West Virginia Launched Online Kinship Support Tool
The new resource helps kinship and foster families in West Virginia find support through anonymous digital screenings.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Special Needs
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The West Virginia Department of Human Services has introduced the Kinship Hub, an online platform designed to assist foster and kinship families. The digital tool provides private screenings to help households identify necessary resources and support services.
Why it matters
Managing the unique needs of a foster or kinship household requires access to specialized resources, which this tool streamlines by providing tailored guidance. It helps families efficiently navigate available support systems to improve overall caregiver and child well-being.
The platform offers 3 distinct screening categories covering caregiver, child, and family needs. Each screening is designed to be completed in just 2 to 8 minutes.
The players
West Virginia Department of Human Services
The state agency responsible for overseeing child welfare, foster care placements, and kinship support programs across West Virginia.
The details
Users access the Kinship Hub through any mobile device, tablet, or computer to begin the assessment process. The tool utilizes expert-designed questionnaires that evaluate a household's specific situation, allowing families to receive recommendations for relevant support and resources while maintaining privacy through anonymous entries.
Timeline
September 29, 2026: The West Virginia Department of Human Services launched the Kinship Hub online tool.
The Home Front
This launch reflects a broader trend of states digitizing social services to better support non-traditional family structures. It follows a pattern set by the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act by expanding digital access to support for kinship caregivers.
If you are currently a foster or kinship caregiver, consider taking a few minutes to complete the anonymous screenings to see what resources may be available to your household. Keep your login information or any results documents saved in a secure folder if you decide to pursue the suggested support services.
The takeaway
The Kinship Hub offers a quick way for foster and kinship families to connect with essential resources through private, expert-designed assessments. Take 8 minutes to complete a screening today to identify potential support options that could benefit your family logistics.
Further reading
For additional guidance on navigating support systems, explore our Special Needs section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WOWK 13 Huntington.
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Do you believe state agencies should prioritize online tools to help local foster and kinship families?
