Requiring Child Protective Services workers to wear body-worn cameras

SB 557 requires Child Protective Services (CPS) workers in West Virginia to attempt wearing body cameras during investigations of child abuse or neglect reports. Workers must obtain consent from the person being investigated before using cameras and may skip camera use only if it compromises a child’s privacy or hinders the investigation (with documentation required). All audio and video recordings must be stored as confidential case records for the duration of the open case. The bill directly affects CPS workers conducting investigations, aiming to increase transparency while maintaining confidentiality standards for child welfare cases.