(Editorial - Graphic Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

Regardless of headline-grabbing tragedies, lawsuits and bureaucratic identity crises, no one would argue West Virginians don’t care about ALL our children and want the best for them. So, while there is a great deal of work to do, it is encouraging to hear from the state Department of Human Services that implementation of WV PATH has been completed.

West Virginia People’s Access to Help is the first in the country to offer a comprehensive child welfare information system. In this case, child welfare refers to the various supports available for children and families through state government: health care, family assistance, food and nutrition, child support — and, yes, even a link to support suspected abuse and/or neglect — are all available at wvpath.wv.gov.

Need help navigating Medicaid, Medicare or the Children’s Health Insurance Program? It’s all right there. So is help with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, utility assistance, WV Works … the list goes on.

“The completion of West Virginia People’s Access to Help marks a monumental achievement for West Virginia and the families that we serve,” said Brandon Lewis, DoHS Office of Enterprise Systems director. “This groundbreaking system ensures that vital services are more accessible, integrated, and efficient.”

Perhaps a more streamlined approach to receiving a hand up can help break some generational cycles here in the Mountain State. Perhaps it will simply mean a few more parents will know how to get vouchers for new school clothing and support for buying healthier food for their kids.

Either way, West Virginia families who have easier access to the support they need will be better prepared for success, and that’s good news for all of us.