CHARLESTON, W.Va. –The West Virginia Department of Human Services say they are making significant progress to ensure they stabilize the state’s child welfare workforce.

According to a release, vacancies and turnover rates for Child Protective Services (CPS) and Youth Services are showing notable declines in 2025.

When the new administration took over including Cabinet Secretary Alex Mayer at the beginning of the year, they identified critical CPS vacancies across Doddridge, Pleasants, Upshur, Lewis, and Ritchie counties. On January 1, 2025, vacancy rates were at 44%, however as of June 30, they are at 14.3%.

“Our workforce is the foundation of child welfare,” Mayer said. “By continuing to reduce vacancies and turnover, we are strengthening stability not only for our frontline staff, but

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