Mountain State Times

A magistrate judge in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia has ruled on a motion for sanctions in the case involving Jonathan R. et al. v. Jim Justice, et al., which concerns the West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) and A Better Childhood. The decision favored DoHS by rejecting allegations that it intentionally failed to preserve emails from former employees.

DoHS expressed satisfaction with the ruling, stating, "DoHS is pleased with the judge’s decision to reject the plaintiff’s allegation that DoHS intentionally failed to preserve emails of former employees." However, DoHS noted some disagreements with other conclusions drawn by the magistrate judge but acknowledged "the court’s careful consideration of these issues."

In recent years, DoHS has allocated significant resources towards enhancing its child welfare program. Efforts include increasing caseworker resources and transforming community-based mental health systems for foster children. With support from Governor Jim Justice, salaries for child welfare workers were raised, and additional positions were created to bolster support.

The Bureau for Social Services (BSS), under DoHS, has implemented ChildStat, an accountability tool for monitoring key performance indicators in child welfare. Additionally, an informal Youth Advisory Council was developed to allow BSS senior leadership to engage regularly with youths transitioning out of shelters.

DoHS continues to enhance mental health services for children across West Virginia through various programs like West Virginia Wraparound and Children's Mobile Crisis Response and Stabilization. These initiatives aim to provide effective mental health and social services within home and community settings.

To educate parents and caregivers about accessing mental health services efficiently, DoHS introduced the Resource Rundown webinar as part of its Pathway to Children’s Mental Health Services initiative. This aims to connect families quickly with facilitators who can guide them through obtaining necessary services.

The department also released a semi-annual report detailing progress in expanding children's mental health systems in the state.