This week, some of the stories on our show inspired college student art — including a vivid image of a bear smashing a clarinet. Also, a Hare Krishna community in West Virginia serves vegetarian food made in three sacred kitchens. And, COVID-19 exposed the contempt society has for marginalized people. One author says, these folks are anything but passive.
COMET System Makes Foster Care Communication More Secure
The Communication & Operations Mobile Engagement Tool (COMET), from the West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), is designed to strengthen communication and collaboration across the system.IdeaBug Inc./Adobe Stock
Share this Article
Foster parents, caseworkers, attorneys, service providers, and other authorized participants in the state’s foster care system can use a new secure platform to share information and track updates.
The Communication & Operations Mobile Engagement Tool (COMET), from the West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), is designed to strengthen communication and collaboration across the system.
By reducing delays and preventing miscommunication, the platform is expected to ensure that children and families receive timely, consistent support.
Phase 1 of COMET went live on September 2, just three months after the project began. This first phase established secure communication and case tracking.
Phase 2 will offer more tools, including a mobile application to further increase accessibility.
The following is the roll out schedule for Phase 1 of the program.
9/1/2025
Randolph County
9/15/2025
Monongalia County
9/29/2025
Wood, Wirt, Putnam, and Mason Counties
10/13/2025
Lincoln, Boone, Lewis, Upshur, Barbour, Preston, and Taylor Counties
A lawsuit filed seven years ago has survived its second dismissal after the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled this week that courts have the jurisdiction -- and the duty -- to remedy the many challenges in the West Virginia foster care system.
Operation Summer Heat 2.0 aims to build on the success of last year's operation by targeting violent criminals and drug traffickers in and around West Virginia.
The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) allows local communities and organizations to step in and meet the needs of families when school is not in session.