The purpose of this letter is to notify you that beginning July 1, 2026, the Bureau for Social Services will require all socially necessary services providers to implement an evidence-based parenting curriculum for individualized parenting under all service categories, under the utilization management guidelines. Evidence-based practices are proven by research to deliver superior outcomes for children and families. Research demonstrates that evidence-based practices improve family outcomes, reduce repeat maltreatment, and improve child safety while reducing trauma.
The evidence-based parenting curriculum must be submitted to the Community Partnership Unit within the Division of Children and Adult Services for review and approval prior to implementation. This requirement will be implemented in the upcoming 2027 state fiscal year contracts with the West Virginia Department of Human Services.
Timely submission of the curriculum is advised to avoid delays in parenting services to families. Agencies that do not submit an evidence-based parenting curriculum will not be permitted to provide individualized parenting services to families served by the Bureau for Social Services.
