The bill introduced on January 20, 2026, aims to enhance support for foster youth in West Virginia by adding a new section, 18-5-55, to the state code. This section mandates the West Virginia Department of Education to provide guidance and training to school counselors and graduation coaches on resources available for students with current or prior foster care experience. Additionally, it requires each county board of education to ensure that eligible students receive information about post-secondary education, workforce development, housing, and aftercare services before they graduate high school.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that the Department of Education will develop and maintain a Foster Youth Resource Guide to assist these students. Importantly, the legislation includes a provision that protects the privacy of students by stating that nothing in this section requires the disclosure of a student's foster care status. The overall goal of the bill is to ensure that foster youth have access to clear and consistent information regarding their educational and independent living options as they transition out of high school.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-5-55