Robert Noone Legal Services - Adoptions

05/30/2026

AWESOME ADOPTION DAY for Jermonte, Kayne, Kreed and Jeremy ... as they get a FOREVER mom, Misty Workman. ❤️Thanks to Judge Andrew Dimlich and our DHS Adoption Specialist, Mary Hudson  for an amazingly prompt hearing. Jacob Snuffer, our Adoption attorney, coordinated this foursome family celebration.

05/27/2026

05/27/2026

FOSTER CHILDREN WITH DECEASED PARENT... Social Security Survivor Benefits for Foster Children

We discuss what happens when a foster child's biological parent dies before adoption is finalized. We explain the critical steps adoption specialists must take, including checking for survivor benefits from Social Security, Black Lung, Railroad Pensions, or UMWA that may carry over after adoption. We reference the specific policy guidelines (2025 Adoption Policy 9.8 ) that adoption specialists and pre-adoptive parents need to know about.

05/27/2026

ADOPTION CELEBRATION for young Delmar, FOREVER son of Sarah Nicol Shortridge. Thanks to Judge Robert Richardson for a heartfelt hearing, with our Children's Home Society adoption Specialist, Stacie Woods and CASA volunteer, Lori Carter, supporting Delmar. Jacob and I had a fun day in Greenbrier county, complete with teddy bears❤️

05/24/2026

WELCOME Ms Journee Marie into the FOREVER family of mom, Barbara Marie Steele, and a loving circle of relatives that joined her for the celebration in the Courtroom of Circuit Judge Mark Wills. Thanks to our DoHS Adoption Specialist, Jessica Spence. Another FUN day for Kaitlyn and I as we got to tag team in Princeton. 

05/24/2026

We explain important changes to the Foster Child Bill of Rights that take effect on June 3, 2026 for youth over thirteen in the foster care system. We discuss three key new rights: the right to receive notice of hearings with legal implications, the right to attend those hearings, and the right to have the outcomes and their meaning explained to you. While speaking at hearings remains at the judge's discretion, these changes ensure you're informed and included in legal proceedings that affect your life.

05/24/2026

CHANGES to the Foster Child Bill of Rights that take effect on June 3, 2026 for youth over thirteen in the foster care system. We discuss three key new rights: the right to receive notice of hearings with legal implications, the right to attend those hearings, and the right to have the outcomes and their meaning explained to you. While speaking at hearings remains at the judge's discretion, these changes ensure you're informed and included in legal proceedings that affect your life.
BOB

05/24/2026

Happy GOTCHA DAY for Tracey Helphenstine, and her FOREVER handsome son, Oliver Greenwire Thomas Helphenstine (I doubt that name will fit on back of a basketball jersey 😆).
Thanks to Judge Mark Wills, who scheduled us an amazingly quick hearing, and adoption Specialist Jennifer Williams and the crew from StepStone who joined us.  Kaitlyn and I got to tag team today, with teddy bears in hand. 

05/24/2026

HAPPY ADOPTION DAY to Ms. Grace Lilly Tucker and her FOREVER parents, David and Stacy Tucker. The hearing was conducted by Judge Gregory Tucker and coordinated by our Adoption attorney, Jacob Snuffer. Big thanks to our NECCO Adoption Specialist, Jessica Bailey.


05/22/2026

THANKS to Creepalachia and JD for a great experience in sharing what we love to do for a living, as well as discussing some of the challenges in the foster care system. The link below to the YouTube channel is well worth the watch. Bob

West Virginia’s foster care system is under enormous pressure, with more children entering care than many people realize. In this important panel discussion,...