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HB 2377

Relating to child welfare

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Adam Burkhammer and 9 co-sponsors

House Bill 2377 improves child welfare in West Virginia by streamlining abuse reporting, enhancing transparency, and establishing oversight for better protection of children.

To Health and Human Resources
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Bill Summary · HB 2377

Summary of House Bill 2377

Bill Information:
- Bill Number: HB 2377
- Title: Relating to Child Welfare
- Status: To Health and Human Resources
- Introduced: January 31, 2025
- Classification: Bill
- Subject: Health

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2377 aims to enhance child welfare in West Virginia by amending existing laws related to the reporting of child abuse and neglect. The bill seeks to improve the efficiency and transparency of the child welfare system, ensuring better protection for children and more accountability for agencies involved in child welfare.

Key Provisions

  1. Reporting Procedures:

    • Establishes immediate reporting protocols for suspected child abuse or neglect to the Department of Child Protective Services.
    • Introduces a 24/7 hotline for reporting, along with web-based reporting options.
    • Mandates that reports are to be handled immediately and provides a case identifier for each report.

  2. Access to Information:

    • Permits the Foster Care Ombudsman access to information regarding child abuse or neglect proceedings, enhancing oversight.
    • Ensures that the public can access reports of child abuse or neglect, promoting transparency.

  3. Creation of the Critical Incident Review Team:

    • Establishes a new team responsible for reviewing critical incidents related to child welfare.
    • Defines the team's responsibilities, including reporting and access to necessary information while maintaining confidentiality.

  4. Confidentiality and Record Keeping:

    • Maintains confidentiality of child welfare records while allowing access to specific entities, such as law enforcement and child welfare panels, under certain conditions.
    • Requires annual reporting to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance regarding the handling of reports and investigations.

Impact

  • Children and Families: The bill is designed to provide better protection for children by streamlining reporting processes and ensuring that cases of abuse or neglect are addressed promptly.
  • Child Welfare Agencies: Agencies will have clearer guidelines for reporting and handling cases, which may lead to improved outcomes for children in the system.
  • Public Accountability: By allowing public access to certain reports, the bill aims to increase accountability among child welfare agencies and foster public trust in the system.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced on January 31, 2025, and has undergone several legislative actions, including hearings and amendments.
  • It is currently under consideration by the Health and Human Resources Committee, with further discussions anticipated.

Conclusion

House Bill 2377 represents a significant step towards improving child welfare in West Virginia. By enhancing reporting mechanisms, increasing transparency, and establishing oversight structures, the bill aims to create a more effective and accountable child welfare system.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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