This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to enhance the performance-based contracting framework for child-placing agencies. It establishes a deadline of July 1, 2026, for the Department of Human Services to enter into these contracts, which will be structured around measurable outcomes and linked to contractor performance. The bill emphasizes the use of evidence-based, research-based, and promising practices in service delivery and mandates that the department actively consult with relevant entities to develop contract requirements. Additionally, it introduces a shared savings methodology that allows child-placing agencies to reinvest savings from improved performance into enhanced services for families and children.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies payment processes by allowing the department to use performance-based contracting payment incentives to ensure timely permanency for children. It requires the department to remit payments to child-placing agencies and foster parents on the same week each month, facilitating better budgeting and expenditure of funds. The bill also mandates a biennial review of payment rates to ensure they support efficient placements of foster children. Lastly, it requires the department to report the performance of child-placing agencies to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources Accountability annually by December 31.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 49-2-111a