WV SB813

Extends the deadline for the Department of Human Services to file a list of a removed child's relatives and fictive kin from 7 calendar days to 21 calendar days after a petition for removal is filed

Extends the deadline for other parties to the case to submit their own lists of relatives and fictive kin from 7 days to 21 days after the department files its list

Extends the deadline for the department to investigate and determine whether identified relatives or fictive kin are willing and able to serve as foster or kinship parents from 45 days to 60 days from the initial abuse/neglect petition filing

Maintains existing law requiring placement preference be given to relatives or fictive kin when children are removed from their homes, as this represents the least restrictive out-of-home care option