HB 2542
Requiring child protective services (“CPS”) workers to record, via audio, all interactions during CPS visits.
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill requires Child Protective Services (CPS) workers in West Virginia to record all interactions, including home visits and interviews, via audio. These recordings must be obtained with informed consent or a court order, particularly in private settings. The goal is to increase transparency and accountability in CPS investigations. The bill also outlines procedures for reporting suspected abuse, responding to imminent danger, and coordinating with law enforcement and courts.
Key provisions
- Requires audio recording of all CPS interactions with the public during investigations.
- Requires informed consent or a court order for audio recordings in private settings.
- Mandates face-to-face interviews with children and development of protection plans within 14 and 72 hours, respectively, of a report.
- Requires CPS offices to notify Department of Defense family advocacy programs if a parent is in the military and a child abuse allegation is pending.
- Requires referral of child custody matters to CPS for investigation and reporting to the court.
- Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Resources to issue administrative subpoenas for a child’s location.
- Protects CPS caseworkers from liability for professional decisions, except in cases of gross negligence, willful misconduct, or intentional misconduct.
Who is affected
- Child Protective Services workers
- Families involved in CPS investigations
- Children subject to CPS investigations
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