This bill amends West Virginia Code §49-2-205 to enhance the accountability and operational framework for private child welfare agencies. It allows for the subcontracting of services that cannot be directly provided by the department to qualified private entities, which must submit monthly activity reports detailing the services rendered and evaluations related to the families served. Additionally, the bill stipulates that the costs associated with program evaluation can be included in service contracts, and mandates that the department conduct thorough investigations of contractors used.

Furthermore, the bill introduces provisions for qualified immunity for employees of private child welfare agencies, stating that they cannot be held personally liable for professional decisions made in the course of their official duties, as long as those decisions do not involve gross negligence, willful misconduct, or intentional misconduct. This change aims to protect employees in their roles while ensuring accountability through required reporting and evaluations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 49-2-205