W.Va. Department of Human Services grants temporary permit to Cross Lanes Children’s Care and Learning Center

KANAWHA COUNTY, Va. (WSAZ) – The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) has granted Cross Lanes Children’s Care and Learning Center temporary license status and reduced the facility’s capacity to zero, according to a DoHS news release.

The decision goes into effect on Sunday, October 27, 2024 – due to serious failure to comply with the state’s child care licensing laws, according to the release.

“Today’s action will result in the facility being unable to serve any families or children during the investigation period. We believe this is essential to the safety of youth,” said Dr. Cynthia Persily, Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Human Services. “Our priority remains the protection of children and we are taking all steps necessary to uphold this commitment. We understand the significant impact this closure can have on families and are here to support them in finding safe, alternative childcare arrangements.”

According to the release, the decision to take this action was based on preliminary findings by the DoHS Office of Human Services, including evidence of violations involving physical and mental punishment of children and failures to meet mandatory reporting and supervision standards.

The identified violations include: subjecting a child to physical punishment, the use of psychological punishment, failure to report serious incidents within the required deadlines, lack of supervision of teaching and support staff, and lack of regular staff meetings.

The release noted that these findings are part of an ongoing investigation. Additional violations may be identified and, if necessary, further corrective action will be taken to ensure the safety of children in the setting.

DoHS says the facility has been advised of its right to appeal this decision, which must be requested in writing within 30 days of notification. A hearing officer will be assigned to hear the appeal, and the center may have legal representation and provide documentation as part of the hearing process.