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

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that the DoHS must track service encounters and outcomes, reporting annually to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources Accountability starting December 1, 2027. The report will detail the number of families served, state and federal costs, and program outcomes, all while maintaining confidentiality through de-identified data. The legislation also emphasizes maximizing federal funding opportunities under the Family First Prevention Services Act to support these prevention services.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 49-2-802b
Committee Substitute: 49-2-802b
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 49-2-802b
Enrolled Committee Substitute: 49-2-802b