West Virginia HB4602: Relating to requiring the Department of Human Services to establish a pilot program to contract for supplemental caseworker aide services for the Bureau for Social Services

What the bill says

To amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new section, designated §49-2-131, relating to requiring the Department of Human Services to establish a pilot program to contract for supplemental caseworker aide services for the Bureau for Social Services. ARTICLE 2. STATE RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE PROTECTION AND CARE OF CHILDREN. §49-2-131. Caseworker Services Pilot Program. (a) (1) The Department of Human Services shall, within 90 days of the effective date of this section, establish a pilot program through which it shall enter into a contract with one or more qualifi.

From the engrossed text, January 20, 2026:

A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new section, designated §49-2-131, relating to requiring the Department of Human Services to establish a pilot program to contract for supplemental caseworker aide services for the Bureau for Social Services. ARTICLE 2. STATE RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE PROTECTION AND CARE OF CHILDREN. §49-2-131. Caseworker Services Pilot Program. (a) (1) The Department of Human Services shall, within 90 days of the effective date of this section, establish a pilot program through which it shall enter into a contract with one or more qualified private entities to provide caseworker aide services to supplement existing departmental staff within the Bureau for Social Services with administrative support services using a human services technology platform to allow departmental staff more time for personal interactions with children and families served by the department. (2) Caseworker aides retained under the contract shall meet substantially equivalent education, experience, training, and background check requirements as departmental caseworkers and caseworker aides. (3) The department shall maintain supervisory and decision-making authority over all cases, and contracted caseworker aide personnel shall operate under departmental policies and oversight. (b) The department shall deploy contracted caseworker aide services in one or more districts comprised of no more than three counties in the aggregate meeting criteria established by rule or policy, …

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