West Virginia Bureau for Children and Families
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West Virginia Bureau for Children and Families
NOTE: You are using an outdated browser. In order to view, use, and enjoy this site to the fullest, we strongly recommend upgrading your browser to one that supports web standards.
We all have a responsibility for ensuring that vulnerable adults are not abused or neglected. As family members, friends, neighbors, and service providers we can help by being aware of the warning signs of abuse & neglect and, when we believe that an adult is being abused or neglected, reporting what we know. In addition to the role we, as individuals, can play, the West Virginia State Code also provides guidance to public agencies to ensure the protection of vulnerable adults.
In situations where an incapacitated adult or resident of a nursing home/other facility is believed to be abused or neglected, a report should be made to the Department of Health and Human Resources. DHHR is responsible for conducting an investigation. The purpose of this investigation is to determine if abuse or neglect has occurred and, if so, to identify and offer appropriate services to eliminate the abuse/neglect and prevent it from re-occurring.
In situations involving a violent crime, such as rape, sexual assault, breaking and entering, burglary, assault and battery, etc. the report should be made to the local law enforcement agency. DHHR staff can, upon request by the law enforcement agency, assist law enforcement in these situations to ensure the safety of an incapacitated adult
