West Virginia (WCHS) — According to West Virginia health officials, the number of children entering foster care has decreased significantly as a result of caregivers’ substance use.
According to a news release from the West Virginia Department of Human Services, children removed from homes solely for parental substance use decreased by 54.5% from 2020 to 2024, while children removed with substance use as a contributing factor decreased by 39% since its peak in 2017.
The findings come as the department reports that overdose deaths have decreased by 40% between January and October 2024, compared to the same period in 2023.
“These trends reflect the real-life impact of West Virginia’s shift toward recovery-focused, family-centered care,” said Alex Mayer, secretary of the West Virginia Department of Human Services, in a press release. “When we support parents in their recovery, we’re also protecting children and strengthening families, and that’s a win for everyone.”
