(By Senators Bowman, Bailey, Kessler,, Minard, Redd, Rowe,

Snyder, Wooton, Boley, Minear and Sprouse)

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance examine child welfare service providers' licensing requirements in order to ascertain whether the manner in which policies and practices governing agencies providing child welfare services could be made more efficient and effective.

Whereas, Child welfare service providers in this state must be licensed both as child care agencies and as behavioral health providers

with different sets of licensing regulations administered by the same state agency; and
Whereas,

There are inconsistencies in the requirements, interpretation and enforcement of the different sets of licensing regulations; and
Whereas, The public has an interest in the structures and processes for the licensing of child welfare service agencies; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is requested to examine child welfare service providers' licensing requirements to ascertain whether the manner in which policies and practices governing agencies providing child welfare services could be made more efficient and effective

; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2003, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.