W. Va. Code § 149-8-2 - Purposes

2.1. The principal purpose of this rule is to establish guidelines and procedures in compliance with state and federal law to be followed by all West Virginia law enforcement officers as defined herein and other personnel involved in police response to circumstances involving possible child abuse and neglect.

2.2. Other purposes and goals of this rule are:

2.2.a. To reduce the incidence and se of child abuse and neglect by establishing a framework for early detection and intervention and establishing uniform standards for the investigation of child abuse and neglect.

2.2.b. To afford maximum protection and support to victims of child abuse and neglect through a coordinated response of dispatch, law enforcement, Child Protective Services (CPS), Child Advocacy Centers (CAC), prosecution and other applicable agencies.

2.2.c. To promote best practices and ensure that law enforcement services are as available in circumstances of child abuse and neglect as they are in other criminal cases.

2.2.d. To promote the safety of all individuals involved in circumstances of child abuse and neglect.

2.2.e. To promote a safe and appropriate response to circumstances involving victims with special needs including but not limited to developmental, pervasive mental health, behavioral and/or physical disabilities, including autism. Such children would also include those defined in W.Va. Code § 61-8F-2, regarding Special Protections For Disabled Children Act of 2022, to include "disabled" children and "noncommunicative" children.

Notes

W. Va. Code § 149-8-2