The West Virginia Department of Human Services, Bureau for Social Services, has made significant progress in child welfare over the past year. Key achievements include a reduction in the reliance on residential treatment for children in state custody and an increase in family and community-based care options. The department has also addressed workforce challenges within Child Protective Services and Youth Services, resulting in a decrease in vacancy and turnover rates. Mental health support for children has been expanded through programs like the Assessment Pathway for Children’s Mental Health Services, providing essential services to families in need.
West Virginia has excelled in promoting permanency and kinship care for children, with a lower rate of maltreatment in foster care compared to the national average. The state has also implemented innovative partnerships and services, such as collaborations with Aetna Better Health of West Virginia to improve access to pediatric psychiatric care. Additionally, the establishment of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics ensures comprehensive services for individuals seeking mental health support.
Early intervention and health screenings remain a priority for the Department of Human Services, with initiatives like HealthCheck focusing on developmental milestones and preventative care for children in State custody. The statewide foster care recruitment campaign, “West Virginia Needs You Now,” has generated significant interest and visits to foster care resources, reflecting a commitment to ensuring every child has a safe and nurturing home.
Through partnerships like the one with the National Partnership for Child Safety, the department is using data-driven tools to improve child safety and prevent maltreatment. For more information on DoHS and its programs, visit humanservices.wv.gov. Careers supporting West Virginia children and families can be viewed and applied for on the department’s website.
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Photo credit dhhr.wv.gov