Our Children Deserve Better Social Policy Outcomes

Our children and grandchildren should not bear the brunt of social policy failures. I understand this deeply, as I grew up as one of West Virginia’s lost children. Coming from a background of poverty in North Central West Virginia, I know firsthand the challenges such circumstances present.

Despite these challenges, I pursued a career in psychology. Today, I am a doctoral pediatric psychologist and serve as a graduate faculty member. In this role, I have had the privilege of supervising ten young doctors who practice both in the United States and internationally.

West Virginia Watch, an independent and nonpartisan news service based in Charleston, provides a platform for sharing important stories like mine. These stories highlight the need for systemic change to prevent future generations from enduring similar hardships.

The experiences of children are shaped by the policies in place. It is crucial to put effective social strategies into action to ensure a better future for all. By doing so, we prevent the cycle of poverty and disadvantage from continuing across generations.