Lawsuit: West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources

“When Gov. Jim Justice addressed the West Virginia Legislature in January, he underscored the urgent need for reform in the state’s foster care system, admitting the system ‘needs us to continue to step up.’ Despite this recognition, specific legislative actions to address the system’s deficiencies remain elusive. More than 6,000 children are currently in the state’s foster care, embroiled in a system that a class action lawsuit claims has subjected them to chronic neglect and abuse.

The lawsuit, filed by former foster children, paints a grim picture of the state’s foster care system, alleging that children have been placed in facilities known for physical and sexual abuse. Social workers are accused of ignoring complaints, with the lawsuit seeking judicial oversight and other reforms to protect children’s welfare. Among the proposed changes are mandatory medical screenings within three days of entering foster care and restrictions on placing very young children in group facilities.

Despite the lawsuit’s allegations, recent legislative efforts have not directly addressed these specific concerns. Bills under consideration include measures to prohibit cameras in foster children’s bedrooms and establish an information portal for foster parents, but they stop short of tackling the lawsuit’s core issues. Efforts to increase transparency and oversight, such as expanding the role of the Inspector General and the foster care ombudsman, are steps in the right direction, yet they fail to fully address the system’s failings.

he lawsuit and the state’s response underscore a critical juncture for West Virginia’s foster care system. With the highest rate of child removals in the country, the state faces significant challenges in overhauling a system burdened by addiction, mental health issues, and poverty. As lawmakers and officials grapple with these complexities, the ongoing legal battle and the voices of former foster children serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive reform.”

West Virginia Foster Care Crisis: Lawsuit Alleges Neglect, Abuse Amid Calls for Reform
[BNN 3/6/24 by Hadeel Hashem]

REFORM Puzzle Piece