Requiring investigative and assessment services in relation to child welfare

SB 62 requires West Virginia's Bureau for Social Services to implement a "differential response" system for child welfare reports, replacing a single response approach. It mandates two distinct tracks: an investigative track for urgent cases (like imminent danger or abuse), and a family assessment track focused on prevention and family support for less severe reports. The bill requires using standardized screening tools to determine the appropriate response, establishes data retention rules for reports, and updates the child welfare data dashboard to reflect these changes. This directly affects child welfare agencies, families reporting concerns, and children in the state's child welfare system.