‘An ecosystem of dysfunction:’ West Virginia still has a child welfare worker shortage, and it’s taking a toll on foster kids and families

Olivia Frausto, now 19, holds a photo of her younger self, taken before she entered West Virginia’s child welfare system. Photo by Jenny Lynn Photography

West Virginia’s foster care system depends on grandfamilies. It does little to support their mental health needs.

Judy Utley, right, with her granddaughter Alexis Nadell. Grandparents like Utley, who raised their grandchildren, say the state doesn't offer them enough support. Photo courtesy of Judy Utley.

‘They’re all damaged.’ Despite progress, West Virginia is still failing to get foster kids the mental health help they need

Photo by Duncan Slade / Mountain State Spotlight

Can telehealth solve America’s mental health crisis in schools?

Cartoon illustration of a video call with psychologist through computer by web cam.
©Olga Strelnikova/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Texas Public Radio: Petrie Dish by Bonnie Petrie, September 16, 2022: 

The kids are not alright. A CDC analysis released earlier this year found that in 2021— the second year of the pandemic — more than 37 percent of high school students reported experiencing poor mental health, and 44 percent reported they felt persistently sad or hopeless throughout the year.

Before the pandemic, mental health was already getting worse — according to previous studies from the CDC.

Bonnie Petrie guest hosted TPR’s The Source to talk to experts about this issue and the telehealth program in Texas that hopes to help solve the mental health crisis.

  • Dr. Laurel Williams, D.O., professor of psychiatry at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, medical director of the Centralized Operation Support Hub, which supports the Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium
  • Reena Pardiwala, PA-C, clinical director of the Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine at UT Health San Antonio
  • Josette Saxton, director of Mental Health Policy at Texans Care for Children

Listen to the TPR Petrie Dish piece here.