This bill aims to amend the Code of West Virginia by adding a new section, 49-2-125a, which ensures that foster children awaiting residential placement continue to receive education through virtual learning. The bill stipulates that while in the process of placement, foster children must receive virtual education from the county where they were last enrolled or, if that is not feasible, from the county where they currently reside. If neither county can provide virtual learning, the closest county with such capabilities will be utilized. The virtual learning must comply with existing educational provisions and should commence no later than three days after the child enters temporary care.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the individual or organization responsible for the foster child during this waiting period must receive information technology training to facilitate the virtual learning process. Once the foster child is placed with a family, all relevant educational information must be shared with both the foster family and the new county of enrollment. This legislation is designed to ensure that foster children do not fall behind in their education during transitional periods.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 49-2-125a