2025 Regular Session
SB 821
Requiring child protective services workers to wear body-worn cameras
In Committee
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill requires child protective services (CPS) workers in West Virginia to wear body-worn cameras while investigating reports of child abuse or neglect. The Department of Human Services will need to create rules to govern the use of these cameras. This measure aims to increase transparency and accountability in CPS investigations.
Key provisions
- CPS workers must wear body-worn cameras during investigations of child abuse or neglect.
- The Department of Human Services must develop rules for the use of body-worn cameras.
- Local CPS offices must receive and respond to reports of child abuse or neglect 24/7.
- CPS offices must conduct thorough investigations, including face-to-face interviews with children and the development of protection plans.
- The department must notify military family advocacy programs if a parent or guardian is a service member.
- Local CPS offices must refer custody matters to circuit or family courts for investigation.
- The department can serve administrative subpoenas to locate children involved in abuse or neglect cases.
Who is affected
- Child Protective Services Workers
- Children and Families Involved in Abuse or Neglect Cases
- The Department of Human Services
- Circuit and Family Courts
- Military Families
Notable changes
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