Pack’s departure comes as the state’s foster care system continues to grapple with challenges exacerbated by the opioid epidemic. West Virginia has the highest rate of children in foster care in the country, with over 6,000 children currently in the system. The state is also facing a class-action lawsuit filed on behalf of foster care children in 2019, alleging that children’s needs are not being met due to a shortage of caseworkers, reliance on institutionalization, and a lack of mental health support. Pack has made efforts to address some of these issues during his tenure, such as increasing starting salaries for child protective services workers and implementing a foster care dashboard in 2022.
Prior to his role as commissioner, Pack served in the House of Delegates from Raleigh County and was chairman of the Health and Human Resources Committee. His departure follows the resignation of Pamela Woodman-Kaehler, director of the foster care system’s ombudsman office, last month. Woodman-Kaehler’s position was created in 2019 to investigate complaints and collect data about the foster care system in the state. Pack will be stepping into a new role as the commissioner of the Bureau of Senior Services, replacing Denise Worley who left for a private sector job in May.
Gov. Jim Justice praised Pack’s work in his current role and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the Bureau of Senior Services. Pack will remain in his position until a replacement is hired, allowing for a smooth transition of leadership within the bureau. Justice highlighted Pack’s accomplishments in improving the welfare of children in the foster care system, such as addressing staff turnover rates and implementing new initiatives to support child protective services workers. Pack’s departure comes at a critical time for the foster care system in West Virginia, as the state continues to face challenges in meeting the needs of vulnerable children and families affected by the opioid crisis.
The foster care system in West Virginia has been under strain for years, with the opioid epidemic adding to the challenges faced by children and families in the state. Pack’s departure as commissioner of the Bureau of Social Services marks a significant change in leadership within the agency, as the state works to address systemic issues within the foster care system. The appointment of Pack as the commissioner of the Bureau of Senior Services reflects a shift in focus towards addressing the needs of older adults in the state, with Pack taking on a new role in overseeing services for seniors. The state will now need to find a replacement for Pack in order to continue the work of improving the foster care system and providing support for vulnerable children and families.
