CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Children’s Home Society of West Virginia is encouraging Gov. Patrick Morrisey to sign House Bill 4730, legislation designed to expand services and support for youth preparing to age out of the foster care system.
The bill, which has been approved by the West Virginia Legislature and is awaiting the governor’s signature, would require the West Virginia Department of Human Services to develop a coordinated statewide continuum of services for young people transitioning out of foster care.
Under the proposal, the department would be required by Jan. 1, 2027, to create and maintain a network of services and supports for youth preparing to exit foster care or who have recently aged out of the system.
The measure outlines requirements for supportive housing options, life skills training, employment and education support, and a structured funding model designed to help young people achieve self-sufficiency.
The legislation calls for the development of three phases of supportive living arrangements, including on-site independent living, scattered-site housing, and supportive independent living.
It also requires services focused on improving daily living skills, social and emotional development, and career and educational opportunities.
In addition, the bill directs the department to work with contracted providers to establish a per diem reimbursement structure for independent living and transitional youth services.
The rate system would account for different levels of supervision and program intensity, include cost-of-living adjustments, and incorporate a monthly stipend paid directly to youth to help cover basic housing costs once they reach independent living.
The measure also requires ongoing data collection and evaluation through a Continuous Quality Improvement process to track outcomes such as housing stability, employment, education, and overall well-being.
Beginning Dec. 1, 2027, the department would be required to provide annual reports to the Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Resources.
Advocates with the Children’s Home Society say the legislation reflects the type of investment in young people that can help them build stable futures in West Virginia.
Following remarks by Morrisey at the State Fair of West Virginia fairgrounds in Lewisburg, the organization highlighted comments the governor made about supporting young people in the state.
“We’re making the kinds of investments our kids will be proud of.”
“I’m not going to sacrifice our kids’ future for anyone. Period.”
The organization said those remarks align with the goals of House Bill 4730, which it says strengthens Independent Living services for youth leaving foster care.
“Every day, we work with young people who are fighting for their future right here in West Virginia. Through our Independent Living program, we help youth transitioning out of foster care learn the skills they need to build stable lives, pursue careers, and stay right here in the state they call home.”
Children’s Home Society officials also said they were able to briefly speak with the governor and his staff after the event to discuss the work being done to support young people transitioning out of foster care.
“We were so grateful for opportunity to briefly speak with Governor Morrisey and his incredible staff after his remarks and share a little about the work being done to support these youth.”
The organization said signing the bill would represent a continued investment in the future of young people across the state.
“Because when we invest in our kids, just like our Govenor, we invest in the future of West Virginia.”
