(a) Entry of Support Orders. — Every order in a child abuse and neglect proceeding that alters the custodial and decision-making responsibility for a child and/or commits the child to the custody of the Department of Health and Human Resources must impose a support obligation upon one or both parents for the support, maintenance and education of the child, pursuant to W.Va. Code § 49-4-801, et seq..
(b) Use of Guidelines. — Any order establishing a child support obligation in an abuse and neglect proceeding must use the Guidelines for Child Support Awards found in W. Va. Code § 48-13-101, et seq. The Guidelines may be disregarded, or the calculation of an award under the Guidelines may be adjusted, only if the court makes specific findings that use of the Guidelines is inappropriate.
(c) Modifications. — Any order establishing a child support obligation in a child abuse and neglect proceeding may be modified by the court upon motion of any party. An order granting modification of a support obligation must use the Guidelines for Child Support Awards found in W. Va. Code § 48-13-101, et seq.
(d) Transfer to family court prohibited. — No portion of a child abuse and neglect proceeding may be transferred or remanded to a family court for assessment of a child support obligation.