CHARLESTON, W.Va. — In a significant move to tackle an ongoing staffing crisis, a West Virginia judge has mandated the newly appointed head of the state’s Department of Human Services, along with several of his team members, to take on roles as Child Protective Services (CPS) workers. This directive aims to address the acute shortage of personnel within the agency.

Circuit Judge Timothy Sweeney has scheduled a hearing on February 20 in his courtroom located in Harrisville, Ritchie County. During this hearing, the appointed officials will be given their case assignments, failing which they may face contempt charges. Among those named in the order is Alex J. Mayer, who was introduced as the new department secretary on the same day Sweeney issued the ruling, alongside four others, including general counsel Chanin Krivonyak.

These five officials have been tasked with duties within Child Protective Services and other roles to support the five-county district experiencing significant staff shortages. As of Wednesday, the Department of Human Services had not responded to inquiries regarding this situation.

The state has been grappling with workforce challenges in child welfare for years, currently maintaining a vacancy rate of 17%, which translates to 82 unfilled positions for CPS workers. Judge Sweeney expressed concern over the lack of staffing in CPS, stating that it poses an “immediate and critical threat to at-risk children.”

Moreover, the state is facing a federal lawsuit that alleges it has failed to adequately safeguard children and address an overburdened foster care system. Approximately 6,100 children are under the care of the state, with around one-third of them placed with relatives who are acting as certified foster parents.

The judge’s determination to intervene underscores his belief in personal responsibility regarding child welfare, as he stated, “I think the bus stops with me,” reflecting his commitment to the wellbeing of vulnerable children in the state.