Number of West Virginia foster children decreasing, but hundreds of kids still going out of state

By: Amelia Ferrell Knisely

Outlets: West Virginia Watch

Published: September 15, 2026

Words: 712

Last Updated: 3 days, 3 hours ago

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The number of West Virginia’s foster children is trending slightly downward but the state continues to send hundreds of children out of state.

There are 5,719 children in foster care and the number has declined from more than 7,000 children in 2020.

West Virginia spends more than $60 million a year putting hundreds of foster children in out-of-state facilities across the country. At times, the state has removed children from facilities due to …

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