Information to be provided at the outset of a child protective services investigation

W. Va. Code § 49-2-802A, under Article 2.

W. Va. Code § 49-2-802A

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, immediately upon initiating an investigation of a parent or other person having legal custody of a child, the department shall, upon first contact with the individual, provide the individual with a copy of A Parent’s Guide to Working with Child Protective Services (Guide).

(b) The Guide shall include a short and plain statement to include, but not be limited to, the following:

(1) Steps that the department will take to investigate signs of abuse and neglect;

(2) Steps that may need to be taken to make a safer or healthier home for the child;

(3) An overview of the court process;

(4) The confidentiality of maltreatment reports and case appeals;

(5) Child visitation; and

(6) Case appeals.