The bill amends the Code of West Virginia to enhance the reporting and management of child abuse and neglect cases. It mandates immediate reporting of such cases to the Bureau for Social Services through a 24-hour hotline or web-based system, which must provide a specific case identifier. Reports made electronically must be retained for at least 12 months. A new Critical Incident Review Team is established to review child fatalities and near fatalities within the child welfare system, aiming to improve prevention and intervention strategies. This team will consist of members from various sectors, including social services and law enforcement, and will meet quarterly, with additional meetings required following critical incidents.

To improve transparency, the bill updates the child welfare data dashboard to include performance indicators and information on child fatalities. It allows the Foster Care Ombudsman access to relevant information while ensuring reporter confidentiality. The Critical Incident Review Team is tasked with documenting trends and providing statistical information, with reporting responsibilities that include an initial report within 30 days of an incident and updates every 90 days, culminating in an annual report to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources Accountability. The team is granted access to necessary records while maintaining confidentiality and is protected from civil or criminal questioning regarding information obtained during its meetings.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 49-2-809, 49-5-101, 49-11-101, 61-12B-1, 61-12B-2, 61-12B-3, 61-12B-4, 61-12B-5, 61-12B-6, 61-12B-7
Committee Substitute: 49-2-809, 49-5-101, 49-11-101, 61-12B-1, 61-12B-2, 61-12B-3, 61-12B-4, 61-12B-5, 61-12B-6, 61-12B-7
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 49-2-809, 49-5-101, 49-11-101, 61-12B-1, 61-12B-2, 61-12B-3, 61-12B-4, 61-12B-5, 61-12B-6, 61-12B-7