Requiring Department of Human Services to establish pilot program to contract for supplemental caseworker aide services

SB 529 requires West Virginia's Department of Human Services to create a 15-month pilot program contracting with private companies to provide caseworker aide services. These aides will handle administrative tasks using technology, freeing up child welfare caseworkers to spend more time directly interacting with children and families. The pilot will target districts with high caseloads, persistent staff vacancies, or high rates of children placed in out-of-state foster care. The department must maintain full supervisory control over cases and submit a report to the legislature evaluating the program's impact on caseworker time and outcomes.