For more information contact:

John D. Law, Director
Office of Communications
West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources
Direct Line: 304-558-8886 Fax: 304-558-7075
Cell: 304-546-5162 Home: 304-346-7731
e-mail: johnlaw@wvdhhr.org

For immediate release

New Local Lead Agency for WV Birth to Three

West Virginia Birth to Three, the statewide program that provides support and services for the families of children under the age of three who have developmental delays or who are likely to have developmental delays, has a new local lead agency for Boone, Clay, Kanawha and Putnam counties. Effective April 26, 2002, local lead agency responsibilities, previously administered by Shawnee Hills, will be conducted through River Valley Child Development Center (RVCD). RVCD will have offices in each of the four counties for easy access to families and community partners.

Any child who may be in need of birth to three services should contact the local lead agency where a team of professionals is available to work with the family to determine if the child is eligible and if so, identify the types of supports and services which will meet their needs related to their child’s development.

For information about where to call for services in these four counties or across other counties of the state, phone toll-free at 1-800-642-9704. West Virginia Birth to Three services are available through the state’s participation under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and coordinate through the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Office of Maternal, Child and Family Health.