Kanawha County Circuit Court Judge Maryclaire Akers called state officials in to a hearing Friday explain how housing foster children in hotels and a 4-H camp was “safe and appropriate.” The judge handed down the order after learning a child in an abuse and neglect case had attempted suicide after being placed in a hotel by the West Virginia Department of Human Services Child Protective Services Division. The judge decided to appoint a monitor to deal with child placement issues and named Cindy Largent-Hill, the Director of the Division of Children’s Services for the Supreme Court.
After meeting briefly with his lawyer privately, the cabinet secretary agreed to accept the court monitor who is expected to be in place for a year. Eyewitness News reported the judge will also require quicker reporting on serious incidents like a suicide attempt.