The proposed bill aims to establish a new section in the Code of West Virginia, specifically 49-2-129a, which focuses on creating a comprehensive continuum of services and supports for youth transitioning out of foster care. By January 1, 2027, the Department of Human Services is mandated to develop and maintain these services, which will include consultation with various stakeholders such as contracted providers, individuals with lived experience in foster care, and community partners. The bill emphasizes the importance of ensuring that these supports are in place before youth exit foster care and that they are designed to accommodate varying levels of independence and supervision.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific requirements for the continuum of supports, including three phases of supportive living arrangements and services aimed at enhancing practical living skills, social-emotional skills, and career development. It also mandates the development of a per diem rate structure for these services, which will consider individual needs and ensure federal reimbursement maximization. Furthermore, the bill establishes a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) process to evaluate the effectiveness of the services, with annual reporting to the Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Resources starting December 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 49-2-129a