HB 2598
Requiring parents or guardians to participate in programs for juveniles in an out-of-home placement
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill aims to require parents or guardians to actively participate in programs for juveniles placed in out-of-home care. Unless a court determines that parental involvement isn’t in the juvenile’s best interest, parents, guardians, or custodians must attend programs like family therapy. The bill also establishes procedures for courts to order parental participation and enforce compliance, including the ability to petition for court orders to mandate involvement. Furthermore, it prohibits the placement of status offenders in Bureau Division of Juvenile Services facilities after January 1, 2016.
Key provisions
- Requires parents, guardians, or custodians to participate in out-of-home placement programs.
- Allows courts to order parental participation in these programs.
- Establishes a process for the department to petition the court for orders enforcing compliance.
- Prohibits placement of status offenders in Bureau Division of Juvenile Services facilities after January 1, 2016.
- Requires family therapy sessions offered by treatment providers to include parental participation.
- Provides a mechanism for courts to make findings regarding the necessity of out-of-home placement.
- Allows for appeals of court orders related to juvenile disposition.
- Specifies that a negative response to a request for a transcribed record does not constitute a waiver of rights.
Who is affected
- Juveniles in out-of-home placement
- Parents and guardians of juveniles
- West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources
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