The bill introduced on January 16, 2026, aims to amend 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 is designed 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 outlines specific reporting and tracking requirements for the DoHS, including annual reports to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources Accountability starting December 1, 2027. These reports will detail the number of families served, costs associated with prevention services, and program outcomes. The DoHS is also tasked with submitting the developed services to the Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse for potential federal funding and must file an amended state plan by July 1, 2028, to maximize federal support under the Family First Prevention Services Act. The implementation of the prevention plan is mandated to occur by February 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 49-2-802b