By Charles Young, The Exponent Telegram
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The public could soon have access to additional information about investigations into the deaths of children, Dr. Cynthia Persily said Tuesday.
A working group, which includes a representative of Gov. Jim Justice’s administration and leaders from the West Virginia Legislature, has developed proposed legislation allowing the limited release of confidential child welfare information in the event of a fatality or near fatality.
“That model legislation has been developed and agreed to by the work group and supported by stakeholders,” said Persily, secretary of the state Department of Human Services. “It is in draft form and being reviewed.”
Persily, who testified during a meeting of the Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources Accountability, said the draft would be presented to lawmakers “at the appropriate time.”
DoHS representatives considered the laws on the books in other states and consulted with experts when developing the legislation, Persily said.
