Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024
Section 81-16-5 - Intent, Findings and Severability5.1. Legislative Intent and Findings: The intent of the Child Abuse and Neglect Registration Act is to assist law-enforcement agencies efforts to protect children from offenders of child abuse and neglect by requiring offenders of child abuse and neglect to register with a State Police detachment in the county where they reside. It is not the intent of the Legislature that the information be used to inflict either retribution or additional punishment on any person requiring registration under the West Virginia Child Abuse and Neglect Registration Act. It is the intent of the Legislature to provide for the safety of children who are exposed to persons convicted of the crimes of child abuse and neglect, found not guilty solely by reason of mental illness, mental retardation or addiction of the crimes of child abuse and neglect or convicted of a criminal offense against a child in his or her household or of whom he or she has custodial responsibility and with whom the sentencing judge has made a written finding that there is a continued likelihood that the person convicted will continue to have regular contact with that child or other children and that as such it is in the best interest of the child or children for that person to be monitored.5.2. Severability. If any sections or subsections of this rule are determined to be invalid, it shall not be construed to invalidate any of the provisions not otherwise affected.