The bill amends West Virginia Code §49-2-102, focusing on the allocation and stationing of child protective services workers. Effective July 1, 2024, the commissioner is required to allocate and station these workers by county, taking into account factors such as population, referrals, and average caseload. The population data will be based on the United States Census, and the commissioner has the authority to adjust allocations based on the immediate needs of each county, as indicated by current referrals and caseloads.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the bureau report the allocation of child protective services workers to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources Accountability by July 1 of each year. This annual report must detail any changes in allocation that occurred in the preceding twelve months and lasted for more than three weeks, along with justifications for each change. The previous stipulation that allocations may not decrease below the levels established on January 1, 2023, has been removed from the law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 49-2-102
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 49-2-102
Committee Substitute: 49-2-102