(a) An individual who willfully interferes with or impedes the Foster Care Ombudsman in the performance of his or her official duties shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than $100.
(b) An individual who institutes or commits a discriminatory, disciplinary, retaliatory, or reprisal action against a foster child, foster parent, or kinship parent for having filed a complaint with or provided information in good faith to the Foster Care Ombudsman in carrying out the duties pursuant to this article is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than $100.
(c) An individual violating the provisions of subsection (a) or (b) of this section is, for the second or any subsequent offense under either of these subsections, guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than $250. Each day of a continuing violation after conviction shall be considered a separate offense.
(d) Nothing in this section infringes upon the rights of an employer to supervise, discipline, or terminate an employee for other reasons.
Structure West Virginia Code
Article 9. Foster Care Ombudsman Program
§49-9-101. The Foster Care Ombudsman
§49-9-102. Investigation of Complaints
§49-9-103. Access to Foster Care Children
§49-9-106. Cooperation Among Government Departments or Agencies
§49-9-107. Confidentiality of Investigations
§49-9-108. Limitations on Liability