Projects and Initiatives

Worth Our Care
On any given day, there are approximately 3,000 children in out-of-home care in West Virginia. More than 400 children are living in out-f-state care settings, away from their families and their communities. This is costly for West Virginia both in human and financial terms. The Alliance for Children and many other groups representing business, child advocates and faith organizations, are proposing that we take a bold step in the right direction by making better investments in West Virginia’s economic present and future.

For more information about Worth Our Care, click here.


Youth Foster Care Handbook
In recent focus group discussion with youth in the foster care system, it became clear that many of them had experienced confusion, fear, frustration and a lack of information about the system. In response, a youth editorial board was formed to develop West Virginia’s first handbook for youth in care. What’s Next?: Navigating the Foster Care System in West Virginia addresses issues and questions of concern to help youth better understand the system. It is available in printed format and online, thanks to support from business partners Progress Energy and Dominion Resources.

Click here to go to the What’s Next website


Education White Paper and Workgroup
The Alliance for Children is leading an effort to improve the quality and consistency of the education services for children in West Virginia's foster care system! This includes addressing such barriers as delays in enrollment, difficulties accessing appropriate educational services, professional teaching standards and obstacles to developing and operating educational programs to meet the needs of children in this population.

To read the position paper, "The Education of Children in Out-of-Home Care", click here.


Children’s Memorial Flag Day
In 1998 the Child Welfare League of America launched a campaign to attract attention to the tragedy of violent child deaths as part of a national initiative to reduce child mortality. The centerpiece is a red flag depicting blue paper doll-like figures of children holding hands. The white chalk outline of a missing child in the center represents the thousands of children lost to violence. The flag is flown across the country on the fourth Friday in April. The Alliance for Children and its members support the Children’s Memorial Flag Day initiative throughout West Virginia. In 2005, the Children's Memorial Flag was flown in all of West Virginia's 55 counties on April 22. Most of the counties held ceremonies, candlelight vigils, information fairs and recognition dinners for child advocates. Governor Joe Manchin arranged to fly the flag at the state capitol grounds.

Click here to go to the CWLA website.