The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) has introduced a new platform called the Communication & Operations Mobile Engagement Tool (COMET), in collaboration with Cardinality. The goal of this initiative is to improve communication and coordination within the state’s foster care system.
COMET offers a secure and centralized space for various stakeholders—including foster parents, caseworkers, attorneys, service providers, and others—to share information and monitor updates related to child welfare cases. The platform aims to reduce delays and minimize miscommunication so that children and families receive consistent support when they need it.
Alex J. Mayer, Cabinet Secretary of the Department of Human Services, stated: “COMET represents a transformative step forward in how we protect and uplift vulnerable children. It will strengthen the foundation of care in every county, and I am eager to see the lasting difference it makes in the lives of families across West Virginia.”
The first phase of COMET was launched on September 2, just three months after development began. This phase established secure communication channels and case tracking across several counties. The project’s second phase is now underway, focusing on expanding features such as launching a mobile application to increase accessibility for all involved parties.
Brandon Lewis, DoHS Chief of Technology and Information Systems and Executive Sponsor of the project, said: “This initiative sets a new standard of collaboration for our foster care system. With everyone on the same page, children’s needs can be addressed more quickly and clearly.”
Lorie Bragg, Commissioner of the DoHS Bureau for Social Services, highlighted how COMET supports key participants in child welfare: “By giving foster parents, kinship caregivers, biological parents, and caseworkers a shared space for dialogue, COMET reduces frustration, builds consistency, and creates stronger support around the child.”
Currently active in multiple counties throughout West Virginia, COMET supports DoHS staff members as well as foster and kinship caregivers by providing secure access to information about children in their care. The tool also facilitates prompt communication aimed at improving outcomes for those served by the state’s foster system.
Ritu Raj, VP of Customer Success at Cardinality.ai., commented: “Our goal in this partnership with DoHS was to implement Phase 1 of COMET on an accelerated 3-month timeline. By doing so, we are ensuring that all stakeholders involved in the well-being of children are empowered to communicate and exchange information in a timely and secure manner.”
