WV SB83

Grants the Foster Care Ombudsman and designees access to confidential child abuse and neglect records, including the identity of persons making complaints, when acting in official duties under §16B-16-1 et seq.

Authorizes disclosure of child fatality and near-fatality records to the Foster Care Ombudsman, including complainant identities that are typically withheld from other entities

Amends §49-5-101 of the West Virginia Code governing confidentiality of records concerning children and juveniles maintained by state agencies, courts, and law enforcement

Maintains existing confidentiality protections for all other parties, with willful violations punishable by up to $1,000 fine, six months jail time, or both, plus $300 or actual damages