West Virginia legislation · 2026 Regular Session
West Virginia SB541: Relating to circuit court's responsibilities in juvenile abuse and neglect proceedings
Status: Passed one chamber, February 27, 2026
What the bill says
To amend and reenact §49-4-608 and §49-4-610 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to the circuit court's responsibilities in juvenile child abuse and neglect proceedings; requiring the court to make certain designated findings of fact for continuance orders reports to the Public Defender Services; and requiring improvement period orders to state the guardian ad litem's responsibilities throughout the improvement period. Article 4. Court Actions. §49-4-608. Permanency hearing; frequency; transitional planning; out-of-state placement; findings; notice; permanent placem.
From the engrossed text, February 25, 2026:
A BILL to amend and reenact §49-4-608 and §49-4-610 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to the circuit court's responsibilities in juvenile child abuse and neglect proceedings; requiring the court to make certain designated findings of fact for continuance orders reports to the Public Defender Services; and requiring improvement period orders to state the guardian ad litem's responsibilities throughout the improvement period. Article 4. Court Actions. §49-4-608. Permanency hearing; frequency; transitional planning; out-of-state placement; findings; notice; permanent placement review. (a) Permanency hearing when reasonable efforts are not required. -- If the court finds pursuant to this article that the department is not required to make reasonable efforts to preserve the family, then notwithstanding any other provision, the court shall hold a permanency hearing must be held within 30 days following the entry of the court order, and shall conduct a permanent placement review hearing must be conducted at least once every 90 days thereafter until a permanent placement is achieved. (b) Permanency hearing every 12 months until permanency is achieved. -- If 12 months after receipt by the department or its authorized agent of physical care, custody, and control of a child either by a court-ordered placement or by a voluntary agreement the department has not placed a child in an adoptive home, placed the child …