The bill aims to amend the Code of West Virginia by establishing a special revenue account known as the "Residential Treatment Capacity Expansion Fund" within the Department of Human Services. This fund is intended to enhance in-state residential treatment capacity for children by providing financial resources for various purposes, including the recruitment and development of residential treatment providers, facility construction and renovation, workforce training, and transition services for children currently placed out of state. The fund will consist of appropriations from the Legislature, recoveries related to residential treatment services, and other available financial resources, ensuring that no expenditures will impact the General Revenue Fund of the state.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of the newly created commission tasked with studying the residential placement of children. This commission will focus on improving the current fragmented system of child welfare services, reducing out-of-state placements, and promoting collaboration among various child-serving agencies. The commission is required to report annually on its findings and recommendations, including strategies to reduce out-of-state placements by at least ten percent per year and to develop joint operating proposals among agencies. The bill emphasizes the importance of creating a more integrated and effective system of care for at-risk youth and families in West Virginia.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 49-2-125