The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Social Services (BSS), is highlighting the continued success and expansion of Functional Family Therapy (FFT), an evidence-based program implemented statewide in 2016 to strengthen families and prevent situations that can lead to child abuse, neglect, or unnecessary involvement with the child welfare system.
“Functional Family Therapy gives families the tools to stabilize early, rebuild trust, and stay safely together,” said Alex Mayer, Cabinet Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Human Services. “When we support families before a crisis escalates, we not only prevent abuse and neglect, we create stronger foundations for long-term success.”
FFT supports youth ages 11–18 and their families by improving communication, reducing conflict, and helping caregivers develop effective strategies to manage behavioral and emotional challenges. Therapists work directly with families, often in their homes, to understand their needs and build practical skills that promote safety, stability, and healthier relationships. Most families participate for four to six months, and services are provided at no cost.
Recent data highlights the program's continued growth and powerful impact. In 2025, 72 youth were diverted from involvement with the court system, compared with 55 in 2024. Successful program completions also increased, with 51 families completing services in 2025, up from 44 in 2024. In addition, 96 percent of families who completed services in 2025 showed reduced risk levels and stronger protective factors based on pre- and post-treatment assessments, and 65 percent of participating youth had no continued involvement with the juvenile justice system six months after completion.
BSS has prioritized strengthening and expanding FFT’s reach through active coordination with its provider partner, an approach that has already supported service expansion into Wood and Putnam counties and allows flexibility to serve families referred from outside designated service areas when needs arise. To support continued growth, DoHS and the provider also collaborate on outreach with judicial, educational, child welfare, and community partners through informational materials, structured training on the FFT model and referral pathways, and provider-led grassroots engagement to strengthen referral networks and community integration.
The Department continues to prioritize prevention-focused, evidence-based services like Functional Family Therapy to help families address challenges early, reduce system involvement, and promote safer, more stable environments for children across West Virginia.
For more information about Functional Family Therapy services in West Virginia, visit nyap.org/west-virginia. To view and apply for career opportunities that support West Virginia children and families, click here.
