The bill amends West Virginia's Code 49-2-802 to enhance the procedures and responsibilities of Child Protective Services (CPS) workers during investigations of child abuse or neglect. It mandates that CPS workers attempt to wear body-worn cameras while conducting investigations, with the stipulation that they must obtain consent from the individual being investigated before using the camera. Additionally, the bill allows workers to refrain from using the cameras if they believe it could compromise the child's privacy or hinder the investigation, and such decisions must be documented in the case file. The audio and video recordings from these cameras are classified as confidential records and must be maintained for the duration of the case.

Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining the confidentiality of the recordings and integrates the use of body-worn cameras into the existing framework of CPS operations. It retains the existing responsibilities of local CPS offices, including the investigation of reports of child abuse and neglect, while introducing these new requirements to improve transparency and accountability in the investigative process. The overall aim is to enhance the safety and welfare of children while ensuring that the rights of all parties involved are respected.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 49-2-802
Committee Substitute: 49-2-802