SB 99
Requiring investigative and assessment services in relation to child welfare
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- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill aims to improve child welfare services in West Virginia by requiring a more structured approach to investigating and assessing child abuse and neglect cases. It mandates the Bureau for Social Services to establish a system of differential response, utilizing screening tools to prioritize cases based on risk, and clarifies data collection and retention requirements. The bill also emphasizes a family-centered approach to assessments, including both investigative and family assessment tracks, and aims to improve transparency in child welfare system performance.
Key provisions
- Establishes a system of differential response for reports of child abuse and neglect, using screening tools to prioritize cases.
- Requires the Bureau for Social Services to utilize both an investigative and a family assessment track for child welfare cases.
- Defines key terms related to child abuse and neglect, including ‘child abuse and neglect services’ and ‘family assessment response.’
- Clarifies statistical index data and data retention requirements for child welfare records.
- Mandates the creation and monthly updating of a child welfare data dashboard with key performance indicators.
- Requires reporting of child fatality and near fatality information to the Secretary of Human Services.
- Specifies the information to be included in the child welfare data dashboard, such as workforce data and performance indicators.
- Requires the Bureau for Social Services to maintain a statewide child abuse and neglect statistical index.
Who is affected
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