This bill amends West Virginia Code §49-4-601a to extend the time frame for the Department of Human Services to identify relatives and fictive kin of a child who has been removed from their home. The bill specifies that the department must now file a list of known relatives and fictive kin with the court no later than 21 calendar days after a petition for removal has been filed, an increase from the previous requirement of seven days. Additionally, any party to the case is allowed to file their own list of relatives and fictive kin within 21 days after the department's initial filing.

Furthermore, the bill extends the deadline for the department to investigate and determine the willingness and ability of those identified as potential foster or kinship parents. The new requirement states that the department must file its determinations with the court within 60 days from the filing of the petition, as opposed to the previous 45 days. Overall, the purpose of this bill is to provide the department with additional time to ensure that the best possible placement options are considered for children in out-of-home care.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 49-4-601a