This bill seeks to amend the Code of West Virginia by introducing limitations on the number of improvement periods a parent can receive in abuse and neglect proceedings for each child. Specifically, it adds provisions that restrict a respondent to a maximum of three improvement periods across all filings related to the same child. Additionally, it stipulates that a parent with one prior termination of parental rights can only be granted two improvement periods for any subsequent child, while a parent with two or more prior terminations or relinquishments is limited to just one improvement period for any new child.

The bill also modifies existing criteria for when the Department of Health and Human Resources must file for the termination of parental rights, including a new condition that allows for termination if a parent fails to successfully complete their final improvement period. These changes aim to streamline the process and ensure that children are not left in foster care for extended periods while parents are given multiple opportunities to rectify their situations. Overall, the legislation emphasizes the urgency of resolving cases of abuse and neglect in a timely manner.

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