The bill amends West Virginia's Code §49-2-802 to enhance the procedures for Child Protective Services (CPS) investigations by requiring the use of audio recording devices during interviews with children and their parents or guardians. Specifically, it mandates that CPS workers must record these interviews as part of their investigative process, while also allowing parents or guardians to simultaneously record the interviews on their own devices. The bill outlines the responsibilities of CPS workers regarding the audio recordings, including informing the subjects of the recording, identifying themselves, and preserving the recordings until all appellate timeframes have been exhausted. Additionally, it establishes that these recordings are confidential and not subject to public disclosure.

Furthermore, the bill introduces several new provisions aimed at improving the investigative process. It requires CPS offices to provide audio recording devices for investigations, ensures that recordings are shared with relevant legal counsel prior to preliminary hearings, and clarifies that the new audio recording requirements do not alter existing rules related to child abuse and neglect proceedings. The bill also emphasizes the importance of timely investigations and the coordination of services for children suspected of being abused or neglected, while maintaining the confidentiality of the recordings as part of the overall protective measures for children involved in such cases.

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