Relating to child custody

HB 2638 requires West Virginia courts to initiate criminal charges against parents when children are removed from their custody due to abuse or neglect. Specifically, it mandates that courts must bring criminal charges in two situations: (1) when a parent is convicted of an offense against a child (as defined in state law), and (2) when a parent's rights are terminated following a child's removal due to abuse or neglect. The bill directs courts to follow existing state laws (§61-8D-3 through §61-8D-5) to determine applicable penalties and fines for these offenses. This change directly affects parents whose children are removed from their care due to abuse or neglect, ensuring legal consequences are pursued.