CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — The death of Kyneddi Miller, a 14-year-old girl from Boone County is sparking changes in CPS reporting policies. There was a long and detailed staff briefing from the governor’s office Thursday, but Friday the man in charge weighed in on policy changes.
West Virginia Governor Jim Justice says the goal is to prevent another tragic death like Kyneddi’s. She was found dead on her bathroom floor on April 17, emaciated to a “skeletal” state.
TIMELINE: Kyneddi Miller investigation
Two West Virginia State Troopers went to Kyneddi’s home in March 2023, and while they found her healthy and well-nourished, they were concerned when she said she was afraid of COVID-19. However, no action was taken when the troopers made an informal report to child protective services that Kyneddi might be in mental distress, hoping to get someone to speak with her about her fear.
From now on there will be no such thing as an “informal” report and all calls will go to the 1-800-hotline. That number to call is 1-800-352-6513.
DoHS to tighten protocol on calling abuse, neglect hotline
In addition, CPS workers can no longer try to interview jailed suspects, like Kyneddi’s mother, Julie Miller, without getting permission from superiors. The governor says more changes could be coming.
“All I could do is tell you that we will try with all in us, every single day to make things better and better. I’m confident that the things we have changed will make things better,” said Justice.
The governor says the next policy change will likely be enforcing the regular assessments on students, like Kyneddi, who are homeschooled. Some of her assessments were never done. Justice also says he may call the legislature into a special session to tighten up other laws and policies that deal with potential cases of abuse and neglect.
Even before this case, the governor talked of a special session in August. So now, items related to CPS reform may get added to the call if it is scheduled.