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CBS News
3 days ago
- General
- CBS News
West Virginia governor implements policy changes in embattled foster care system
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey vowed Wednesday that his administration will improve transparency and policies within the state's embattled foster care system. Morrisey, a Republican, announced the changes after eight listening sessions statewide to identify areas of improvement and a review of critical cases. Morrisey said he heard attendees at one such session in Martinsburg discuss "a broken system." "It was difficult to hear many of the issues could have been avoided had the state communicated differently, had the state eliminated some red tape or had the right tools to better equip" Child Protective Services workers, Morrisey said at a news conference at the state Capitol. "You all know that these issues have been going on for a very, very long time. And unfortunately, it's the kids that suffer. And we can't tolerate that. "West Virginia cannot keep kicking the can down the road as was done in the past. That's not the model of this administration." Largely overwhelmed by the opioid epidemic in a state with the most overdose deaths per capita, West Virginia has the highest rate of children in foster care, currently more than 6,000 in a state of about 1.8 million. Morrisey, who took office in January after serving three terms as the state's attorney general, put some of the blame on the administration of his predecessor, two-term Republican Gov. Jim Justice, for often withholding foster care information from the public, including stonewalling Freedom of Information Act requests. After an internal review of six fatalities or near fatalities between 2021 and 2024, Morrisey said the Department of Human Services will implement a new policy mandating that certain information, including the results of investigations, be disclosed in serious child welfare cases. "You're not going to have to chase people down the hall" in obtaining case information, Morrisey said. Among the changes, Morrisey said child welfare supervisors will now be required to conduct monthly reviews of their cases, and a new intake process will be implemented for the foster care system, allowing caseworkers to contact individuals involved rather than simply relying on a case referral. He also said improvements have been made to a child welfare dashboard to allow for easier access to data. "What I can promise you today is we want to be honest, we want to be transparent and we will be accountable for what happens," Morrisey said. Serious child welfare issues have dogged West Virginia for decades. In 2014, a private boarding school for troubled youths closed in Salem after abuse allegations surfaced. Lawsuits against the former Miracle Meadows school's co-founder and its operating entities that alleged widespread sexual, physical and mental abuse were settled for tens of millions of dollars. The discovery of the emaciated body of a 14-year-old girl in her home in 2023 prompted a state investigation into whether law enforcement and child protective services could have intervened to prevent her death. The girl's mother and two grandparents were indicted on murder charges last September. In March, a couple received the maximum sentences of decades in prison for abusing their adopted children, which included heavy labor, locking them in bedrooms, forcing some to sleep on concrete floors and making them stand for hours with their hands on their heads. And a judge in February ordered that a monitor be put in place to oversee state child protective services placements in hotels and camps on Friday after a 12-year-old boy in state care attempted suicide in a hotel room. The action came the same day that a federal judge dismissed a years-long sweeping class action lawsuit against West Virginia's welfare system on behalf of foster children.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
After FAFSA hiccups, more WV students completing the financial aid application
West Virginia's Free Application for Federal Student Aid completion rate stands at 49.8%. (Getty Images) More West Virginia students are completing the college financial aid application, known as the FAFSA, following pandemic interruptions and nationwide issues with the form over the last year. According to data tracked by the National College Attainment Network, the state's Free Application for Federal Student Aid completion rate stands at 49.8%. The state now ranks 15th in the nation for students completing the FAFSA, which is up from 19th last year, according to a news release from the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. Brian Weingart, senior director of financial aid at the commission, said the HEPC has worked side-by-side with schools, counselors and communities to make sure students had 'a clever path to financial aid.' HEPC credits the success to statewide partnerships. 'Whether it's through hands-on FAFSA events, real-time data tools, or text message nudges, we're meeting students where they are and helping them take that critical next step toward college. Behind every completed FAFSA is a student who's one step closer to their future,' he said. The federal government's 2024 botched rollout of the new FAFSA form prompted former Gov. Jim Justice to declare a state of emergency and suspended a requirement that college-bound high school seniors fill out the FAFSA in order to receive state financial aid, including the state's Promise Scholarship. Unlike some other states, West Virginia didn't have a statewide FAFSA mandate. Instead, the HEPC said it focused on strategic outreach and community engagement. A WV FAFSA day in February brought together more than 50 high schools and colleges. The organization also used 'TXT 4 Success,' a text message program that provides personalized guidance and nudges to help students stay on track with financial aid deadlines. 'West Virginia's success, and approach, offer a lot for other communities and states to learn from,' said Bill DeBaun, senior director at the National College Attainment Network in Washington. 'Thoughtful, coordinated efforts like these that support practitioners in districts and schools make a big difference.' West Virginia's Chancellor of Higher Education Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker added, 'We built momentum through strong partnerships with our schools and counselors, innovative tools and a shared commitment to our students' futures. I am deeply proud of our team and the many school counselors, educators, and families who have rallied around this cause. Together, we're showing what's possible when we put students first.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Associated Press
6 days ago
- General
- Associated Press
West Virginia governor implements policy changes in embattled foster care system
CHARLESTON, (AP) — West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey vowed Wednesday that his administration will improve transparency and policies within the state's embattled foster care system. Morrisey, a Republican, announced the changes after eight listening sessions statewide to identify areas of improvement and a review of critical cases. Morrisey said he heard attendees at one such session in Martinsburg discuss 'a broken system.' 'It was difficult to hear many of the issues could have been avoided had the state communicated differently, had the state eliminated some red tape or had the right tools to better equip' Child Protective Services workers, Morrisey said at a news conference at the state Capitol. 'You all know that these issues have been going on for a very, very long time. And unfortunately it's the kids that suffer. And we can't tolerate that. 'West Virginia cannot keep kicking the can down the road as was done in the past. That's not the model of this administration.' Largely overwhelmed by the opioid epidemic in a state with the most overdose deaths per capita, West Virginia has the highest rate of children in foster care — currently more than 6,000 in a state of about 1.8 million. Morrisey, who took office in January after serving three terms as the state's attorney general, put some of the blame on the administration of his predecessor, two-term Republican Gov. Jim Justice, for often withholding foster care information from the public, including stonewalling Freedom of Information Act requests. After an internal review of six fatalities or near fatalities between 2021 and 2024, Morrisey said the Department of Human Services will implement a new policy mandating that certain information, including the results of investigations, be disclosed in serious child welfare cases. 'You're not going to have to chase people down the hall' in obtaining case information, Morrisey said. Among the changes, Morrisey said child welfare supervisors will now be required to conduct monthly reviews of their cases, and a new intake process will be implemented for the foster care system, allowing caseworkers to contact individuals involved rather than simply relying on a case referral. He also said improvements have been made to a child welfare dashboard to allow for easier access to data. 'What I can promise you today is we want to be honest, we want to be transparent and we will be accountable for what happens,' Morrisey said. West Virginia has been dogged by serious child welfare issues for decades. In 2014, a private boarding school for troubled youths closed in Salem after abuse allegations surfaced. Lawsuits against the former Miracle Meadows school's co-founder and its operating entities that alleged widespread sexual, physical and mental abuse were settled for tens of millions of dollars. The discovery of the emaciated body of a 14-year-old girl in her home in 2023 prompted a state investigation into whether law enforcement and child protective services could have intervened to prevent her death. The girl's mother and two grandparents were indicted on murder charges last September. In March a couple received the maximum sentences of decades in prison for abusing their adopted children, which included heavy labor, locking them in bedrooms, forcing some to sleep on concrete floors and making them stand for hours with their hands on their heads. And a judge in February ordered that a monitor be put in place to oversee state child protective services placements in hotels and camps on Friday after a 12-year-old boy in state care attempted suicide in a hotel room. The action came the same day that a federal judge dismissed a yearslong sweeping class action lawsuit against West Virginia's welfare system on behalf of foster children.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The City of Bluefield plans for a consolidated emergency response facility
BLUEFIELD, WV (WVNS) – The City of Bluefield has taken steps to improve emergency response services across all departments throughout the city. First announced last summer, plans for a consolidated facility for emergency responders are moving forward, with the City of Bluefield having applied for federal funds to make the vision a reality. The centralized facility would bring together EMS, police, and fire departments in the city, and would provide a wider variety of resources for the agencies, many of which are operating out of the Bluefield City Hall location. Bluefield City Manager, Cecil Marson told 59News that city authorities are looking at multiple potential locations for the site, and that the plan is part of a greater effort to provide the best possible service experience for the citizens of Bluefield.'We're working on designs for the building in a couple different locations. Our goal is to give the most responsive service we can to the citizens of Bluefield in our community,' said Marson. 'So, we're looking at it very closely to make sure that we're doing the best absolutely that we can to take care of everyone.' Marson says, along with federal funding from the offices of U.S. Senators Jim Justice and Shelley Moore Capito, the city will be seeking grant funding for the project from multiple other sources as well. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sen. Jim Justice ‘really proud' of Trump for coal executive orders
(NewsNation) — Senator Jim Justice, is thrilled with President Donald Trump signing executive orders to revitalize the coal industry. Justice joined 'NewsNation Now' to discuss the orders that were signed Tuesday. In a statement, the White House said the orders were enacted to 'secure America's economic prosperity and national security, lower the cost of living, and provide for increases in electrical demand from emerging technologies.' Justice, whose family has strong ties to the coal industry, said the move may prevent a choice between homes or industry, which he believes is inevitable otherwise. Dire wolf reportedly brought back from extinction 'In America today, if we don't have coal and gas and oil and all of the alternatives, we're making a big, big mistake … you're going to push the Chinas, Irans and North Koreas together,' Justice said. 'And you're going to expose us to a national security risk like you couldn't imagine.' As for the president, Justice expressed his gratitude for the leadership and decision-making on the coal industry. 'I'm really, really proud of this president,' he said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
