In Monday’s Joint Standing Committee on Finance, Chief Justice Beth Walker and other court officials presented a “Courts 101,” detailing the court’s functions and also outlined transparency measures the court has taken.
Walker began her presentation referencing the controversy in the court. Former Justice Allen Loughry was convicted on 11 federal charges and former Justice Menis Ketchum pleaded guilty to a federal wire fraud charge. Walker promised more open communication and transparency within the court.
Walker said the court adopted new travel policy initiatives that applies to everyone.
“It makes clear that state vehicles are not used for personal business,” Walker said. “It creates more accountability in checking vehicles out.”
The court has 19 state vehicles, all with new license plates and all enrolled in the state’s fleet management system, Walker said.
Walker said all property overseen by the court is now catalogued in the state’s OASIS system. She said the court also is working on a computer use policy and is drafting an employee handbook.
Cindy Largent-Hill, director of the Division of Children/Juvenile Services presented statistics for abuse and neglect cases, saying there has been an increase in the last few years. She said the number of petitions increased in 44 counties.
In 2011, there were 3,391 new abuse and neglect petitions and 5,770 petitions filed in 2017. In that same period, the number of overall new juvenile case filings decreased by 8 percent and West Virginia’s population of children under 18 decreased by 4 percent. Abuse and neglect petitions represent two-thirds of all juvenile cases filed.
Delegate Mick Bates, D-Raleigh, asked Walker whether she would take a position on a proposed creation of an intermediate court of appeals. Walker said she may but has not yet taken a position. Bates asked her if she had concerns, particularly how it would affect abuse and neglect cases.
“I do have grave concerns that it would impose another step on the abuse and neglect process. I’m worried about an additional delay,” Walker said. “Abuse and neglect has increased at a quick rate. … It’s growing every year.”
Court officials also gave an overview on topics including the state’s e-filing system and drug courts:
- So far, 14 counties have completed implementation of the West Virginia E-Filing System and the court projected a completion date of 2021 for all county circuit and family courts.
- Court officials also presented statistics on the state’s drug courts. There are 28 adult drug courts covering 46 counties and 16 juvenile drug courts covering 21 counties. In 2018, there were 550 adult drug court participants and 215 graduates. In that same time period, there were 168 juvenile participants with about 50 percent completing the program.
