Bill > HB5529

This bill mandates that by July 1, 2026, the Department of Human Services (referred to as "the department") must enter into "performance-based contracts" with "child-placing agencies," which are entities licensed to place children in foster homes. Performance-based contracting means that contracts will be structured around specific, measurable results, and payments will be tied to how well these agencies perform. The contracts will require agencies to have adequate capacity, use evidence-based or promising practices, and report data on outcomes like child safety, permanency, and well-being, as well as incentives earned and the placement of older or special needs children. The bill also allows for performance-based payment incentives to encourage timely permanency for children and requires the department to review payment rates for foster parents and agencies every two years to ensure they support efficient placement. Furthermore, it establishes a system where both child-placing agencies and foster parents will receive payments on the same week each month to aid in budgeting and proper expenditure for the children in their care. The department will also report on agency performance annually to a legislative oversight commission.

Health and Social Services

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=5529&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill