The proposed bill aims to establish the "Bring Them Home Fund" within the West Virginia Code, specifically designed to enhance in-state treatment options for children requiring acute psychiatric, neurodevelopmental, or trauma services. The bill outlines legislative findings that emphasize the importance of keeping children within their home state for treatment, highlighting the challenges and costs associated with out-of-state placements. The fund will be administered by the Secretary of the Department of Human Services and will consist of various revenue sources, including legislative appropriations, grants, and reinvested savings from reduced out-of-state placements.

Additionally, the bill grants the Secretary the authority to disburse funds for renovating state properties, developing treatment programs, and expanding the child welfare provider network. It encourages collaboration among state agencies to identify suitable properties for childcare facilities and allows for management agreements with private entities to operate these facilities. The Secretary is also empowered to create rules and emergency regulations to ensure the fund's effective implementation, with a specific deadline for emergency rule promulgation set for September 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 49-13-101, 49-13-102, 49-13-103, 49-13-104
Committee Substitute: 49-13-101, 49-13-102, 49-13-103, 49-13-104