Keeping Families Together: A Proven Approach for Better Outcomes
By Mark Drennan, Vice President, National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP)
When it comes to child welfare, few issues are as critical—or as complex—as the decision to remove a child or youth from their home. At National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP), we believe keeping children and youth with their primary family members is essential to their long-term success and well-being. While foster care is a necessary safety net for children and youth experiencing unsafe environments, it should be considered a last resort and not the default option. Research increasingly indicates that youth who remain with their primary families with the support they need, even in challenging circumstances, generally experience better educational, emotional, and social outcomes compared to their peers who experience foster care.
Stability, strong family connections, and a sense of belonging are critical factors in shaping a youth's future. That's why NYAP is committed to offering solutions that empower families and connect them with the resources they need to achieve safety and stability for the children and youth in their care. Our latest initiative within West Virginia's Children with Serious Emotional Disorder Waiver (CSEDW) Program showcases our commitment to evidence-based practices that prioritize family preservation whenever possible.
Through our collaboration with AETNA, NYAP is bringing Family Centered Treatment (FCT)—a nationally recognized, evidence-based practice—to West Virginia. FCT is designed to provide families with the tools they need to create a safe and stable home environment, preventing the need for out-of-home placements. This approach aligns with our fundamental belief that children and youth thrive best when surrounded by their loved ones in the communities they call home.
We also recognize that, in some cases, children and youth cannot be cared for within their own families. When it becomes evident that a family environment cannot provide the necessary safety and stability, NYAP is committed to being a trusted partner. We offer high-quality foster care services that prioritize children and youth's well-being and future success. Our foster care programs are built on compassion, individualized support, and evidence-based interventions. This ensures that children, youth, and families feel understood, and we work collaboratively to provide the care they need to be successful in their homes and communities.
Looking ahead, NYAP remains committed to partnering with the Morrisey administration and the West Virginia State Legislature to further strengthen the child welfare system. We aim to collaborate on innovative strategies that prioritize family preservation while ensuring the highest quality of care for children and youth in need of foster care placement.
As a leader in child welfare with over 30 years of experience, I am eager to bring NYAP's expertise and commitment to the forefront of these discussions. I encourage stakeholders, policymakers, and community partners to join us in our mission to create a future where fewer children and youth enter foster care and more families receive the resources they need to thrive.
For more information or to connect with NYAP on how we can support your efforts, please tap or click the link below to fill out our CSEDW inquiry form. I look forward to working together to create a brighter future for West Virginia's children, youth, and families.