HB 4357
Modifying the time to terminate a foster care arrangement
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- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill modifies the rules for terminating foster care arrangements in West Virginia. It extends the time a child can remain in a foster home, particularly for children over 18 months, unless specific conditions are met, such as abuse allegations, parental rights termination, or a court-ordered placement. The bill also addresses sibling placements and reunification, requiring notification to foster and adoptive parents of available siblings and prioritizing the best interests of all children involved.
Key provisions
- Extends the time a child can remain in a foster home to 18 consecutive months without automatic termination.
- Allows foster care termination only if it’s in the child’s best interest or due to specific circumstances (abuse, parental rights termination, sibling availability, foster child request, or court order).
- Requires notification to foster and adoptive parents of available siblings for placement or adoption.
- Mandates the department to consider sibling reunification when making placement decisions.
- Provides a foster child aged 14 or older the option to remain in their existing foster care arrangement.
- Allows the department to petition the court to waive sibling notification in compelling circumstances.
- Prioritizes the best interests of all siblings when determining foster care or adoptive placements.
- Addresses situations where siblings have been separated and requires court approval for continued separation.
Who is affected
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