State Leaders Recognize Adult Family Care Workers

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) and Bureau for Social Services will honor adult family care providers and adult service workers throughout the month of September.

Gov. Jim Justice also proclaimed September 2023 as Adult Family Care Month in West Virginia, acknowledging the significant role that caregivers play in providing compassionate support to vulnerable adults as West Virginia holds the third largest percentage of population over the age of 65 in the nation.

Specialized Family Care is a statewide placement and family support system designed to service the needs of children and adults with developmental disabilities.

There are currently 122 adults served by the DHHR’s adult family care program who cannot care for themselves due to physical, mental or emotional disabilities.

Adult family care providers offer the adults in their care a stable family environment in a home setting.

“Adult Family Care Month serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about the critical needs of vulnerable adults in our state, and to express our gratitude to the dedicated Adult Family Care Providers and Adult Service Workers who make a positive impact in the lives of these individuals every day,” said Jeff Pack, commissioner of DHHR’s Bureau for Social Services.
For more information and how to become a provider, visit Adult Family Care.

Appalachia Health News is a project of West Virginia Public Broadcasting with support from Charleston Area Medical Center and Marshall Health.