CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - The West Virginia Department of Human Services released a report detailing issues identified and potential solutions for the child welfare system in the state.

The report is a result of a two-month listening tour in which more than 350 people within the system voiced concerns, from children and family members to case workers to judges. The tour follows years of issues within the system, and a pledge from Gov. Patrick Morrisey for reform.

Issues, or “pain points” identified in the study include:

A “revolving door” of caseworkers creating chaos

Uneven experiences between counties and workers

Silence from courts and child protective services

Lack of support for kin

Foster parents feeling excluded from case planning

Long delays in court

Solutions propo

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