Pamela Woodman-Kaehler, the first ombudsman of West Virginia’s foster care system, has announced her resignation, with her departure set for June 6. She cited pursuing a new opportunity as her reason for leaving, without providing further details. Elizabeth Hardy, deputy director of the foster care ombudsman’s office, will serve as acting director after Woodman-Kaehler’s departure. The ombudsman position was established by the state Legislature in 2019 to investigate complaints and gather data about the foster care system in West Virginia. The state currently has over 6,000 children in foster care, the highest rate in the nation.
West Virginia is currently facing a significant ongoing class-action lawsuit filed in 2019 on behalf of foster care children. The lawsuit alleged that children’s needs were being neglected due to a lack of case workers, over-reliance on institutionalization, and insufficient mental health support. In response to concerns about the ombudsman’s ability to independently investigate deaths, abuse, and neglect in the foster care system, state lawmakers passed a law in 2023 expanding and specifying the ombudsman’s duties. Additionally, in 2024, lawmakers voted to make the Office of Inspector General, which includes the foster care ombudsman, an independent agency tasked with identifying and eliminating fraud, waste, and abuse in several state departments.
During a news conference, Governor Jim Justice dismissed speculations about the reason for Woodman-Kaehler’s resignation, stating that she had obtained a better job. He praised her work in the position and encouraged celebrating her new opportunity. Ann Urling, interim inspector general for the relevant state departments, also expressed appreciation for Woodman-Kaehler’s service and passion for helping the children of West Virginia. Woodman-Kaehler had previous experience as a child protective services worker and state coordinator for a review panel of the Bureau of Children and Families before becoming the foster care ombudsman. She was also a certified foster parent and trained others to become foster parents.
Woodman-Kaehler’s departure comes at a crucial time for West Virginia’s foster care system, which is heavily burdened by the opioid epidemic and a high rate of children in foster care. The ombudsman’s office plays a vital role in investigating complaints and ensuring the well-being of children in the system. With Hardy stepping in as acting director, the office will continue its mission to address the challenges facing West Virginia’s foster care system. The state’s efforts to reform and improve the system, such as passing laws to strengthen oversight and accountability, reflect a commitment to providing better support for foster children and families. Woodman-Kaehler’s resignation highlights the importance of dedicated individuals in positions of responsibility within the foster care system.
