Clarifying when the Department is to not make reasonable efforts to preserve a family.

HB 3379 clarifies that when a parent voluntarily relinquishes their parental rights, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources is not required to make reasonable efforts to preserve the family. This amendment to West Virginia Code §49-4-604 directs courts to consider voluntary relinquishment as a factor when determining whether reasonable efforts toward family reunification are appropriate. The bill affects child welfare cases involving parental relinquishment, ensuring courts can prioritize permanent placements without requiring reunification efforts in these specific circumstances. It does not change existing requirements for reasonable efforts in cases without voluntary relinquishment.