The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families has awarded $3 million over a five-year period for a joint project of the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR), Prestera Center, Marshall University and the Children’s Home Society to help families and children affected by substance use.
Prestera Center in Huntington will administer the federal funding to support the West Virginia Regional Partnership for Children and Families Impacted by Substance Abuse. The grant will serve 200 children and their families in Lincoln, Cabell and Wayne counties with increased family therapy and intensive care coordination. The funding will allow families to receive wraparound services, an innovative approach used by DHHR’s Bureau for Children and Families that recognizes the impact of trauma and engages families in planning for services to address complex needs.
“Given our experience with the wraparound model, we are thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the planning and implementation process for this important grant,” said Linda Watts, Acting Commissioner for DHHR’s Bureau for Children and Families. “Alongside our partners on the federal, state and local levels, the Bureau hopes to not only decrease the number of children entering out-of-home care, but improve the overall health, safety and well-being of West Virginia families.”
In addition to guiding the program’s use of the wraparound model, DHHR’s Bureau for Children and Families will provide referrals for program participation and team support for the families and agencies. DHHR’s Bureau for Behavioral Health and Health Facilities will provide technical assistance and support for the workforce.
Children and their families will be served by Prestera (up to age 12), Marshall University (up to age 5) and the Children’s Home Society (ages 5 to 12). Individualized services for members of the family will include intensive case management, needed concrete supports (i.e., transportation), and behavioral health support, assessment and treatment.
“This funding will equip us with the tools we need to provide specific, individualized services and supports to many children and families who have been affected by substance abuse,” said Karen Yost, Prestera Chief Executive Officer. “I look forward to seeing how this project will change lives.”