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 and the termination of foster care arrangements. A significant change in the bill is the modification of the time frame for which a child can remain in a foster care arrangement without termination. The bill reduces the maximum duration from eighteen consecutive months to six consecutive months, establishing that a foster care arrangement may not be terminated unless it is in the best interest of the child and meets specific criteria. These criteria include situations where the foster parents agree to the termination, the child is returned to their biological parents, or a court orders the termination based on a more suitable long-term placement.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions regarding sibling placements, allowing for more flexibility in maintaining sibling relationships during foster care arrangements. It stipulates that the department may notify foster or adoptive parents of a child's availability for placement within ten days and may terminate a foster care arrangement to unite siblings if it is deemed in the best interest of the children. The bill also emphasizes the importance of considering the best interests of the child in all decisions regarding foster care arrangements and sibling placements, ensuring that the welfare of the children remains the primary focus.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 49-4-111