This bill amends sections 49-4-605 and 49-4-610 of the West Virginia Code to expand the circumstances under which the Department of Human Services (DHS) is mandated to seek termination of parental rights. Key changes include the requirement for DHS to file for termination if a child has been in any of the following placements—foster care, kinship placement, residential facility, or the care of a non-offending parent—for 15 of the most recent 22 months. Additionally, the bill stipulates that if a parent has been found guilty of severe offenses such as murder or sexual abuse, or if they have failed to maintain contact with their child for 18 consecutive months, DHS must seek termination of parental rights.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the conditions surrounding improvement periods for parents involved in child neglect or abuse cases. It establishes stricter time limits, stating that no combination of improvement periods or extensions can exceed 15 months in the specified placements unless compelling circumstances are demonstrated. The bill also emphasizes the responsibilities of both the respondent and the department during these improvement periods, including the requirement for the department to monitor progress and prepare individualized family case plans. Overall, the legislation aims to prioritize the best interests of children in the child welfare system by expediting the process of terminating parental rights when necessary.

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