Governor Patrick Morrisey outlined West Virginia’s efforts to improve the child welfare system during remarks at the Child Welfare Summit in Morgantown on May 6. He said the state is working to ensure every child has a safe and stable home.
The topic is important as West Virginia continues to address challenges within its foster care and child welfare systems. The initiative, called “A Home for Every Child,” aims to increase foster home availability and improve outcomes for children in care by allowing states more flexibility in modernizing their systems.
“Every child in West Virginia deserves a safe, stable place to call home, and we are committed to building a system that delivers exactly that,” Governor Morrisey said. “We are making real, structural changes that focus on outcomes, strengthen families, and ensure that when children need help, we are there to support them.”
Morrisey described steps his administration has taken such as expanding partnerships with providers, community organizations, and faith-based groups for earlier intervention. There is also an emphasis on preventing unnecessary foster care placements and increasing capacity for high-needs youth within the state. Leadership restructuring and real-time data monitoring have been implemented statewide to improve accountability. The administration is also using the SAFE (Safety Assessment and Family Evaluation) Model as an evidence-based approach designed to improve safety outcomes.
Efforts are underway to expand foster home capacity further, stabilize placements, and make it easier for families seeking certification. These measures aim to keep children closer to their communities while reducing out-of-state placements.
“Strong families are the foundation of strong communities, and strong communities are essential to West Virginia’s long-term success,” Morrisey said. “By investing in our children and improving stability in their lives, we are also making one of the most important investments we can make in our state’s future.”
Jim Justice has championed youth programs through his office during his time as governor of West Virginia before serving as U.S. senator from the state; he focused on economic growth throughout his tenure according to the official website.
