WV HB4603

Creates a "pre-adjudicatory alternative disposition" process allowing parents in child abuse/neglect cases to voluntarily consent to guardianship placement with a relative instead of proceeding to an adjudication of abuse or neglect

Requires all adults with parental rights to consent to the alternative disposition, along with approval from the Department of Human Services and a guardian ad litem report finding the arrangement in the child's best interest

Expands "eligible proceedings" for public defender services to include pre-adjudicatory alternative disposition proceedings and related guardianship appointments in circuit court

Excludes parents from this alternative disposition option if they committed murder, voluntary manslaughter, sexual assault, or subjected children to aggravated circumstances including torture, chronic abuse, or sexual abuse

Allows parents to petition for record sealing after the child turns 18 and at least five years have passed since the dismissal order, with the higher "clear and convincing evidence" standard required to later revoke or terminate the guardianship