Faith Based Partnership

HB 4017 would allow West Virginia's Department of Human Services to contract with both secular and faith-based organizations to provide child welfare services, including foster care and family support. It protects the religious identity of faith-based providers by prohibiting the state from requiring them to remove religious symbols, alter governance, or change their religious practices to receive contracts. If a parent or guardian objects to placing a child at a faith-based provider due to religious beliefs, the department must find an alternative placement - unless the child or another guardian requests to stay. The bill directly affects child welfare providers, parents/guardians making placement decisions, and the Department of Human Services' contracting procedures under Chapter 49.