This bill amends sections 49-4-605 and 49-4-610 of the West Virginia Code to impose limitations on the number of improvement periods a parent can receive in abuse and neglect proceedings for each child. Specifically, it introduces new provisions that restrict a respondent to a maximum of three improvement periods across all filings related to the same child. Additionally, it establishes stricter limits for parents with prior terminations of parental rights, allowing only two improvement periods for those with one prior termination and just one improvement period for those with two or more prior terminations or relinquishments of parental rights.

The bill also clarifies the circumstances under which the Department of Health and Human Resources must file for termination of parental rights, including cases where a parent fails to successfully complete their final improvement period. The proposed changes aim to streamline the process and ensure that children do not remain in foster care for extended periods while their parents attempt to rectify issues related to abuse or neglect. Overall, the legislation seeks to balance the rights of parents with the best interests of children in the welfare system.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 49-4-605, 49-4-610