monthly benefits to qualifying families that can be used for the purchase of food. Cash benefits are available for qualifying caretaker relatives through WV WORKS, West Virginia’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, which also provides supportive services to help with the cost of caring for a child. Applications for SNAP and WV WORKS can be made at wvpath.wv.gov or at a DHHR county office

Foster families in which both parents are engaged in work or education may qualify for assistance with child care costs.  Assistance is available for foster families with assets of less than $1 million. Foster families are encouraged to contact their local Child Care Resource & Referral Agency to apply and for help with locating a high quality child care provider.

Foster families in which both parents are engaged in work or education may qualify for assistance with child care costs.  Assistance is available for foster families with assets of less than $1 million. Foster families are encouraged to contact their local Child Care Resource & Referral Agency to apply and for help with locating a high quality child care provider.

West Virginia is one of only three states nationwide that provides a School Clothing Allowance for qualifying families, including foster families. This annual benefit of $200 per eligible child is automatically provided to the parents or guardians of children in foster care and families with children receiving benefits under the WV WORKS program, as well as to families with school aged children receiving SNAP that qualify by income. 

Foster families may find additional support through Family Support Centers, which are funded by DHHR’s Bureau for Family Assistance. Services at each center vary, but typically include support groups, play groups for children, parenting education classes, respite services, and more. Family Support Centers also can help with nutritional and hygiene needs. 

Foster and kinship families can also utilize Mission WV for assistance with legal and financial resources, kinship navigators, and clothing assistance. 

In addition to financial resources, DHHR’s Bureau for Family Assistance coordinates with DHHR’s Bureau for Public HealthOffice of Maternal, Child, and Family Health and Bureau for Medical Services (WV Medicaid) to ensure high-quality comprehensive healthcare for children in foster care. Mental and behavioral health support for West Virginia children is also available. 

Many of these resources are highlighted in a recent survey of foster caregivers.

Those interested in foster care opportunities can contact Mission WV at 866-CALL-MWV.  To view and apply for DHHR career opportunities, visit dhhr.wv.gov/Pages/Career-Opportunities.aspx.

Share this story:

RECENT Stories

B-U tennis teams earn split in road outing with Fairmont Senior

The Buckhannon-Upshur tennis teams split matches against Fairmont Senior, with the boys falling 5-2 and the girls securing a 6-1 victory in Big 10 Conference play at East Marion Park.

Lady Bucs gain three wins at weekly home track meet

The Buckhannon-Upshur Lady Bucs secured three event victories, including two relays and the long jump, and finished second overall at their home track meet with 141 points against seven competing teams.

Track and Field Bucs win five events in weekly home meet

The Buckhannon-Upshur track and field Buccaneers won five events, including three individual and two relay victories, during their weekly eight-team home meet, with several athletes also earning runner-up and top-six finishes.

Lacrosse Bucs have easy time in 21-3 win over Preston

The Buckhannon-Upshur boys lacrosse team dominated Preston 21-3, with ten Bucs scoring and a decisive 40-5 shot advantage, improving their season record to 4-3.

Moss has five goals as Lady Bucs down Fairmont Senior 12-1 in lacrosse action

Mallory Moss scored five goals to lead the Buckhannon-Upshur Lady Bucs to a dominating 12-1 lacrosse victory over Fairmont Senior, improving their season record to 4-2.
WVWC Track - Wesleyan Sports

Wesleyan softball gets split with West Virginia State

West Virginia Wesleyan softball split a doubleheader with West Virginia State, winning the opener 5–1 behind Kendall Stoffel’s dominant pitching before dropping the second game 8–7 after a late comeback effort fell short.

City considers using opioid abatement money to support new Wesleyan addiction counseling initiative

Buckhannon City Council agreed to partner with West Virginia Wesleyan College to support a new online graduate certificate in addiction counseling, potentially using opioid litigation settlement funds to provide scholarships for local professionals.

Sheriff of Upshur County accepting applications for part-time Courthouse Security positions

The Sheriff of Upshur County is looking for individuals interested in part-time / fill-in courthouse security positions, with applications available at the courthouse until positions are filled.

Softball Lady Bucs rally past Bridgeport in seventh-inning for 9-8 win; Abel grand slam lifts them to 13-7 victory over Elkins

The Buckhannon-Upshur Lady Bucs softball team earned Big 10 Conference wins over Bridgeport with a dramatic seventh-inning rally and Elkins with an Abel grand slam, improving their season record to 8-6.

Baseball Bucs beat Lewis County 7-3; put 20 on the scoreboard in victory over Elkins

The Buckhannon-Upshur Buccaneers baseball team went 2-1 this week, beating Lewis County 7-3 and Elkins 20-10 after falling to Bridgeport, bringing their overall record to 6-5.

Baseball ‘Cats rally to sweep Bluefield State in doubleheader

The West Virginia Wesleyan Bobcats swept a doubleheader against Bluefield State, winning 10-2 behind a dominant offense in game one and rallying for an 8-7 comeback victory in game two.

Woman arrested for allegedly stealing jewelry while cleaning homes in Upshur County

A French Creek woman was arrested and charged with multiple counts of burglary and grand larceny after allegedly stealing more than $70,000 in jewelry and cash while cleaning homes in Upshur County.