The Senate passed a bill on Wednesday that seeks to address ongoing concerns about transparency and accountability within West Virginia’s foster care system.
Senate Bill 83 would enhance the oversight of child welfare by granting the Foster Care Ombudsman access to confidential records related to child abuse, neglect, and fatalities.
The legislation amends existing confidentiality laws, allowing the Foster Care Ombudsman, or their designee, to access critical information while performing their official duties. This change is particularly significant in cases involving child fatalities or near fatalities, where timely access to records can be crucial for investigations and systemic improvements.
Currently, the confidentiality of child welfare records often limit the ability of oversight bodies to fully understand and address the circumstances surrounding these tragic events.
Supporters of the bill, which passed the Senate unanimously, argued that it will empower the Ombudsman to better advocate for children in the foster care system and ensure that cases of abuse and neglect are thoroughly vetted. They emphasize that increased access to information will lead to more informed recommendations for policy changes and improvements in child welfare practices.
The bill now heads to the House of Delegates for consideration.
The Senate is adjourned until tomorrow, March 20, at 11 a.m.
Afternoon Meetings:
Natural Resources at 1 p.m. in 208W
Agriculture at 2 p.m. in 208W
Banking and Insurance at 2 p.m. in 451M
Judiciary at 3 p.m. in 208W
Finance at 3 p.m. in 451M
Morning Meetings for Thursday, March 20:
Education at 9:30 a.m. in 451M
Gov. Org at 9:30 a.m. in 208W
