Press Release
Governor Morrisey’s Plan to Enhance Transparency in West Virginia’s Child Welfare System Receives Support
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS) — West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey’s initiative to increase transparency in the state’s child welfare system is garnering positive feedback from advocates and stakeholders alike. Michael Folio, legal director for Disability Rights of West Virginia, described the announcement as a "breath of fresh air," contrasting it sharply with the previous administration’s "culture of concealment."
Morrisey laid out a series of reforms aimed at improving communication, training, and decision-making within the Department of Human Services (DoHS). Key changes include compliance with the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) to ensure public disclosure of critical information in abuse cases, an overhaul of the Child Welfare Dashboard for better data accessibility, and the establishment of a Critical Incident Review Team.
Folio praised new DoHS Secretary Alex Mayer for enhancing communication and collaboration, noting a significant turnaround in interactions. Similarly, Christina Knapp of Join by Hearts echoed sentiments of hope after personal discussions with Mayer, marking the department’s responsiveness to stakeholders’ concerns.
These transformative steps follow listening sessions with community members and are seen as a signal of meaningful change in how West Virginia handles child welfare issues.
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