This bill amends West Virginia Code §49-4-604 to allow courts to consider the voluntary relinquishment of parental rights when determining reasonable efforts to preserve families in cases of child abuse or neglect. The bill outlines the requirements for child and family case plans, emphasizing the need for a written document that includes a description of the child's placement, a plan for reunification, and the services provided to both the child and parents. It also specifies that if reunification is not the permanency plan, the court must document the reasons and outline alternative placement plans.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that the court is not required to make reasonable efforts to preserve the family if certain aggravated circumstances exist, such as severe abuse or the parent’s prior termination of rights to another child. The new language inserted into the law specifies that if a parent has voluntarily relinquished their rights within the last five years during an abuse and neglect proceeding, this can be a factor in the court's decision-making process. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the judicial process regarding child welfare by incorporating the consideration of voluntary relinquishment in family preservation efforts.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 49-4-604