This bill aims to amend the Code of West Virginia to enhance the rights of parents during child protective services (CPS) investigations. It mandates that, upon initiating an investigation, the department must provide parents with a copy of "A Parents Guide to Working with Child Protective Services," along with a "Plain Language Statement of Immediate Rights" and a "Plain Language Statement of Ongoing Rights During the Case." These documents are designed to be easily understandable, written in clear English suitable for individuals with an eighth-grade education.

The bill specifies the content of these statements, detailing the immediate rights of parents, such as the right to privacy, the right to refuse entry to CPS workers, and the right to be informed about the involvement of CPS. It also outlines ongoing rights, including the right to confidentiality, the right to access personal files, and the right to appeal decisions made by the department. The legislation emphasizes the importance of documenting the provision of these rights to ensure that parents are informed and treated fairly throughout the investigation process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 49-2-802a