From the day I was born, West Virginia's Child Protective Services (CPS), Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR), and Bureau of Child Support Enforcement have torn my family apart. Today, myself and so many others are facing problem after problem with these workers. I've seen firsthand the damage they cause by tearing families apart with little to no repercussions, even when they are outright wrong. There's no accountability when they lose paperwork, and they disrespect citizens. They make deals with one another behind closed doors, financially ruining us and leaving no room for fairness or justice.

The heartache and disruption faced by countless families in West Virginia can and should be prevented. Every interaction with these agencies should be transparent, fair, and accountable. This is why I am calling for the mandatory use of body-worn cameras with full audio by every caseworker in WV CPS, DHHR, and Bureau of Child Support Enforcement during all work hours.

Body cameras are not just tools; they are a step forward in ensuring transparency and accountability in these agencies. Studies, such as those conducted by the National Institute of Justice, indicate that law enforcement agencies that employ body-worn cameras observe a significant reduction in complaints and incidents of misconduct. If it works for police, why shouldn't it work for agencies that hold as much power and influence over families as CPS and DHHR do?

By mandating body cameras, we can:

1. Ensure every interaction is recorded, promoting accountability and transparency.
2. Protect both the families and the workers by creating a neutral record of interactions.
3. Deter abuse and misconduct, ensuring that caseworkers act professionally and ethically.
4. Provide invaluable evidence in disputes, avoiding he-said-she-said situations.

Implementing this change would be a significant step towards restoring trust in these agencies, and most importantly, it would help protect families from unjust actions. Families should not suffer due to the lack of transparency and accountability.

We urge West Virginia lawmakers and agency leaders to recognize the importance of this initiative and take immediate action. Let's protect our families and ensure fairness across all interactions.

Please sign this petition to demand the use of body cameras in West Virginia's CPS, DHHR, and Bureau of Child Support Enforcement.