(Editorial - Graphic Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

When public officials hide behind the way they choose to interpret the law rather than focus on resolving deficiencies in their agency that could prove damaging or deadly to children, others in positions of responsibility must act.

Gov. Patrick Morrisey says his office is doing just that, as he announced last week six steps for the Department of Human Services to take to improve communication with the public, transparency, training and investigations involving the foster care system and Child Protective Services.

“We know that it was difficult to hear many of the issues that could have been avoided had the state communicated differently, had the state eliminated some red tape, or had the right tools to better equip our CPS workers,” Morrisey said. “I think you all know that these issues have been going on for a very, very long time. Unfortunately, it’s the kids that suffer, and we can’t tolerate that … West Virginia cannot keep kicking the can down the road as was done in the past.”

Regarding transparency, Morrisey said one step will involve disclosing additional information about child fatalities and near-fatalities. Crucially, that will include the cause of circumstances surrounding the fatality or near-fatality, the age and sex of the child, actions described in previous reports or investigations, and the results of investigations and services of the state on behalf of the child that are pertinent to the abuse or neglect that led to the fatality or near-fatality.

Recall how opaque former DoHS Secretary Cynthia Persily was after 14-year-old Kyneddi Miller died.

“There was no excuse. I repeat, there was no excuse to keep this information to be shielded from the public,” Morrisey said. “We are going to be different. We’re going to be up front with the people of West Virginia, and we’re going to be as transparent as the law possibly allows.”

This step is just a part of what Morrisey says he expects to change for the department and CPS, but it is enormous. If done right — and with the safety and well-being of children in mind — it will save lives.