This bill aims to amend the Code of West Virginia by establishing a Central Reception Center and a network of Emergency Resource Homes for foster children, while eliminating the practice of placing children in hotels due to insufficient foster care placements. The legislation outlines the purpose of these facilities, which will provide immediate and temporary shelter, comprehensive assessments, and behavioral stabilization services for children awaiting permanent placements. The Central Reception Center will operate 24/7 and will not be classified as a shelter but as a transitional assessment facility, ensuring that children do not stay longer than 48 hours before being placed in an Emergency Resource Home or suitable foster home.

Additionally, the bill mandates the West Virginia Department of Human Services to expand the recruitment and licensing of Emergency Resource Homes, providing specialized training and financial incentives to foster parents. Funding for these initiatives will come from state appropriations, federal grants, and private partnerships. The Department is also required to submit annual reports to the Legislature detailing the number of children served and the effectiveness of the program. Penalties for non-compliance with the standards set for these facilities include reviews by the Legislative Oversight Committee and potential loss of licensing for placement agencies. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage, with full implementation required within 12 months.

Statutes affected:
Committee Substitute: 49-12-1, 49-12-2, 49-12-3, 49-12-4
Introduced Version: 49-2A-1, 49-2A-2, 49-2A-3, 49-2A-4, 49-2A-5, 49-2A-6, 49-2A-7, 49-2A-8