WV SB541

Requires circuit courts to issue an initial order when filing a child abuse or neglect petition that appoints counsel, certifies the guardian ad litem has met educational requirements, and outlines the guardian ad litem's duties including regular in-person contact with the child

Prohibits payment to guardians ad litem and other appointed attorneys unless the court issues an order confirming they have fully complied with all court orders, Rules of Procedure for Child Abuse and Neglect Proceedings, and Rules of Professional Conduct, and have not caused unreasonable delays

Expands circumstances where the Department of Health and Human Resources is not required to make reasonable efforts to preserve the family to include cases where parental rights were previously consensually terminated under §49-4-607

Changes language regarding placement of children when the alleged abuser is a household member from mandatory ("shall not allow") to permissive ("may not allow") court discretion

Amends multiple sections of West Virginia Code (§49-4-601, §49-4-602, §49-4-604, §49-4-608, and §49-4-610) governing juvenile child abuse and neglect proceedings to require designated findings of fact and conclusions of law in court orders