SB 16
Creating Child Protection Investigations Reform Act
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill, the Child Protection Investigations Reform Act, aims to improve the process by which the Department of Human Services conducts investigations into allegations of child abuse or neglect. Specifically, it requires the department to provide a parent or legal custodian with a detailed guide outlining the investigation process, their rights, and relevant legal procedures. Furthermore, it mandates specific notifications, including a summary of allegations and information about constitutional rights, to be delivered in a language the individual understands.
Key provisions
- Requires the Department of Human Services to provide a Parent’s Guide to Working with Child Protective Services to individuals under investigation.
- Specifies the information that must be included in the Parent’s Guide, covering investigation steps, court process, confidentiality, visitation, and appeals.
- Mandates the provision of a written summary of allegations to the person being investigated, in a language they understand.
- Requires verbal notification of Fourth Amendment rights, including the right to remain silent and assistance by counsel.
- Outlines specific rights the person has during an investigation, such as the right to record interviews and refuse searches.
- Establishes a process for verifying that the individual received the required notifications.
- Clarifies that investigations initiated on or after the bill’s effective date will be governed by the new provisions.
- Specifies that investigations initiated before the effective date will continue to be governed by existing law.
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