West Virginia boosts access to Wraparound services for children and families

West Virginia boosts access to Wraparound services for children and families CHARLESTON, WV (WVNS) – The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) has announced a substantial reduction of children on the waitlist for Wraparound services in 2025. According to a press release, the drop is due to ongoing efforts to improve community-based services for children with detailed requirements and the families that take care of them.

This enables these children to stay protected in their communities instead of needing more constraining supervision. Automatic LIEAP application mailing for low income energy assistance program introduced by WV Dept of Human Services Reducing wait times for Wraparound services means children and families receive the right support sooner.

Every child deserves the opportunity to heal, grow, and stay connected to family and community. This progress reflects deliberate efforts to strengthen the workforce, expand provider capacity, and remove barriers that delay care.

The press release stated that there was a 90 percent decrease in the number of children on the Wraparound waitlist during 2025. In January of 2025, there were 137 children waitlisted and by November there were only 14 children waitlisted.

The reason for the decline is cited as being strategic initiatives to increase service provider availability, enhance quick access, and tailor services to families across the state. According to the press release, service capacity was extended and coordination was improved throughout the behavioral health system statewide.

Five new providers were also integrated by the Bureau for Medical Services’ Children’s Serious Emotional Disturbance (CSED) Waiver, resulting in a 19 percent rise. Service areas with existing providers were also broadened.

West Virginia Department of Human Services responds to findings of child welfare system audit Furthermore, the press release stated that in order to target where growth was most needed, provider capacity and waitlists were observed meticulously and arranged by steadfast staff throughout the Mountain State. By providing “Intro to Wraparound” training to providers who are not in the wraparound network, the Bureau of Behavioral Health was also able to decrease the backlog strain.

According to the press release, DoHS is committed to setting up Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics across West Virginia in order to increase the number of providers who are recruited. Additionally, DoHS will be implementing telehealth and building up the Safe at Home program where needed.

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Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/west-virginia-boosts-access-wraparound-141734358.html