This bill amends West Virginia Code §49-4-111, which outlines the criteria and procedures for the temporary removal of a child from a foster home. Key changes include the reduction of the time a child must be in a foster care arrangement before certain actions can be taken, changing the threshold from "eighteen" to "six" consecutive months. Additionally, the bill specifies that a foster care arrangement may only be terminated if it is in the best interest of the child and under certain conditions, such as the child being returned to their biological parents or the foster parents agreeing to the termination. The bill also introduces new language regarding the notification process for siblings in foster care, ensuring that foster or adoptive parents of siblings are informed of a child's availability for placement.

Furthermore, the bill allows for more flexibility in sibling placements, stating that the department may terminate a foster care arrangement to unite siblings if it is deemed in the best interest of the children. It also emphasizes the importance of considering the best interests of the siblings when making placement decisions. The department is granted the discretion to maintain sibling separation if evidence suggests that such a placement would be harmful. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the welfare of children in foster care by updating the legal framework governing their placement and removal.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 49-4-111