Press Release: West Virginia Addresses Foster Care Crisis at Annual Summit
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WOWK) — West Virginia, facing the highest per capita rate of children in foster care nationwide, convened advocates at the annual Foster Care Summit in Charleston this week to tackle systemic issues and propose improvements.
Delegate Adam Burkhammer (R-Lewis), a committed foster parent with five children currently in his care, emphasized that reforming the foster care system requires numerous incremental adjustments rather than one sweeping reform. “It’s not one big fix that’s going to make the system better,” he noted, highlighting the extensive needs of approximately 6,000 children and their families in West Virginia.
A key issue identified was the challenge of communication among stakeholders. Burkhammer highlighted a new legislative initiative aimed at addressing this concern: a communication portal designed to unify all parties involved in the foster care system. “It brings all the stakeholders into one technology system to better communicate,” he explained.
However, Burkhammer also pointed out that staffing shortages across various positions, including Child Protective Service workers and therapists, continue to hinder progress. The summit discussions revealed a critical need for individuals willing to step into these roles.
In addition, the funding of Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) drew attention. Despite a reduction from over $1 million to $300,000 by the governor’s budget, Burkhammer deemed it a “major win” since CASA had never been designated a line item before.
Burkhammer encouraged potential foster parents by sharing insights into the complexities of the system. “You’re going to get frustrated, heartbroken, and angry at times. But it’s essential to stay focused on the kids, who need safe and loving homes.” He concluded by affirming the profound impact foster care can have on vulnerable children’s lives.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
