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Family Support Resources

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 01:31:38 GMT

Resources for West Virginia Families

Where to Get Help*

Mental Health and Counseling Services

Kanawha County:

Charleston Area Medical Center Behavioral Health Services - (304) 388-9963
Offers family therapy, individual counseling, and trauma-informed care
Accepts Medicaid and offers sliding scale fees
Prestera Center - (304) 340-3676
Comprehensive behavioral health services with multiple locations
Specializes in family preservation services

Putnam County:

Putnam Aging & Family Services - (304) 586-0811
Family counseling and support services
Works directly with DHHR on family cases

Cabell County:

Prestera Center Huntington - (304) 525-7851
Crisis intervention and family therapy
River Park Hospital Behavioral Health - (304) 526-9111
Inpatient and outpatient mental health services

Support Groups and Advocacy Organizations

Statewide Resources:

West Virginia Parent Training and Information Center - (304) 624-1436
Helps parents navigate systems and advocate for their children
Children's Home Society of WV - (304) 755-3131
Family preservation and reunification services
WV Coalition Against Domestic Violence - (304) 965-3552
Support for families dealing with domestic violence issues

Local Support Groups:

NAMI Kanawha Valley - (304) 342-0497
Support groups for families dealing with mental health challenges
Parents Anonymous Groups - Contact local DHHR offices for meeting times

Crisis and Emergency Resources

24/7 Crisis Lines:

WV Crisis Hotline - 1-800-579-5844
National Child Abuse Hotline - 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)
WV Domestic Violence Hotline - 1-800-352-6513

Emergency Assistance:

Salvation Army locations in Charleston, Huntington
Catholic Charities WV - Emergency assistance programs
Local food banks and clothing assistance programs

These resources are critical because families in child welfare proceedings often face immediate crises that, if addressed quickly, can prevent case escalation.

Educational and Parenting Support

Parenting Classes (often court-required):

WV Parenting Education Program - Available through family courts
Healthy Families WV - Home visiting programs
Head Start Programs - Early childhood education and family support

Substance Abuse Treatment:

Highland Hospital - (304) 926-1600 (Charleston)
Prestera Center Substance Abuse Services
Recovery Point WV - Multiple locations

Legal Aid and Additional Support

Legal Resources:

Legal Aid of West Virginia - 1-800-642-8279
For clients who may need additional civil legal assistance
WV State Bar Lawyer Referral Service - (304) 558-2456
For specialized referrals outside your practice areas

DHHR Navigation:

Each county DHHR office has family service coordinators
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) programs in each county

* This list is for information purposes only, and does not constitute legal advice or an endorsement of services. To have your organization added to this list, please contact admin@thekfklawfirm.com

Can a criminal conviction cost you your job?

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 01:22:27 GMT

The impact of a criminal conviction on your job

CRIMINAL RECORDS & EMPLOYMENT: THE HIDDEN COST OF CONVICTION

THE EMPLOYMENT REALITY

92% of employers conduct background checks
Criminal records create 5x higher unemployment rates
Average lifetime earnings loss: $400,000-$500,000
60% remain unemployed one year after conviction

INDUSTRIES WITH AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFICATION

Healthcare: Patient care positions eliminated
Financial Services: Federal regulations prohibit hiring
Education: Background checks required, restrictions for any charges involving minors
Transportation: DUI convictions end CDL careers immediately
Government: Security clearance requirements eliminate opportunities
Licensed Professions: Legal, medical, real estate face strict character requirements

TIMELINE OF IMPACT Immediate (During Charges): Current job loss, license suspension, security clearance

revocation 1-2 Years: 70% of opportunities eliminated, licensing board reviews, advancement blocked 5+ Years:Persistent employment gaps, reduced earning potential, limited career growth

WEST VIRGINIA EXPUNGEMENT LIMITATIONS

Only available once in lifetime
Misdemeanors: 1-2 year waiting period
Non-violent felonies: 5 year wait (3 with treatment)
Violent felonies: No expungement available
Law enforcement jobs: Must disclose even expunged convictions
Federal checks: May still reveal expunged records

THE INVESTMENT EQUATION Cost of Conviction: $400,000-$500,000 lifetime earnings loss Investment in Defense: $750-$7,500+ for aggressive representation Potential Outcome: Charges dismissed, reduced, or minimized

Your career is worth defending. Don't let one mistake define your future.

Call us today to see if we can help you.

What's an expungement? Getting old mistakes off of your criminal record for good

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 01:02:22 GMT

Now's the time to clear your name . . .

The Bad News: When you were twenty-five, you got a simple possession of marijuana charge. You pled guilty, paid a fine and moved on with life, but that charge keeps following you every where you go.

The Good News: You might be able to get the charge removed from your record. In West Virginia, your criminal conviction doesn't necessarily have to stay with you forever. Expungement may be an option.

While e xpungement isn't available for violent offenses, like assault, and battery, offenses against children, sexual offenses, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, BUT THERE ARE A NUMBER OF OFFENSES THAT YOU CAN GET REMOVED FROM YOUR RECORD FOREVER, including:

simple possession,

shoplifting,

petit larceny,

trespassing,

and others.

Contact KF Law Firm to see if your charges are eligible for expungement.