West Virginia Code of State Rules Agency 78 - Human Services
Agency Overview
Agency 78, the Department of Human Services (DHS), is a state-level agency responsible for delivering social services, assistance programs, and protective services to residents of West Virginia. Its primary mission is to enhance the well-being, safety, and self-sufficiency of individuals, families, and communities across the state.
The agency operates under the direction of a cabinet-level Secretary appointed by the Governor and includes various divisions that administer specific human services programs.
Core Objectives
The Human Services agency focuses on several key objectives:
Providing Assistance to Vulnerable Populations:
Ensure access to services for children, elderly, disabled individuals, and low-income families.
Address immediate needs such as food, shelter, healthcare, and financial support.
Promoting Family and Community Stability:
Support families in achieving economic self-sufficiency and social well-being.
Implement programs to strengthen family bonds, reduce abuse, and prevent neglect.
Ensuring Safety and Protection:
Protect children and vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Monitor and regulate facilities that serve these populations to ensure compliance with standards.
Encouraging Self-Sufficiency:
Provide education, job training, and support services that enable individuals and families to become independent and productive members of society.
Organizational Structure
Agency 78 is composed of several divisions and units, each with specific responsibilities:
Division of Social Services:
Administers financial assistance programs, including cash aid, food assistance, and housing support.
Provides guidance and case management to help families meet basic needs.
Division of Child Protective Services:
Investigates reports of child abuse or neglect.
Coordinates foster care, adoption services, and family preservation programs.
Division of Adult Protective Services:
Safeguards the welfare of elderly and disabled adults.
Responds to reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults.
Division of Rehabilitation Services:
Offers programs to assist individuals with disabilities in achieving employment and independence.
Provides vocational training, counseling, and placement services.
Division of Community Services:
Supports programs that address poverty, homelessness, and community development.
Collaborates with local organizations to expand access to essential services.
Administrative Services:
Handles agency budgeting, human resources, and compliance monitoring.
Ensures programs meet agency standards and objectives.
Programs and Services
Agency 78 administers a wide range of programs, including:
Financial Assistance Programs:
Temporary aid for families in crisis.
Assistance with utilities, rent, and basic necessities.
Health and Nutrition Programs:
Access to medical care, preventive services, and nutrition assistance.
Support for mothers, children, and elderly individuals.
Child Welfare Services:
Protective services for abused or neglected children.
Foster care, adoption, and family reunification programs.
Adult Services:
Protection and support for elderly or disabled adults at risk.
Long-term care planning and caregiver support programs.
Employment and Rehabilitation Services:
Vocational training, counseling, and job placement for people with disabilities or other barriers to employment.
Community Outreach Programs:
Support for homeless populations, domestic violence victims, and individuals recovering from substance abuse.
Collaboration with local nonprofits and community organizations.
Eligibility and Access
Programs are generally means-tested or targeted toward vulnerable populations.
Eligibility depends on factors such as income, age, disability status, and family circumstances.
Applicants must provide documentation and work with agency caseworkers to access services.
Accountability and Oversight
Agency 78 operates with internal oversight mechanisms to ensure compliance with rules and regulations.
All programs require record-keeping, periodic reporting, and audits to verify proper use of resources.
Residents have avenues to appeal decisions or report concerns regarding service delivery.
Key Goals
Protect vulnerable populations from harm.
Improve the quality of life for residents through social support programs.
Strengthen families and communities to foster self-sufficiency.
Provide equitable access to services across West Virginia.
In short, West Virginia Code of State Rules Agency 78 – Human Services is the central agency responsible for social welfare, protective services, and community support programs, ensuring that the most vulnerable residents of the state have access to assistance, protection, and opportunities for self-reliance.
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