West Virginia spends $62M sending foster kids out of state; Morrisey wants $6M to bring them home

By: Amelia Ferrell Knisely

Outlets: West Virginia Watch

Published: February 3, 2026

Words: 760

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 1 day ago

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West Virginia is spending more than $62 million putting hundreds of foster children in out-of-state facilities across the country. Some children are more than 2,000 miles from home in states like California and Washington.

Gov. Patrick Morrisey has asked lawmakers for $6 million with the goal of bringing 380 children back to West Virginia.

“Is $6 million enough?” asked Del. John Williams, D-Monongalia as the House Finance Committee vetted the state …

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