West Virginia Sees Gains in Family Stability, Child Abuse Prevention Through Community Programs
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A statewide network of community-based prevention services is yielding measurable results in West Virginia, strengthening families and reducing risk factors associated with child abuse and neglect. The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) reports positive trends across key indicators, signaling the effectiveness of a proactive, community-first approach.
The focus on prevention is paramount, according to a senior official. “Prevention is one of the most effective tools we have to protect children,” the official stated. “When families have access to support before a crisis occurs, outcomes improve for children, caregivers, and communities. These efforts reflect our commitment to using public resources responsibly while prioritizing child safety and family stability.”
Expanding Support Across the Mountain State
Through strategic investments leveraging federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention (CBCAP) funding, DoHS-supported programs are now available in all 55 West Virginia counties. These programs, including the statewide Family Support Center network, offer voluntary, early support aimed at fostering stability, resilience, and overall child well-being.
CBCAP funding, administered by DoHS’ Bureau for Family Assistance, directly supports Family Support Centers, In-Home Family Education, and Partners in Prevention initiatives. These combined efforts are designed to bolster parenting skills, increase social connections, and address challenges before they escalate to the point of requiring Child Protective Services intervention.
Positive Trends Revealed in 2025 Family Survey
Data collected during fiscal year 2025 from the West Virginia Family Survey – encompassing responses from 4,916 families statewide – demonstrates a growing level of parental knowledge and engagement. Improvements were noted in four of the five nationally recognized protective factors associated with child abuse prevention: family functioning and resilience, nurturing and attachment, social support, and caregiver engagement with service providers.
Notably, the social support protective factor experienced a significant increase of 13.2 percent compared to the previous fiscal year. Gains were also observed in family functioning and resilience. .
A Community-First Approach to Family Well-being
DoHS attributes these positive outcomes to a holistic, community-first strategy that integrates TANF and CBCAP funding with state appropriations and private investment. This blended funding model allows for the delivery of locally tailored services, including economic stability coaching through mobility mentoring, evidence-based parenting education, child development activities for all age groups, and limited assistance with essential needs like food access and other community-specific resources.
“These programs are an integral part of our work to support West Virginia families,” said Janie Cole, DoHS Bureau for Family Assistance Commissioner. “By offering early, voluntary support, we are helping families build skills, confidence, and stability while ensuring children remain safe and connected to their families and communities.”
For more information on these initiatives and available resources, visit dohs.wv.gov.
