This bill proposes the addition of a new section, 49-2-802b, to the Code of West Virginia, mandating the Department of Human Services (DoHS) to develop and implement a statewide prevention plan by January 1, 2027. The plan aims to provide trauma-informed, evidence-based prevention services to children under 18 and their families, including kinship and foster parents. The services will target at-risk youth, pregnant and parenting youth, those aging out of foster care, youth post-adoption, and those transitioning between care levels. The DoHS is also required to ensure adequate access to these services, which must include both telehealth and physical locations.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific reporting and tracking requirements for the DoHS, including annual reports to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources Accountability starting December 1, 2027. These reports will detail the number of families served, costs associated with prevention services, and program outcomes. The bill also mandates that services be submitted for federal review to qualify for matching funds and requires the DoHS to file an amended state plan by July 1, 2028, to maximize federal support under the Family First Prevention Services Act. The implementation of the plan is to be completed by February 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 49-2-802b