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

February 2, 2025
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.

February 2, 2025
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

February 2, 2025
Photo by Duncan Slade / Mountain State Spotlight

Youth mental health services expand in San Antonio and statewide

Five children walk together on a sunny day. They each have backpacks, probably leaving school.
©Norma Mortenson

Texas Public Radio: The Source by Bonnie Petrie, September 14, 2022: In a unanimous decision earlier this month, the San Antonio City Council voted to create a framework to increase mental health care access across the city. The city will utilize $23 million from the American Rescue Plan Act. How will the funds be disbursed? What age groups will the city focus its efforts on?

Later on The Source, young Texans can access mental health services through Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine (TCHATT).

During the pandemic, some students experienced poor mental health such as anxiety and depression due to loneliness and isolation. Greater access for youth mental health services has been a goal long before the pandemic’s onset.

In 2019, the Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium was created after Senate Bill 10 passed in the 86th Texas Legislature. Its purpose is to improve mental health and mental health care systems for children and adolescents.

What are the plans from the local government to help those in need of mental health services? How will the program continue to be financed after ARPA funds run out?

What should representatives focus on in the next legislative session to help improve youth mental health care? What gaps exist in Texas legislation when it comes to youth access to mental health services?

What signs should we look for in children to assess their mental health? What should parents be aware of? How can a parent or child in need of services find access?

Guests:

  • Melissa Cabello Havrda, San Antonio City Council Representative for District 6, chair of the Public Safety Committee
  • 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: The Source piece here.