Creating Bring Them Home Fund

SB 399 creates the "Bring Them Home Fund" to finance renovating state-owned properties for in-state residential treatment services for children requiring acute psychiatric, neurodevelopmental, or trauma care. The fund, managed by West Virginia's Department of Human Services, will be used to expand local child welfare capacity and reduce reliance on out-of-state placements, which are more expensive and disrupt family connections. Funding sources include legislative appropriations, grants, donations, and investment income, with savings from fewer out-of-state placements to be reinvested. The bill authorizes the Department to collaborate with state agencies and private entities to repurpose properties and develop treatment programs matching the needs of children historically placed out-of-state.