In a bid to address West Virginia’s ongoing foster care challenges, Republican legislators have introduced 16 new bills. However, experts in child welfare argue these measures fall short of tackling the core issues.
Five child welfare researchers were consulted by Mountain State Spotlight to evaluate the proposed legislative measures. Their consensus was clear: the proposed bills do not sufficiently address the systemic issues causing children to be removed from their homes, nor do they effectively tackle staffing shortages. According to Bethany R. Lee from the University of Maryland, the approaches are “somewhat incremental.”
Previous investigations by Mountain State Spotlight revealed that overwhelmed case workers often result in limited services for children in the system. This is true for both foster and kinship families, as well as for children’s mental health. Additionally, the state forfeited millions in federal funds that could have supported older children transitioning to adulthood, providing assistance with education and living expenses.
Proposed Measures and Prevention Efforts
The legislative proposals include equipping CPS workers with body cameras, providing mobile devices in two counties for real-time case updates, and increasing support for guardians ad litem. Further training for CPS workers by the State Police is also on the agenda. However, Lee suggests that child welfare initiatives should also focus on enhancing social safety nets, such as affordable housing, healthcare, and addiction treatment.
Lee emphasized, “Oftentimes, the child welfare system is more of a reflection of where the gaps are in the larger society.” Poverty, often misinterpreted as neglect, is a significant factor in the removal of children from their families. Kelley Fong from the University of California, Irvine, maintains that anti-poverty policies should be considered child protection policies.
A draft bill suggests a comprehensive prevention plan from the Department of Human Services, addressing services for at-risk children and those aging out of the system. However, Fong points out that immediate prevention strategies could be implemented to support families without resorting to foster care placements.
Challenges in Workforce and Support Systems
The proposed bills do not mention hiring additional CPS workers, despite the recommendation from the Child Welfare League of America to limit caseloads to 15 children per worker. Current caseloads often exceed this recommendation, with some workers handling up to 50 cases.
Efforts to alleviate the workload include providing mobile devices to CPS workers for more efficient case management and offering quicker financial assistance to kinship families. These measures aim to reduce administrative burdens and expedite support for families.
Addressing Out-of-State Placements
The problematic reliance on institutional placements and out-of-state facilities is a significant concern. Cindy Largent-Hill from the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals notes a shortage of in-state treatment beds for children needing psychiatric care. A proposed fund, supported by Gov. Patrick Morrisey, aims to establish more in-state residential care options.
Lonnie Berger from the University of Wisconsin-Madison stresses the importance of maintaining proximity to supportive adults, regardless of whether facilities are in-state or out-of-state. Lee advocates for preventative measures within communities to prevent the need for residential psychiatric care.
Long-Term Vision for Child Welfare
In a December legislative meeting, Del. Adam Burkhammer emphasized the need for collaborative community efforts to keep children within their communities and reduce reliance on state intervention. Kelley Fong supports the concept of “mandated supporting,” where educators assist families with poverty-related challenges.
Jessica Pac from the University of Wisconsin-Madison highlights the importance of trained, well-compensated workers as a cornerstone for effective child welfare. She argues for a long-term perspective in policy-making to ensure sustainable improvements in the system.
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This article was originally published by Mountain State Spotlight and is shared through a collaboration with The Associated Press.
