The bill proposes the establishment of a new section, 49-2-131, in the Code of West Virginia, which mandates the Department of Human Services to create a pilot program for contracting supplemental caseworker aide services for the Bureau for Social Services. This program aims to enhance the efficiency of existing departmental staff by providing administrative support through qualified private entities. The contracted caseworker aides will be required to meet similar educational and training standards as departmental staff, while the Department of Human Services will retain supervisory authority over all cases.

The pilot program is designed to operate for 15 months, including a three-month onboarding period and a one-year operational phase. It will be implemented in districts with specific criteria, such as high caseloads or significant vacancy rates in child welfare positions. Before the program concludes, the Department is required to submit a report to the Joint Committee on Health detailing its implementation, performance outcomes, and recommendations for potential continuation or expansion based on the program's effectiveness in improving case management capacity.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 49-2-131
Engrossed Version: 49-2-131