The bill amends West Virginia's Code to enhance the rights of parents and legal guardians during child protective services investigations. It mandates that, upon initiating an investigation, the Department of Human Services must provide individuals with a copy of "A Parents Guide to Working with Child Protective Services," a Plain Language Statement of Immediate Rights, and a Plain Language Statement of Ongoing Rights. These documents are designed to inform parents of their rights in a clear and accessible manner, ensuring they understand the investigation process and their entitlements.

The bill specifies that the Plain Language Statement of Immediate Rights must be presented in large font on a single sheet of paper and includes seven key rights, such as the right to privacy, the right to refuse entry, and the right to record interactions with child protective services. Similarly, the Plain Language Statement of Ongoing Rights outlines six rights related to confidentiality, access to personal files, and the right to appeal decisions. The bill emphasizes the importance of documenting the provision of these statements and ensuring that they are explained verbally to the parents or guardians involved.

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