The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) is recognizing National Foster Care Month by honoring those who support children and youth in foster care. Governor Jim Justice has declared May as Foster Care Month in the state.
“Not just this month, but each and every day, we recognize the crucial role of foster parents and the dedicated efforts of our DoHS staff and community partners in providing safe and nurturing environments for West Virginia’s youth,” said Jeff Pack, Commissioner of the DoHS Bureau for Social Services. “We are grateful for everyone who supports our mission to safeguard child safety, promote permanency, and enhance the well-being of children through foster care and adoption.”
Foster care aims to reunite children with their families through interventions that make reunification possible. Research indicates that children fare best when placed with relatives. West Virginia leads nationally in placing all foster children, including those involved in juvenile justice, into kinship care.
“Despite prevailing misconceptions about our foster care system, the reality is that West Virginia boasts one of the highest performing child welfare systems in the country,” said Cynthia Persily, Ph.D., Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Human Services. “Our exceptional rates of kinship placement are a testament to the culture of West Virginians, who wholeheartedly champion their families and the well-being of our children.”
According to Aetna Better Health of West Virginia’s discharge planning tracking system, around 250 youths aged 0 to 21 are currently seeking foster homes. The primary challenge remains finding suitable homes for these placements.
In response to this issue, earlier this year DoHS collaborated with Aetna Better Health of West Virginia, Mission West Virginia, and ten foster care agencies to launch a statewide campaign aimed at recruiting foster parents. This campaign encourages potential foster parents to visit wefosterwv.org as a resource.
Those interested in careers within child welfare can find opportunities at dhhr.wv.gov/Pages/Career-Opportunities.aspx.
