This bill seeks to amend the Code of West Virginia by introducing limitations on the number of improvement periods a parent can receive in abuse and neglect proceedings for each child. Specifically, it establishes that a respondent cannot be granted improvement periods in more than three filings related to the same child or children. Additionally, it stipulates that if a respondent has one prior termination of parental rights, they are limited to two improvement periods for any subsequent child born after that termination. For respondents with two or more prior terminations of parental rights, or one termination with additional relinquishments, only one improvement period will be allowed for any child born after those terminations.

The bill also includes several provisions regarding the circumstances under which the Department of Health and Human Resources must file for termination of parental rights, such as if a parent fails to complete their final improvement period. It emphasizes the importance of timely hearings and the responsibilities of both the respondent and the department during the improvement period. Overall, the legislation aims to streamline the process and ensure that children are not left in foster care for extended periods while their parents attempt to regain custody.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 49-4-605, 49-4-610