Charleston, West Virginia; December 17th, 2025
Governor Patrick Morrisey on Tuesday presented an extended update on what his administration described as measurable and sustained progress within West Virginia’s child welfare system, outlining statistical improvements, operational reforms, and proposed legislative actions aimed at strengthening protections for vulnerable children while reducing long standing systemic strain.
Speaking at the State Capitol, Morrisey framed the update as both an accounting of recent gains and a statement of continued intent, emphasizing that child welfare reform remains one of the most complex responsibilities of state government due to the intersection of public safety, family stability, workforce capacity, and long term outcomes for children. He said the administration’s approach has focused on measurable data, transparency, and reforms that can be maintained over time rather than short term fixes.
According to figures released by THE WEST VIRGINIA OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR, Child Protective Services backlogs have been reduced by more than 50 percent compared with previous reporting periods, representing the most substantial reduction recorded in the past five years. Administration officials said the reduction reflects changes in case management procedures, improved staffing levels, and updated oversight mechanisms designed to prevent cases from stalling within the system.
State data also show a net decrease of 298 children in state custody during the most recent federal fiscal year. Officials attributed that decline to expanded use of kinship care placements, increased permanency planning, and targeted efforts to reunite children with families when it is deemed safe to do so. Morrisey said reducing unnecessary time in state custody remains a priority, noting that prolonged placements can negatively affect long term outcomes for children.
The administration reported that more than 1,100 adoptions were finalized statewide during the same period, a figure Morrisey described as a key indicator of progress toward stability for children who cannot return to their original homes. Officials said adoption and kinship care initiatives have been expanded through partnerships with community organizations and by streamlining administrative processes that previously delayed placements.
Workforce stability, long identified as a critical weakness in West Virginia’s child welfare system, featured prominently in the governor’s remarks. According to state figures, CPS vacancy rates have declined to 8.5 percent, while employee turnover has dropped from 27.7 percent to 15 percent. Administration officials said the improvements represent the lowest combined vacancy and turnover rates in five years, reflecting expanded recruitment efforts, retention incentives, and additional training resources for frontline workers.
Morrisey acknowledged that high caseloads and burnout have historically undermined the system’s effectiveness, stating that no reform can succeed without a stable and supported workforce. He said continued investment in staff training and retention will remain a cornerstone of reform efforts, as experienced caseworkers are essential for timely investigations and appropriate placement decisions.
In addition to operational changes, the governor outlined a proposed legislative initiative known as the home base initiative fund. The proposal would allocate funding to renovate and repair existing state owned properties in order to expand in state residential and treatment capacity. Morrisey said the initiative is intended to reduce the number of children placed in out of state facilities due to limited in state options, an outcome that has drawn concern from families and policymakers alike.
The administration also highlighted financial accountability measures implemented within the system. Updated billing and verification processes, officials said, have prevented improper payments and enabled the recovery of more than 4.5 million dollars in previously owed funds. Morrisey described these measures as necessary to ensure public resources are directed toward direct services and not lost through inefficiencies or outdated systems.
While emphasizing progress, the governor cautioned that challenges remain. He noted that child welfare reform requires sustained coordination between executive agencies, the Legislature, courts, and community partners. Morrisey said the administration views current improvements as foundational steps rather than a final resolution, and he called for continued oversight and data driven evaluation as reforms move forward.
The update comes amid ongoing public and federal scrutiny of West Virginia’s child welfare system, which in recent years has faced audits and reviews identifying gaps in staffing, case processing, and placement capacity. Morrisey said transparency and regular reporting will remain central to the administration’s approach, allowing both lawmakers and the public to track progress and hold agencies accountable.
Concluding his remarks, the governor reiterated that protecting children and supporting families is a responsibility that extends beyond any single administration. He said the reforms underway are intended to establish a more stable and responsive system capable of adapting to future challenges while keeping the well being of children at the center of every decision.
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Sources
Primary First Hand Sources
• THE WEST VIRGINIA OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR, official press release and public statements from Governor Patrick Morrisey
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