Bill > SB581

This bill proposes to create a "litigation practice license" for social workers in West Virginia. The key provisions of the bill are: 1) The West Virginia Board of Social Work, the Supreme Court of Appeals, and higher education institutions in the state will review and develop a special licensing for social workers to practice independently in the courts for juvenile, child abuse, and neglect proceedings. 2) The purpose is to address overloaded circuit courts and a need for more effective prevention services, by allowing "litigation social workers" to seek better outcomes than out-of-home placement or releasing children back into dysfunctional families. 3) The "litigation social workers" would be able to encourage and lead court-ordered mediation for needed services, and participate fully in the litigation process with court appointments. 4) The specific training, roles, and performance of the "litigation social workers" will be determined by the Supreme Court of Appeals in cooperation with the Board of Social Workers and university graduate social work programs.

Government Affairs

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=581&year=2019&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill