Bill adds commissioners to focus on overwhelming number of child welfare cases in WV courts

By: Amelia Ferrell Knisely

Outlets: West Virginia Watch

Published: March 19, 2026

Words: 641

Last Updated: 2 days, 2 hours ago

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Child abuse and neglect cases continue to overwhelm West Virginia’s court system, and lawmakers hope adding additional people in the judicial process to focus on these cases will improve outcomes for children.

A bill passed by the Legislature would establish child protection commissioners around the state to offer recommendations to judges about a child’s case, including recommendations about where the child should reside.

The goal is to “encourage efficiency and ensure accountability” in …

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