The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) reports a significant drop in the number of children awaiting Wraparound services in 2025, reflecting continued progress in strengthening community-based support for families caring for youth with complex needs, allowing children to remain safely in their communities rather than entering more restrictive levels of care.
“Reducing wait times for Wraparound services means children and families receive the right support sooner, when it matters most,” said Alex Mayer, Cabinet Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Human Services. “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 average weekly Wraparound waitlist declined from 137 children in January of 2025 to 14 by November, representing nearly a 90 percent reduction. This steady downward trend is the result of targeted efforts to expand provider capacity, improve timely access, and better align services with family needs statewide.
DoHS also expanded service capacity and strengthened coordination across the behavioral health system. The Bureau for Medical Services’ Children’s Serious Emotional Disturbance (CSED) Waiver onboarded five new providers, a 19% increase, and expanded service areas with existing providers. Provider capacity and waitlists were closely monitored to target expansion where the need was greatest, supported by dedicated staff coordinating placements across counties and providers. The Bureau for Behavioral Health further reduced waitlist pressure by providing Intro to Wraparound training to alternative service providers outside of the wraparound network, helping families connect with appropriate supports and further reducing waitlist pressure.
To further address ongoing challenges, DoHS is focused on implementing Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics statewide, boosting provider recruitment and outreach, authorizing telehealth where regional capacity is limited, and expanding the Safe at Home program in high-need counties.
Families and caregivers may learn more about Wraparound services available through kidsthrive.wv.gov/how-do-i.
