CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WTAP) - Governor Patrick Morrisey is working improve transparency, accountability and outcomes within the child welfare system.
On Wednesday, Governor Patrick Morrisey announced a series of child welfare reforms to end years on bureaucratic stonewalling and begin a new era of transparency.
The change comes after a series of listening sessions held across the state and a thorough review of past child fatalities and near fatalities within the child welfare system, Morrisey's Office says.
"In previous years, the state stonewalled about the status of children in its care - and that changes now," said Governor Morrisey. "We are rolling up our sleeves and getting to work. West Virginians deserve a child welfare system that is transparent, accountable, and always puts the safety of children first."
The reforms include:
"For far too long, we've asked families and frontline professionals to navigate a system that has not kept pace with the complexities our families and children face today. That must change," said Secretary Mayer. "We are listening -- intentionally -- and using that feedback to shape a more responsive, accountable, and transparent system built on trust."