Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024
Section 81-17-3 - Purposes3.1. The Child Protection Act of 2006 emphasizes the need for effective collaboration between CPS, the West Virginia State Police and local law enforcement in order to reduce the number of critical incidents to children and focus on identifying investigating and prosecuting criminal child abuse and neglect cases. The primary purpose of the Child Protection Unit is to promote the joining of the West Virginia State Police and CPS so to provide an effective governmental approach to reducing child fatalities and aid in the prosecution of perpetrators of child abuse and neglect.3.2. Develop and maintain a statewide statistical index of child abuse and neglect allegation and convictions for violations of §§ 61-8D-2, 61-8D-2a, 61-8D-3, 61-8D-3a. 61-8D-4 or 61-8D-4a, so to monitor the timely and proper investigation and disposition of child abuse and neglect criminal cases.3.3. Provide training, technical expertise and coordination of services for other law enforcement agencies, CPS caseworkers, prosecuting attorneys, and MDITs, as it pertains to the identification, investigation, reporting and prosecution of criminal child abuse and neglect cases.3.4. Provide the legislative Joint Committee on Government and Finance an annual report that includes the statistical index described in state code § 15-2-15(d) as well as recommendations for statutory or program reforms beneficial for the unit and its goals.