WV SB851

Requires the Department of Human Services to provide parents or custodians accused of child abuse or neglect with a written summary of investigation procedures, complaint rights, record access rights, and information about seeking legal counsel upon first contact

Mandates verbal notification of constitutional rights including the right against self-incrimination, right to an attorney (court-appointed if indigent), right to refuse home entry or child interviews without counsel, and right to refuse drug tests

Grants accused individuals the right to record any interaction with investigators, withhold consent for medical/psychological examinations of the child, and withhold consent for release of medical or mental health records

Requires investigators to provide a summary of the allegations against the person, including whether the report was made anonymously

Takes effect July 1, 2025, and applies only to investigations initiated on or after that date