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HB 2027

Relating to changing circumstances for when a child may be removed from a foster home.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Adam Burkhammer and 2 co-sponsors

House Bill 2027 updates foster care removal criteria, prioritizing children's best interests and ensuring clearer guidelines for handling abuse allegations and sibling placements.

To Health and Human Resources
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Bill Summary · HB 2027

Summary of House Bill 2027

Bill Number: HB 2027
Title: Relating to changing circumstances for when a child may be removed from a foster home.
Status: To Health and Human Resources
Introduced: January 29, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Health

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2027 aims to amend and update the criteria and procedures for the temporary removal of children from foster homes in West Virginia. The bill seeks to ensure that the best interests of the child are prioritized while also providing clear guidelines for the Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) when allegations of abuse or neglect arise.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes several significant changes to the existing law regarding foster care arrangements:

  1. Temporary Removal Criteria:

    • The DHHR may temporarily remove a child from a foster home if there is an allegation of abuse or neglect, including sexual abuse.
    • If reasonable cause is found, all foster children in the home will be removed, and contact with the foster parents will be prohibited.
    • A written notice must be provided to the multidisciplinary treatment team, and an emergency meeting will be scheduled to discuss placement options.

  2. Permanent Termination of Foster Care Arrangements:

    • If allegations are substantiated through investigation or court findings, the DHHR will permanently terminate the foster care arrangement.
    • If the abuse is determined not to be the fault of the foster parents, the DHHR may choose not to terminate the arrangement if it is in the child's best interest.

  3. Duration of Foster Care:

    • A child placed in foster care for more than 15 consecutive months or 50% of their life cannot have their placement terminated unless it is in the child's best interest and meets specific criteria (e.g., return to biological parents, reunification with siblings, or written agreement from foster parents).

  4. Notification of Sibling Availability:

    • The DHHR must notify foster or adoptive parents of previously placed siblings within 90 days of a child's availability for placement or adoption.

  5. Sibling Placement Considerations:

    • The bill emphasizes the importance of sibling placements and allows for the termination of a foster care arrangement to unite siblings if it is deemed in their best interests.

Impact

This bill will primarily affect:
- Children in Foster Care: It aims to provide a more stable and supportive environment for children by ensuring that their best interests are considered in placement decisions.
- Foster Parents: The bill outlines clearer procedures for foster parents regarding allegations and the potential for termination of their arrangements.
- Department of Health and Human Resources: The DHHR will have updated guidelines to follow when handling allegations of abuse or neglect, which may streamline processes and improve outcomes for children.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced on January 29, 2025, and has undergone several readings and committee discussions.
  • It was reported out of the Executive Committee on March 12, 2025, and passed the House on March 26, 2025.
  • The bill is currently in the Senate for further consideration.

Conclusion

House Bill 2027 represents a significant step towards improving the foster care system in West Virginia by updating the criteria for child removal and emphasizing the importance of maintaining sibling relationships. The proposed changes aim to enhance the welfare of children in foster care and provide clearer guidelines for the DHHR and foster parents.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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