West Virginia bill mandates licensing for wilderness therapy programs serving youth
March 20, 2025 | 2025 Legislature WV, West Virginia
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In a pivotal session on March 20, 2025, the West Virginia Senate Health and Human Resources Committee convened to discuss a significant piece of legislation aimed at regulating wilderness and outdoor programs for youth. The proposed bill seeks to establish licensure requirements for programs that provide residential experiences, including wilderness therapy, boot camps, and therapeutic boarding schools.
Under the new legislation, programs will be required to undergo background checks for all personnel with direct access to participants, ensuring a safer environment for vulnerable youth. The bill also mandates the development of minimum standards for licensure, which will include guidelines for the use of restraints and suicide prevention measures. Notably, it prohibits the use of physical discipline as a form of punishment, aiming to protect children from potential abuse and neglect.
The committee heard from various stakeholders, including Sarah Riley, executive director of High Rocks Educational Corporation, who emphasized the importance of clear definitions within the bill. She advocated for language that distinguishes between purely recreational programs and those with therapeutic elements, expressing concern that some programs may fall into a gray area under the current wording.
Caroline Cole, representing 11 11 Media Impact, highlighted the urgent need for regulation, citing past incidents of abuse in unlicensed facilities. She urged the committee to pass the bill, emphasizing that families deserve transparency and safety when seeking help for their children.
The bill also includes provisions for annual licensure, penalties for violations, and the ability for the Office of Inspector General to impose civil monetary penalties. As the discussion unfolded, committee members raised questions about the bill's scope, particularly regarding its impact on existing residential programs under the Bureau of Child Services.
Ultimately, the committee voted to advance the bill to the full Senate, marking a significant step toward enhancing the safety and oversight of youth programs in West Virginia. As the legislative process continues, the implications of this bill could reshape the landscape of youth care, ensuring that children receive the support they need in safe and regulated environments.
Under the new legislation, programs will be required to undergo background checks for all personnel with direct access to participants, ensuring a safer environment for vulnerable youth. The bill also mandates the development of minimum standards for licensure, which will include guidelines for the use of restraints and suicide prevention measures. Notably, it prohibits the use of physical discipline as a form of punishment, aiming to protect children from potential abuse and neglect.
The committee heard from various stakeholders, including Sarah Riley, executive director of High Rocks Educational Corporation, who emphasized the importance of clear definitions within the bill. She advocated for language that distinguishes between purely recreational programs and those with therapeutic elements, expressing concern that some programs may fall into a gray area under the current wording.
Caroline Cole, representing 11 11 Media Impact, highlighted the urgent need for regulation, citing past incidents of abuse in unlicensed facilities. She urged the committee to pass the bill, emphasizing that families deserve transparency and safety when seeking help for their children.
The bill also includes provisions for annual licensure, penalties for violations, and the ability for the Office of Inspector General to impose civil monetary penalties. As the discussion unfolded, committee members raised questions about the bill's scope, particularly regarding its impact on existing residential programs under the Bureau of Child Services.
Ultimately, the committee voted to advance the bill to the full Senate, marking a significant step toward enhancing the safety and oversight of youth programs in West Virginia. As the legislative process continues, the implications of this bill could reshape the landscape of youth care, ensuring that children receive the support they need in safe and regulated environments.
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