SB 525
Establishing pilot program for use of mobile devices in child abuse and neglect investigations
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- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill establishes a pilot program in West Virginia to test the use of mobile devices, such as tablets and computers, by child protective service workers during child abuse and neglect investigations. The program will initially involve two counties and aims to improve the efficiency and accuracy of investigations by allowing workers to create digital records and upload them to the department’s system. The program’s effectiveness will be monitored through data analysis and annual reports to the Legislative Oversight Commission.
Key provisions
- Requires a pilot program in two West Virginia counties.
- Allows child protective service workers to use mobile devices during investigations.
- Specifies requirements for the mobile device operating system, including customization for child welfare casework.
- Mandates daily secure uploading of investigation records to the department’s server.
- Requires interoperability with existing department programs for data analysis.
- Sets a five-year duration for the pilot program.
- Requires annual reports to the Legislative Oversight Commission on the program’s status and metrics.
- Establishes an effective date of October 1, 2026.
Who is affected
- Child Protective Service Workers
- Children and Families involved in child abuse and neglect cases
- Department of Health and Human Resources
- Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources Accountability
Notable changes
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