Associated Press Published

New System Centralizes W.Va. Abuse, Neglect Cases

DHHR

  West Virginia officials have established a centralized system for reports of abuse and neglect.

The state Department of Health and Human Resources Commissioner for the Bureau for Children and Families says the Centralized Intake Unit will begin operations on July 1.

Officials say the system will ensure consistency across the state for the receipt and documentation of abuse and neglect cases for child and adult protective services. It also will provide consistency in evaluation and decision making for child protective services.

The system replaces the current practice of separate intake units by county and contract services for after-hours calls.