The foster care system, in Appalachia particularly, has many multifaceted and complex issues that need addressed in order for it to improve. There are a lot of leaders, lawyers, non-profit organizations, and healthcare workers across the region that give us insight on how they are working towards improving the system, as well as over all child welfare across the states. A good resource to see what is going on in the state of West Virginia is the KVC West Virginia Blog where they discuss suicide prevention among foster children, how to get involved with back to school season, as well as other community outreach programs. TEAM for West Virginia Children also has a blog that keeps community members up to date with all of the latest events that will be impacting the region and the foster care system. Another non-profit organization that covers more of the mental health side of foster children’s needs is Mission WV, and they frequently post articles on how to get involved in other ways besides being a foster parent.

There are also some prominent voices on twitter to follow such as Kelli Caseman who is the director of children’s health at WVAHC where they focus on healthcare policy that impacts children, particularly those in the foster care system. Erin Beck, a statehouse reporter for the Register Herald, is a great person to follow on twitter to be kept up to date on healthcare policy work that is impacting the entire state of WV, as well as Michael Brumage.

Tina Grey-Russell is a twitter blogger and teacher in West Virginia that is constantly covering issues that are impacting all of the children in the state, as well as shedding light on new programs that are combating these issues.

The Heath Affairs Blog is a great place to go to see how other states across the nation are dealing with similar issues as our region and how policy can be used in various different ways. Their bloggers also look at ways communities come together to create specialized programs.

Lastly, another local organization to West Virginians, is the Children’s Home Society. While their site does not include a blog as some of the previously mentioned sources, they do consistently upload events and media that will occur throughout the state. Currently they are holding meetings and get togethers all across the state to compile opinions on the foster care system to bring to the next legislation meeting.