SB 813
Extending time frame for Department of Human Services to identify relatives and fictive kin
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- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill changes the timeline for the West Virginia Department of Human Services to identify relatives and fictive kin of children involved in abuse and neglect cases. Currently, the department has 21 days to provide the court with a list of known relatives and fictive kin. This bill extends that timeframe to 45 days from the filing of the petition alleging abuse or neglect. The goal is to allow the department more time to thoroughly investigate and locate potential relatives or fictive kin who could serve as foster or kinship parents.
Key provisions
- Extends the timeframe for the Department of Human Services to identify relatives and fictive kin.
- The department must search for relatives and fictive kin within days of a child’s removal.
- The department must provide notice to willing relatives and fictive kin.
- Parties can submit their own lists of relatives and fictive kin.
- The department investigates the willingness and ability of identified relatives to become foster or kinship parents.
- The department must file determinations with the court within 45 days of the petition.
Who is affected
- West Virginia Department of Human Services
- Children involved in abuse and neglect cases
- Relatives and fictive kin of children
- Foster parents
- Kinship parents
Notable changes
- Extends the current 21-day deadline to identify relatives and fictive kin to 45 days.
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