The launch of CarePortal marks a significant milestone in West Virginia, bringing together various community stakeholders to support children and families in crisis. The initiative, celebrated at the Hotel Morgan in Morgantown, represents the first of its kind in the state and involves collaboration between the Department of Human Services, local churches, social workers, and community organizations throughout Monongalia County.
CarePortal is a technology platform designed to bridge the gap between child-serving agencies and community responders. It aims to mobilize local churches and community members to respond to the needs of families in real time, thereby preventing unnecessary foster care placements. With its successful initial launch in Mon County, CarePortal went live with participation from 14 local churches, signaling a strong community commitment to child welfare.
The system operates by allowing social workers to enter a family’s material needs—such as furniture, clothing, or utility bills—into the portal. Once a need is entered, alerts are sent to participating community members who can then offer to meet these needs. Demonstrations at the launch event showcased how quickly and effectively the platform can mobilize support, underscoring its potential impact on reducing the strain on the foster care system.
In other states, CarePortal has already demonstrated profound outcomes, including a significant decrease in foster care placements. The Mon County pilot project, initiated in 2023, was driven by a dedicated group of individuals seeking to address the challenges faced by families before they require state intervention. By conducting a community assessment, they identified ample resources and willing participants eager to support local families.
Chestnut Mountain Village became the implementing partner, with the CMA Church of Morgantown and Chestnut Ridge Church pioneering the pilot program. Local collaboration extends to the Bureau of Social Services, Bureau of Family Services, and other community organizations, creating a robust network of support built on neighborly connections rather than government intervention.
The Department of Human Services recognizes initiatives like CarePortal as crucial solutions to the challenges within the child welfare system. By enabling community members to respond swiftly to posted needs, the platform ensures children remain safe and supported. Moreover, it fosters relationships that offer emotional and social support, contributing to a nurturing environment for families.
Local leaders, such as Mon County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Kristin Antolini and CMA Pastor Roy Baker, emphasize CarePortal’s transformative potential for families in Monongalia County. By meeting economic requests, the community sends a powerful message of care and value to those in need, providing foster families with the motivation and support necessary for success.
The Evolving Landscape
The introduction of CarePortal in Monongalia County holds significant promise for enhancing community support and reducing reliance on state intervention. By connecting families in need with a network of churches and community members, the initiative helps create a more resilient and supportive environment, potentially lowering the number of children entering foster care.
This collaborative approach encourages communities to take an active role in supporting vulnerable families, promoting a sense of shared responsibility and empowerment. As CarePortal expands its reach, starting with a pilot program in Preston County, the potential for broader state-wide impact grows. Such initiatives may lead to improved outcomes for children and families, fostering a culture of care and support that benefits the entire community.