Mountain State Times

In response to the recent death of a minor, Cynthia Persily, Ph.D., Cabinet Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), has issued a statement addressing the situation and outlining the department's role in preventing child abuse.

"We are deeply saddened by this tragic situation, and our thoughts are with those affected by this heartbreaking loss," said Persily. She emphasized the importance of understanding complex circumstances without rushing to conclusions or assigning blame. "A rush to conclusions and the assignment of blame only serve to hinder our understanding and slow our ability as a community to develop good policy to limit such horrors in the future."

Persily highlighted the dedication of Child Protective Services (CPS) staff who work under challenging conditions to protect vulnerable children across West Virginia. CPS adheres to stringent policies outlined in state and federal law for assessing reports of abuse or neglect. Confidential reporting is crucial for encouraging intervention without fear of reprisals, ensuring integrity in investigations, and safeguarding privacy rights.

"In light of our community's most recent devastating loss of life, it is crucial to understand that CPS cannot prevent every instance of abuse or neglect," she stated. Persily assured that CPS strives diligently within its legal authority to investigate reports and protect children.

DoHS urges residents to report suspected cases through their hotline. "Let us honor the memory of this young victim by supporting the tireless efforts of our CPS workers and working together as a community to create a safer environment for all children," Persily concluded.

The statement also addressed confidentiality laws under WV Code §49-5-101 and federal legislation like CAPTA, which restricts information disclosure about child abuse cases except under specific circumstances.

The DoHS remains committed to investigating allegations against parents or guardians thoroughly, beginning with interviews with household members. The process includes gathering collateral information from individuals familiar with the family.

For more details on procedures, see sections 3 and 4 of CPS Policy June 2023 available on wv.gov. To report suspected child abuse or neglect, contact DoHS’s Centralized Intake for Abuse and Neglect hotline at 1-800-352-6513.