Registration Now Open for 5th Annual All In Foster Care Summit in Morgantown

Morgantown — West Virginia churches, child welfare professionals, foster and adoptive families, foster alumni, nonprofit partners, and community leaders will gather on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, for the 5th Annual All In Foster Care Summit, hosted by Chestnut Mountain Village at Chestnut Ridge Church. Registration is now open at https://cmvwv.org/.

West Virginia ranks among the states with the highest rates of children in foster care per capita. While awareness has increased, Summit organizers emphasize that coordinated, sustained support is essential to stabilize families. The All In Foster Care Summit moves beyond talk to collaborative action that strengthens foster, adoptive, and kinship families across the state.

“West Virginia does not need more sympathy. We need shared responsibility,” said Greg Clutter, Director of Chestnut Mountain Village. “This Summit helps churches, agencies, and community partners step into clear roles so families receive consistent, practical support. When systems are organized and sustained, families remain stable, and children are better protected.”

The 2026 theme, Building the Way Together, draws on the Biblical story of Nehemiah, in which a broken city wall was rebuilt through shared responsibility. Community members took ownership of specific sections, working side by side with disciplined leadership and resolve despite opposition. This underscores that strong foster care support requires organized effort and commitment beyond mere concern.

The event features national leaders in child welfare and faith-based engagement, including:

“Lasting change in foster care happens when local communities own the work together,” said Andy Cook. “Churches provide relational support. Agencies provide professional expertise. When those strengths align, families thrive, and children gain stability.”

The Summit includes keynote presentations, two rounds of practical breakout workshops for churches, professionals, and families, and structured time for connection to build lasting relationships.

“Chestnut Ridge Church is honored to host leaders from across West Virginia who are committed to strengthening families,” said Pastor Josh Rhodes. “This Summit builds trust, coordinates support, and ensures no foster or adoptive family navigates alone.”

Since its launch in 2022, the All In Foster Care Summit has grown into a statewide gathering that fosters collaboration among churches, child welfare professionals, nonprofits, families, and leaders. This year, it will emphasize practical training, clear roles, sustainable support, and partnerships between

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