Lawmakers Review Dozens of Child Welfare Bills in Committee Meeting

Joint Committee on Children and Families advances proposals on case workers, out‑of‑state placements, and social services to Government and Finance.
Charleston, W.Va. — The Joint Committee on Children and Families met this afternoon to review a wide range of proposed legislation aimed at strengthening West Virginia’s child welfare system. Lawmakers heard presentations on bills addressing case worker support, out‑of‑state placements, social services operations, and how decisions are made in child‑related cases.
Presenters outlined dozens of proposals, including a Case Worker Service Pilot Program designed to improve staffing and support, a bill requiring monthly County Bureau of Social Services meetings to enhance oversight, and legislation to increase pay and compensation for Assistant Guardians ad Litem who represent children in abuse and neglect cases.
After discussion, the committee voted to forward all proposed bills to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance with a recommendation that they be introduced during the next regular legislative session.