If you’d like to become a foster parent in West Virginia, you may be wondering how long the training is to become a licensed foster parent. Since there are several factors that affect this process, understand that the amount of time it takes varies from person to person. With that in mind, here’s how long some of the requirements take in order to become licensed in West Virginia.

Click here to learn more about becoming a foster parent.

Complete NTDC Training 

West Virginia now uses the National Training and Development Curriculum (NTDC) in place of PRIDE. NTDC is a modern, trauma-informed 10-week training program designed to help you feel confident, prepared, and supported as you begin your foster parenting journey.

NTDC helps you:

• Understand trauma, separation and loss
• Support healthy development and emotional wellbeing
• Build strong, nurturing relationships
• Partner with biological families when safe and appropriate
• Create predictable, supportive routines
• Develop skills to meet a wide range of needs

The curriculum blends:

• Self-paced online learning
• Facilitator-led discussions
• Real-life scenarios and skill-building activities

This approach prepares you for the practical, day-to-day experiences of fostering while helping you build a foundation rooted in empathy, safety and connection.

Additional Classes

Along with NTDC, West Virginia foster parents complete supplemental classes that support safety, wellbeing and meaningful caregiving.

MANDT (Crisis Prevention & De‑Escalation)

A trauma‑informed course focused on reducing stress, preventing crises, and maintaining safety through respectful communication and supportive strategies. Completion typically takes a few days and may include a competency assessment.

CPR/First Aid

Approx. 3 hours. Ensures caregivers can respond safely in medical situations.

Universal Precautions (Bloodborne Pathogens)

Approx. 1–3 hours. Covers safe practices to reduce exposure risks.

Healthy Sexual Development in Children

Approx. 2–3 hours. Supports understanding of age‑appropriate development and how to encourage safety and healthy boundaries.

Pregnancy Prevention and STD Information

Approx. 2–3 hours. Provides knowledge to support youth with accurate information and safe decision‑making.

These supplemental courses equip foster parents with the tools they need to create a safe, stable, and supportive environment for the children and teens in their care.

Virtual Training Options

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have transitioned much of our foster parent training and licensing process online. While the in-person training courses are spread out over a longer period of time, usually 2 months depending on your schedule and availability, our online foster parent training can be completed in as little as three weeks. We currently offer 2 online training classes a day, one from 10 a.m to 12 p.m., and another in the evening from 6 p.m to 8 p.m. You may choose whatever time works best for your schedule.

For more information on the training classes needed to become a licensed foster parent in West Virginia, visit our foster family training and support page. Also, let us know if you are interested in becoming a foster parent with KVC West Virginia. We provide 24-hour support, seven days a week. We will gladly guide you every step of the way to becoming a licensed foster parent.

Ever wondered what you need to look for when choosing a foster care agency? This free eBook is the ultimate resource for finding the best agency to support you in your foster parenting journey. Click the image to download it now!