W. Va. R. Proc. Child & Neg. Proceed. 21
The judge may permit the child abuse and neglect proceeding to go forward after one parent personally is served, if it is established on the record that there have been diligent but unsuccessful efforts to serve all other parties and requisites of W. Va. Code § 49-4-601 have been met. When a child is found in this state and is under the protection of the court and no parent or custodian has been found within this jurisdiction, the court may order service of the notice by publication and proceed with the proceeding. No adjudicatory hearing may be held until the time for answer is set forth in the order of publication shall have expired. Such a proceeding shall be effective against the interests to parents and custodians to the extent permissible under general law.
W. Va. R. Proc. Child & Neg. Proceed. 21