WV SB865

Establishes that the "best interests of the child" must be the paramount consideration in all decisions made by the WV Department of Human Services, WV court system, appointed guardians ad litem, and state-contracted service vendors

Requires comprehensive assessment of 13 factors including: child's safety, physical/mental health, emotional well-being, developmental needs, wishes and preferences, family relationships, need for stability/permanency, cultural/religious background, and educational needs

Mandates consideration of placement with trusted caregivers known to the child when available, placement within the child's community if safe, and provision of medical/mental health treatment in the most appropriate setting

Decisions inconsistent with the child's best interests are subject to review and appeal; guardians ad litem must advocate solely for the child's best interest

Child's best interests must be prioritized above interests of the Department of Human Services, court system, vendors, parents, or other individuals, subject to existing parental rights provisions