This bill proposes the addition of a new section, 18-5-55, to the West Virginia Code, aimed at enhancing support for students with current or former foster care experience as they transition to post-secondary education. The Department of Human Services (DoHS) is tasked with providing the West Virginia Department of Education and county boards of education with information about available post-secondary transition programs and services. This information may include opportunities for education, workforce training, housing assistance, financial aid, and support services, among others. The bill emphasizes the use of electronic communication to facilitate this information sharing while ensuring that the DoHS can continue to communicate directly with students and their families as part of routine case management.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that county boards of education integrate this information into the Personal Education Planning (PEP) process, starting in grade eight, to ensure that students and their families are aware of available supports. Schools are required to discuss these transition programs during the PEP process and provide periodic updates throughout high school. Importantly, the bill includes provisions to protect student privacy, ensuring that a student's foster care status is not disclosed in violation of applicable privacy laws, including FERPA.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-5-55
Committee Substitute: 18-5-55
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 18-5-55