Bill > SB399

This bill establishes the "Bring Them Home Fund" to address the need for in-state treatment facilities for children requiring acute psychiatric, neurodevelopmental, or trauma services, recognizing that out-of-state placements are more costly and hinder family support. The fund, administered by the Secretary of the Department of Human Services, will be comprised of legislative appropriations, grants, donations, investment income, and reinvested savings from reduced out-of-state placements. Moneys in the fund can be disbursed at the Secretary's discretion to renovate existing state properties, develop new treatment programs including in-patient and aftercare services, expand the child welfare provider network, or operate state-owned in-patient childcare facilities. The bill also allows for collaboration with other state agencies to identify suitable properties and authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements with private entities to manage or operate these facilities, with a priority given to in-state children's needs. The Secretary is empowered to create legislative, procedural, and emergency rules to implement these provisions.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=399&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill