CHARLESTON, W.Va.—Governor Patrick Morrisey of West Virginia has pledged to bolster transparency and overhaul policies within the state’s beleaguered foster care system. Morrisey, a Republican, made this announcement following a series of eight listening sessions conducted across the state and after examining critical cases that underscored the urgent need for reform.
During a news conference at the state Capitol, Morrisey shared that one session in Martinsburg revealed public concerns about “a broken system.” He remarked on the difficulties faced by Child Protective Services workers, pointing out that many issues could have been averted with better communication, fewer bureaucratic hurdles, and more effective tools. “These issues have persisted far too long, and the true victims are the children. We can no longer allow this to continue,” Morrisey said. “Our administration refuses to follow the precedent of ignoring these problems.”
The opioid crisis has heavily impacted West Virginia, leading to the highest rate of children in foster care in the nation, with over 6,000 children affected in a state of 1.8 million people. Morrisey, who assumed office in January after serving as the attorney general for three terms, partly attributed the current situation to the administration of his predecessor, former Republican Governor Jim Justice. He accused the past administration of lacking transparency and obstructing public access to foster care information.
Following an investigation into six child fatalities or near-fatalities between 2021 and 2024, Morrisey proclaimed that the Department of Human Services would enforce a new policy. This policy ensures that vital information and investigation outcomes are made public in severe child welfare cases. “No longer will people have to chase down information,” Morrisey assured.
Changes to the system involve monthly case reviews by child welfare supervisors and a revamped intake process that encourages caseworkers to directly engage with involved parties rather than just relying on referral paperwork. Additionally, enhancements to the child welfare dashboard will provide more accessible data. “We aim to maintain honesty, transparency, and accountability,” Morrisey pledged.
West Virginia has struggled with significant child welfare challenges for decades. In 2014, a private school for troubled youths in Salem closed amid abuse allegations; ensuing lawsuits against it led to settlements worth tens of millions.
In 2023, the tragic discovery of a 14-year-old girl’s emaciated body triggered a state inquiry into preventable failures by law enforcement and child services. Her mother and grandparents faced murder indictments later that year. In March, a couple was sentenced to decades in prison for egregious child abuse practices against their adopted children, which included forced labor, confinement, and severe neglect.
Most recently, a judge mandated that a monitor oversee how child protective services manage placements in non-home settings, like hotels and camps, following a suicide attempt by a 12-year-old boy in state care. This intervention coincided with the dismissal of a longstanding class action lawsuit against West Virginia’s welfare system by a federal judge, reflecting the need for continual scrutiny and reform.
Home WV Governor Reforms Troubled Foster Care System