22VAC40 131final

Date/Time Filed with Registrar of Regulations
VA.R. Document Number: R____ - _______

Date of Publication in Virginia Register:
Commonwealth of Virginia
Transmittal Sheet: FINAL ACTION ON REGULATIONS
Regulatory Coordinator: Karin Clark
Telephone: (804) 726-7017 E-mail: karin.clark@dss.virginia.gov
Promulgating Agency: State Board of Social Services
Regulatory Action Title (if applicable): Repeal current standards for licensed private child-
placing agencies
Chapters affected:
VAC No.: Chapter Title: §§ affected:
Amended:
Minimum Standards for Licensed Private Added:
22VAC 40-130
Child-Placing Agencies Repealed: 22VAC40-130-10 et
seq
Statutory Authority: 63.2-217, 63.2-1701, and 63.2-1734 of the Code of Virginia
Effective Date:
Public Comments Received? Yes No
Agency Contact for Further Information:
Name: Joni S. Baldwin
Title: Program Administration Specialist III
Address: Virginia Department of Social Services, 801 East Main Street, Division of Licensing
Programs, Richmond, Virginia 23219-2901
Telephone: (804) 726-7162 Fax: (804) 726-7132 Toll Free: 1- -
E-mail: Joni.baldwin@dss.virginia.gov
Is text identical to proposed text? Yes No
Proposed last appeared in Virginia Register in: Vol. 27 Issue 11 [or] none required
Emergency action appeared in Virginia Register in: Vol. Issue [or] none required
Forms: Yes No Documents Incorporated By Reference: Yes No
Transmittal By Authorized Officer:
This regulatory action is being adopted in accordance with the Administrative Process Act. [or]
This regulatory action is exempt from the Administrative Process Act pursuant to
§ of the Code of Virginia (letter from legal counsel attached).
Name of Authorized Officer: Karin Clark, Regulatory Coordinator
Signature of Authorized Officer:
Telephone: (804) 726-7017
E-Mail: karin.clark@dss.virginia.gov
Date Submitted:
Revised 3/02 Virginia Code Commission - Registrar of Regulations - 910 Capitol St., 2nd Fl. - Richmond, VA 23219 Form RR04
Date/Time Filed with Registrar of Regulations
VA.R. Document Number: R____ - _______
Date of Publication in Virginia Register:
Commonwealth of Virginia
Transmittal Sheet: FINAL ACTION ON REGULATIONS
Regulatory Coordinator: Karin Clark
Telephone: (804) 726-7017 E-mail: karin.clark@dss.virginia.gov
Promulgating Agency: State Board of Social Services
Regulatory Action Title (if applicable): Adopt new standards for licensed private child-placing
agencies
Chapters affected:
VAC No.: Chapter Title: §§ affected:
Amended:
Standards for Licensed Private Child-
22VAC 40-131 Added: 22VAC40-131-10 et seq
Placing Agencies
Repealed:
Statutory Authority: 63.2-217, 63.2-1701, and 63.2-1734 of the Code of Virginia
Effective Date:
Public Comments Received? Yes No
Agency Contact for Further Information:
Name: Joni S. Baldwin
Title: Program Administration Specialist III
Address: Virginia Department of Social Services, 801 East Main Street, Division of Licensing
Programs, Richmond, Virginia 23219-2901
Telephone: (804) 726-7162 Fax: (804) 726-7132 Toll Free: 1- -
E-mail: Joni.baldwin@dss.virginia.gov
Is text identical to proposed text? Yes No
Proposed last appeared in Virginia Register in: Vol. 27 Issue 11 [or] none required
Emergency action appeared in Virginia Register in: Vol. Issue [or] none required
Forms: Yes No Documents Incorporated By Reference: Yes No
Transmittal By Authorized Officer:
This regulatory action is being adopted in accordance with the Administrative Process Act. [or]
This regulatory action is exempt from the Administrative Process Act pursuant to
§ of the Code of Virginia (letter from legal counsel attached).
Name of Authorized Officer: Karin Clark, Regulatory Coordinator
Signature of Authorized Officer:
Telephone: (804) 726-7017
E-Mail: karin.clark@dss.virginia.gov
Date Submitted:
Revised 3/02 Virginia Code Commission - Registrar of Regulations - 910 Capitol St., 2nd Fl. - Richmond, VA 23219 Form RR04
Form: TH-03
07/10
Virginia
ginia
Regulatory
Town Hall
townhall.virginia.gov
Final Regulation
Agency Background Document
Agency name State Board of Social Services

Virginia Administrative Code 22 VAC 40-131
(VAC) citation
Regulation title Standards for Licensed Private Child-Placing Agencies
Action title Adopt New Standards for Licensed Private Child-Placing Agencies
Date this document prepared April 20, 2011
This information is required for executive branch review and the Virginia Registrar of Regulations, pursuant to the
Virginia Administrative Process Act (APA), Executive Orders 14 (2010) and 58 (1999), and the Virginia Register
Form, Style, and Procedure Manual.
Brief summary
Please provide a brief summary (no more than 2 short paragraphs) of the proposed new regulation,
proposed amendments to the existing regulation, or the regulation proposed to be repealed. Alert the
reader to all substantive matters or changes. If applicable, generally describe the existing regulation.
Also, please include a brief description of changes to the regulation from publication of the proposed
regulation to the final regulation.
This planned regulatory action is a joint action to repeal the existing regulation, 22 VAC 40-130, and
establish a new regulation, 22 VAC 40-131, for licensed private child-placing agencies. The purpose of
the regulatory action is to protect children under the age of 18, for whom home-placements are pending
or home-placements have been made in approved foster care homes, treatment foster care homes,
short-term foster care homes and adoptive-homes up until the time the adoption is finalized by the court.
This new regulation is intended to: improve clarity within the language of the regulation; incorporate
improvements in the language and reflect current federal and state law; align home approvals,
supervision, and monitoring practices and responsibilities of private child-placing agencies with public
child-placing agencies; relieve intrusive and burdensome language; and provide greater protection for
children in care. This regulation will create consistency between providers approved by licensed child-
placing agencies and local departments: an action step required by federal regulations, identified in the
federal Child and Family Services Review and included in the department’s Performance Improvement
Plan.
Major components of the regulation include consistency with 22 VAC 40-211, Resource, Foster and
Adoptive Family Home Approval Standards for public child-placing agencies including: definitions; home
Town Hall Agency Background Document Form: TH-03
provider training mandates; home study requirements, streamlining the provider approval process, and
documentation protocols; safety of the provider’s home environment; and background check
requirements. The regulation was reorganized and categorized based on provider recommendations
and, for the purpose of increasing provider compliance.
Statement of final agency action
Please provide a statement of the final action taken by the agency including (1) the date the action was
taken, (2) the name of the agency or board taking the action, and (3) the title of the regulation.
The final regulation Standards for Licensed Private Child-Placing Agencies (22 VAC 40-131) was
approved by the State Board of Social Services on April 20, 2011.
Legal basis
Please identify the state and/or federal legal authority to promulgate this proposed regulation, including
(1) the most relevant law and/or regulation, including Code of Virginia citation and General Assembly
chapter number(s), if applicable, and (2) promulgating entity, i.e., agency, board, or person. Describe the
legal authority and the extent to which the authority is mandatory or discretionary.
Sections 63.2-217 and 63.2-1734 of the Code of Virginia (Code) requires the State Board of Social
Services (Board) to adopt regulations necessary or desirable to carry out the provisions of Title 63.2 of
the Code and to include in the regulation provisions to ensure that activities, services and facilities
provided by licensees are conducive to the welfare of the children under custody or control of the
licensee. Section 63.2-1701 of the Code provides legal authority to the Board for licensure of child-
placing agencies.
Purpose
Please explain the need for the new or amended regulation. Describe the rationale or justification of the
proposed regulatory action. Detail the specific reasons it is essential to protect the health, safety or
welfare of citizens. Discuss the goals of the proposal and the problems the proposal is intended to solve.
The proposed regulation provides criteria and requirements for the Department of Social Services
(department) to evaluate the licensees to ensure that activities, services and facilities provided by
licensees are conducive to the welfare of the children under custody or control of the licensee and criteria
for the licensees to approve, evaluate, and re-approve family home providers.
There have been three separate failed attempts to adopt a new replacement regulation for the licensure
of private child-placing agencies since 1989. The existing regulation, 22VAC 40-130 was effective
August 1989 and since that time there have been many changes in federal and state law and practice,
including the Virginia’s Children's Services System Transformation, that are not included in the current
regulation. Repeal of the existing regulation and adoption of a new regulation will allow greater flexibility
to adjust the structure, format, and language. This flexibility will allow for clarified language to improve
understanding and interpretation leading to enhanced compliance and enforcement and to the creation of
requirements conducive to greater protection of the health, safety and welfare of children in care.
2
Substance
Please identify and explain the new substantive provisions, the substantive changes to existing sections,
or both where appropriate. A more detailed discussion is required under the “All changes made in this
regulatory action” section.
Substantive revisions include: aligning requirements for licensee approval of, provision of services to, and
monitoring of foster care homes, adoptive homes, and independent living arrangements with the Code of
Virginia; adding definitions consistent with the Code of Virginia and other social services regulations;
updating sponsor-types with legal entities recognized by the State Corporation Commission and including
information required as part of the application for approval process; requiring the licensee to develop and
implement written operational policies and procedures to include prohibition of corporal punishment and
measures to ensure protections for children in placements; adding a requirement for developing and
implementing a program evaluation and improvement plan; making home-study components, provider
approval and home monitoring requirements consistent for provider home-types and consistent with other
social services regulations; making home environment assessment components consistent with other
social services regulations; adding requirements for provider training and development consistent with
other social services regulations; requiring custodial agencies to enroll children in school; requiring the
licensee to report serious incidents, injuries, or accidents that happen to the child; requiring visitation and
continuing contact with the child consistent with other social services regulations; incorporating
requirements of Department of Medical Assistance Services for treatment foster care; adding
requirements for developing and implementing record-keeping practices and record storage for all types
of files; adding a requirement for encouraging and training providers in positive behavior support
techniques to protect and keep the child safe while helping the child learn positive behaviors; adding
requirements for independent living arrangements consistent with Code of Virginia and other social
services regulations and policy; and adding applicable requirements of the Code of Virginia and Hague
Adoption Convention for adoption and inter-country adoption.
Issues
Please identify the issues associated with the proposed regulatory action, including:
1) the primary advantages and disadvantages to the public, such as individual private citizens or
businesses, of implementing the new or amended provisions;
2) the primary advantages and disadvantages to the agency or the Commonwealth; and
3) other pertinent matters of interest to the regulated community, government officials, and the public.
If there are no disadvantages to the public or the Commonwealth, please indicate.
This regulation will create consistency between providers approved by licensed child-placing agencies
and local departments: an action step required by federal regulations, identified in the federal Child and
Family Services Review and included in the department’s Performance Improvement Plan. The
regulation addresses provisions of applicable child-placing federal and state law and practice since 1989,
including the Virginia’s Children’s Services System Transformation.
The intent of enhanced regulation is to protect the health, safety and welfare of the children by:
strengthening and clarifying requirements for private licensed child-placing agencies and the providers
who are approved by them. It includes an organization recommended by the members of the regulation
revision committee, a committee which was formed and utilized per public participation guidelines and
whose membership included private and public child-placing stakeholders and stakeholders from several
3
public agencies. It is anticipated that the regulation organization will assist licensees in efforts of
regulation compliance by making the standards more user-friendly.
This proposed regulatory action poses no disadvantages to the public or the Commonwealth.
Changes made since the proposed stage
Please describe all changes made to the text of the proposed regulation since the publication of the
proposed stage. For the Registrar’s office, please put an asterisk next to any substantive changes.
Section Requirement at What has changed Rationale for change

number proposed stage
22VAC40- The following new terms The definition of applicant, Changes made for
131-10. and their meanings are mutual selection, serious incident clarity.
Definitions. added in order to clarify reports, and treatment team have
their use in the body of been changed.
the regulation: adoptive
parent, adoptive In the definitions of applicant and Independent living
placement, adult, annual, mutual selection, the words arrangement is not a
applicant, background ‘independent living arrangement’ person, so it should not
checks, behavior support, were removed. be included as a type of
birth parent, caretaker, applicant or in the
career and technical definition of mutual
education, case selection.
management, casework
staff, child’s family, dual The definition of serious incident
approval process, reports has been expanded to It is important to know
emergency placement, include incidents involving about serious incidents
employee, foster care criminal activity and incidents involving criminal
placement, foster care requiring police intervention. activity and requiring
services, foster parent, police intervention.
independent living In the treatment team definition,
services, in-service ‘the licensee’ has been removed. This language is
training, intercountry redundant and not
placement, local board, necessary.
local department, mental
abuse, mutual selection,
parent, parental
placement, permanent
entrustment agreement,
physical abuse, physical
neglect, physical restraint,
placing agency, pre-
service training, provider,
records, resource parent,
seclusion, serious
incident reports, services
plan, sexual abuse, short-
term foster care, special
needs, treatment,
treatment foster care,
4
treatment foster parent,

treatment team, and
youth.
The definition for foster

care was replaced with
foster care placement and
foster care services.
22VAC40- This section requires that Strike the paragraph under 22 Paragraph is redundant
131-30. each child-placing agency VAC40-131-30 3 b; 4 c; and 5 c. to 22 VAC40-131-140 C
Sponsorship. has a sponsor. This requirement refers to an in this regulation.
executive director.
Requirements for an executive
director are found elsewhere in
the regulation.
22VAC40- This section requires the Language changed to ensure the Change made to return
131-40 G. licensee to develop an licensee develops a budget for a to the content of the
Licensee. operating budget. period of twelve months of current regulation, with
operation. language revised for
clarity.
22VAC40- This section specifies Change was made in 22 VAC40- This allows for parents
131-70 A. who can serve on the 131-70 A 2 adding ‘until the final with experience in
Conflict of placing agency’s board of order of adoption is entered.’ adoption to participate in
Interest. directors and prohibits the board activities.
licensee allowing board Change reflects the
members who are language in the current
applicants for adoption or regulation, 22 VAC40-
recipients for adoption 130-140 A.
services.
22VAC40- This section prohibits Change was made to 22 VAC40- Change made to be
131-170 B. certain acts of 131-170 B. Language consistent with federal
Program discrimination to deny or referencing gender, age, religion, law- 42 USC 671.
Statement delay a child’s placement political beliefs, sexual
and or deny an opportunity to orientation, disability and family
Description apply to be a foster or status was removed. The words
adoptive parent. ‘to apply’ in 22 VAC40-131-170 B
2 were removed.
22VAC40- This section describes the In referring to medical Change made for clarity
131-180 J. home study narrative examinations, the language ‘as to remind licensees of
Home Study requirements. described in 22 VAC40-131-290 requirements for
Requirements L-M.’ was added to 22 VAC40- medical examinations in
131-180 J 2 e 2. 22 VAC40-131-290 L-M
to improve regulation
compliance.
22VAC40- These sections discuss ‘Or living arrangement’ language Change made for clarity;
131-200 A, B, requirements prior to was struck from 22 VAC40-131- The requirements in this
G Initial placement of a child in a 200 A and ‘or independent living section do not apply to
Approval or home or living arrangement’ was struck from 22 independent living
Disapproval arrangement. VAC40-131-200 B and G 1. arrangements.
of Home
22VAC40- This section requires Language requiring ‘orientation’ Change was made for
131-200 A 2 orientation and on-going was removed from 22 VAC40- clarity and to allow the
and H 1 Initial training for providers 131-200 H 1 and placed in 22 orientation training to
Approval or following approval. VAC40-131-200 A 2. occur prior to the
5
Disapproval approval of the provider.

of Home
22VAC40- This section describes Short-term foster families are no This change was made
131-210 A requirements of pre- longer required to complete this for clarity and to allow
Provider service training for each training. Language was made to agencies to develop
training and newly approved provider. require the training to be pre-service training
development consistent with the licensee's based on their program
program statement and statement and
description required by description.
22VAC40-131-170.A and to
include, as applicable, the listed
core competencies.
22VAC40- This section describes the 22VAC40-131-170 A 22 was This language is
131-210 A agency’s plan of pre- added to require pre-service required in 22VAC40-
Provider service training for each training on methods of less 131-90 G 3 and should
training and newly approved provider. intrusive behavior support, crisis be covered in provider
development management techniques and pre-service training.
physical restraint methods
approved by the licensee.
22VAC40- This section discusses In reference to tuberculosis Reference added for
131-230 E the re-evaluation process screenings, language was added clarity about required
Monitoring for approving a home. to 22VAC40-131-230 E 4 to tuberculosis screenings
and re- reference 22VAC40-131-290 K. to increase regulation
evaluation of compliance.
provider
homes.
22VAC40- This section discusses The language ‘in foster care, Correction was made for
131-250 A requirements prior to short-term foster care, or clarity, these words are
Intake, placing a child. treatment foster care’ was not necessary.
Acceptance removed from the first sentence.
and
placement
22VAC40- This section discusses Language requiring only one Change made to be
131-250 E written requirements prior parent to sign the entrustment consistent with § 63.2-
Intake, to placing a child. was added to 22VAC40-131-250 1817 of the Code of
Acceptance E 2. Due to lettering error, E is Virginia (Code).
and changed to D.
placement
22VAC40- This section defines The word ‘assessment’ is struck Correction was made for
131-250 S requirements when a from 22VAC40-131-250 S 3. S clarity.
Intake, licensee accepts a child is changed to R due to lettering
Acceptance for placement from a error.
and parent or other individual
placement having custody.
22VAC40- These sections require Written approval from the The child can be placed
131-270 B, C approval of the Interstate Interstate Compact on the with verbal approval
Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children is not from the Interstate
placement Placement of Children required prior to placement, but it Compact on the
before an out of state must be maintained in the child’s Placement of Children,
child is placed in a file. but written approval
Virginia home. must be obtained and
maintained in the child’s
file.
22VAC40- This section describes The term ‘handicapping Change made to use
6
131-290 C requirements of the conditions’ was removed. currently accepted

Medical, child’s medical report terms.
dental and
psychiatric
examinations
and care
22VAC40- This section describes This language was
22VAC40-131-300 C was added:
131-300 school enrollment added to comply with
“For school-aged children in foster
School requirements for children federal law, Public Law
care, the licensee shall collaborate
enrollment in care. and work cooperatively with the 110-351.
local department and the local
education authority to maintain
educational stability for each child.
Cooperative efforts shall be
documented in the child’s record.”
22VAC40- This section requires that The original requirement

The proposed language was
131-330 F more than half of the only applied to local
removed. This language was
Visitation and contacts made with the agency social workers,
added: “The licensee shall have at
continuing child shall be conducted not the licensed child
least one face-to-face contact with
contact with in the placement setting. placing agency. The
the child in the placement setting
children every 60 days.” language in the
proposed regulation is
now the same as the
language in the current
regulation.
22VAC40- This section requires the Local departments of
The word ‘permanent’ is struck.
131-330 K licensee to make certain social services must be
Visitation and notifications if a made aware of any
continuing permanent move is made move of a child. Local
contact with from one foster home to departments of social
children another. services must know
where the child is
placed at all times.
22VAC40- This section describes All of these elements
The ‘or’ in 22VAC40-131-370 H 3
131-370 H requirements for active are requirements.
is removed and replaced with
Case Record and closed case files.
‘and’.
requirements
22VAC40- This section describes The department does
In 22VAC40-131-370 M 1, the
131-370 M documentation not have an application
language ‘in a format required by
Case Record requirements for home format.
the department’ is removed.
requirements provider’s files.
22VAC40- This section adds Language changed for
In 22VAC40-131-460 B 4 c, the
131-460 B requirements that must clarity, as having both
first ‘and’ is removed and ‘or’ is
Children be met when providing full time staff and part
added.
placed in treatment foster care. time staff is not
treatment required.
foster care
22VAC40- This section describes the This requirement is
The requirement in 22VAC40-
131-490 E process for securing covered 22VAC 40-131-
131-490 E is removed.
Adoption termination of parental 250 E and does not
counseling rights. belong in the ‘adoption
and services counseling and services
for birth for birth parents’
parents section.
7
22VAC40- This section requires the Phrase removed for

The following language is
131-500 licensee to follow Code of clarity, there is no policy
removed: “and policy approved
Involuntary Virginia and policy approved by the state
by the state board”. The following
termination of approved by the state board that is relevant to
language is added: “any other
parental board when involuntary this section. The added
necessary legal requirements to
rights. termination of parental language was
achieve the involuntary
rights is necessary. suggested by the Office
termination of parental rights”
of the Attorney General.
22VAC40- This section requires that Change was made to
The licensee shall collaborate
131-510 A, B children with special clarify requirements on
and work cooperatively with the
Provisions for needs are placed on the who needs to register a
local departments to ensure that
adopting Adoption Resource child with special needs
children with special needs are
children with Exchange of Virginia on the Adoption
placed on the Adoption Resource
special needs promptly after parental Resource Exchange of
Exchange of Virginia unless an
rights have been Virginia.
adoptive placement agreement
terminated.
has been signed. The licensee
holding custody shall ensure the
child is registered.
22VAC40- This section discusses Due to changes to §
“Subsidy’ is removed and
131-510 C requirements for the 63.2-1300 of the Code,
‘assistance’ is added.
Provisions for licensee to work with the “Subsidy’ is now
adopting local departments to referred to as
children with secure adoption ‘assistance’.
special needs payments for the child.
22VAC40- This section requires that Language is added
Language ‘including arranging
131-510 D necessary and pursuant to § 63.2,
for necessary services after the
Provisions for appropriate services and Chapter 13 of the Code-
final order’ is removed.
adopting treatment are provided to Adoption Assistance for
Language ‘pursuant to Title 63.2
children with children with special Children with Special
Chapter 13 of the Code of
special needs needs. Needs.
Virginia’ is added.
22VAC40- This section describes “Educational” is added
‘Educational’ was added to
131-520 F what the licensee shall because this information
22VAC40-131-520 F 1.
Selecting an provide to adoptive should be provided to
adoptive parents about the child. the adoptive parents.
home
Minor grammatical, typographical, and numbering/lettering errors were also corrected.
8
Public comment
Please summarize all comments received during the public comment period following the publication of
the proposed stage, and provide the agency response. If no comment was received, please so indicate.
Commenter Comment Agency response

22 VAC 40-131-10 Definitions
Two providers Annual - Thanks for the extra Agency agrees.

month. Will help with Medicaid
coverage.
Division of Remove independent living Change made for clarity. Independent living
Licensing arrangement from definition for arrangement is not a person, so it should not
Programs, Child “applicant” and “mutual selection.” be included as a type of applicant or in the
Welfare Unit An independent living arrangement definition of mutual selection.
is not an approved provider type.
Three providers Caretaker – definition should clarify Language mirrors that in 22 VAC 40-211-
and Division of that a caretaker could include Resource, Foster and Adoptive Family Home
Licensing another adult living in the home only Approval Standards. Issue will be clarified in
Programs, Child if that individual was physically and training and technical assistance.
Welfare Unit mentally capable of providing care.
Two providers Career and technical education – Term is used in independent living section 22
term is not used in the regulation VAC 40-131-440 B 10 a.
Two providers Child-placing activities – Definition The definition is intentionally broad; is based
is too broad. Limit language to that on multiple sections of the Code of Virginia.
in the first sentence of the definition.
Attorney Complaint – definition needs to be The definition is the same as used in 22 VAC-
more inclusive 40-80, General Procedures and Information for
Licensure.
Provider Custody – should be defined in This is outside the scope of this regulation.
regulation
Two providers Foster care placement – Don't we The definition is the same as the definition of
need to include one more condition “foster care placement” in §63.2-100 of the
here similar to (i) but not involving Code.
the local board but instead another
non-DSS agency rep on the FAPT?
Two providers Foster care services - See omission The definition is the same as the definition of
above. “foster care services” in §63.2-100 of the Code.
Provider Add definition of “respite placement” Definitions are not necessary as the terms are
or “respite care.” not used in the regulation.
Division of Serious incident reports – Add Change made for clarity. It is important to
9
Licensing requirement to report criminal know about these incidents.

Programs, Child activity and incidents requiring
Welfare Unit police intervention
Two providers Short-term foster care – expand Successive short term foster care placements
definition to allow successive short- can be addressed through a variance or in
term placements. technical assistance
Attorney Special needs – add to definition “if This suggestion does not define a special
the child has developed significant needs child, but defines a specific situation
ties to his foster parents and the relating to any child.
foster parents desire to adopt him.”
Provider Treatment foster care – Definition is Response not necessary; outside the scope of
strongly supported, but should not this regulation.
be redefined as a residential service
for the purpose of reallocating
money in the state budget.
Provider Youth - Should use the ages of 14- The definition is the same as the definition of
18 and former foster children 18-21. “youth” in 22 VAC 40-201, Permanency
Concern: The age of 16 is not Services - Prevention, Foster Care, Adoption,
consistent with independent living and Independent. This is in line with our goal of
training that is required to begin at consistent regulations between public and
age 14. private agencies.
Attorney Add definitions for “home study,” These will be clarified in training and technical
report of home study,” report of assistance.
investigation,” and “report of
visitation.”
22 VAC 40-131-30 – Organization

and Administration
Division of Remove paragraph following The regulation has been amended to delete the
Licensing 30.3.b, 30.4.c, and 30.5.c that paragraph. Requirement is already in 22 VAC
Programs, Child begins … “When not one of the 40-131-140 D of this chapter.
Welfare Unit members…” This paragraph is
unnecessary as board must appoint
Executive Director. It is a required
position.
22 VAC 40-131-40 – Licensee
Division of G - Change to “The licensee shall Change made to return to the content of the
Licensing maintain sufficient funds to ensure current regulation, with language revised for
Programs, Child operation in compliance with this clarity.
Welfare Unit chapter.” Add, “The licensee shall
develop an operating budget for a
period of twelve months.” Currently
written, the standard seems to mix
operating funds and development of
a budget.
22 VAC 40-131-50 – Office
10
settings and conditions
Provider B 4 - Suggestion: Allow families and This is consistent with 22 VAC 40-130-110.3
children the use of rooms for (the current regulation); no changes will be
visitation if that is a contracted made.
service for said LCPA.
Concern: This statement may imply
that all LCPA’s offer a supervised
visitation service and thus space for
this service; this may not be
accurate for all LCPAs.
22 VAC 40-131-70 – Conflict of

interest
Attorney A. The governing board of the A- Change was made in 22 VAC 40-131-70 A 2
licensee shall not have a board adding ‘until the final order of adoption is
member who is: entered.’ This allows for parents with
1. An applicant for adoption experience in adoption to participate in board
services; or activities.
2. A current recipient of adoption
services or recipient of adoption
services within the prior six months.
B. No biological parent of a child

currently placed by the licensee B. This standard will remain the same, it is from
where the adoption has not been the current regulation 22 VAC 40-130-140 B.
finalized or was finalized within the No problems have been encountered with the
previous six months shall serve as current language.
a member of the licensee's
governing board.
C. No provider or applicant to be a C This standard will remain the same. It is from

provider shall serve as a member of the current regulation 22 VAC 40-130-140 B.
the licensee's governing board. No problems have been encountered with the
REASON: Better defines and current language.
provides a cooling off period where
a continuation is services is less
likely. We do not want to rush
individuals onto a Board then inhibit
services. Six months is suggested
since that is the statutory period
after finalization where an adoption
can be challenged. Section “C” was
clarified because the definitions
define “provider” (which you would
want to include) but not provider
applicant.
Provider A 2 We are concerned with the

change in the wording of this Change was made in 22 VAC 40-131-70 A 2
provision, particularly with respect adding ‘until the final order of adoption is
to 22 VAC 40-131-70(A)(2). The entered.’ This allows for parents with
current Minimum Standards (22 experience in adoption to participate in board
VAC 40-130-140(A)) state that activities.
11
applicants and recipients of

adoptive services cannot serve as
board members for an LCPA
“before the final order of adoption is
entered” (emphasis added). The
proposed regulation, by removing
the qualifying language could be
read to prohibit any individual who
receives adoptive services from an
LCPA from later serving on that
agency’s board, even after their
adoption is final.
Our agency has received enormous

benefits from allowing adoptive
parents to serve on our Board of
Directors after their adoption is
finalized and they have had ample
time to adjust to the challenges of
parenting an adoptive child.
Because they went through the
process, adoptive parents that
serve on a Board of Directors can
provide valuable insight that the
agency can use to improve the
quality of its services.
While we agree that current
applicants or current service
recipients should not be permitted
to serve on the Board of Directors,
we believe that a better policy
would be to allow adoptive parents
to serve following finalization of
their adoption and an appropriate
adjustment period. Also, if a current
Board Member wishes to pursue
the adoption of a child, we believe
that it is reasonable to require that
Board Member to go inactive and
be prohibited from participating in
any agency business during the
pendency of their adoption.
However, once the adoption is
finalized, that Board Member should
be allowed to be reinstated.
22 VAC 40-131-80 – Licensed

capacity and maximum caseload
numbers
Provider B - Need to distinguish between “b” No change will be made. 22 VAC 40-131-80 B
trainees and “c” trainees. One 2 c refers to treatment foster care and 22 VAC
appears to be for public agencies 40-131-80 B 1 b refers to all other caseloads.
and the second for LCPA. The
regulations should more clearly
12
distinguish the two references to

trainees.
Caseload capacity for strictly LCPA
is unclear.
Provider C- For agencies providing solely No, the maximum is 12 children for treatment
treatment foster care, is the foster care. No change made. This is
maximum caseworker caseload 10 consistent with the current standard 22 VAC
children or 15. Based on the 40-130-920.
wording, it would appear that the
maximum caseload is ten children
assuming all children served by the
TFC Agency are in treatment foster
care.
Provider D 3 - Needs clarification regarding This is consistent with the current standard 22
infants and children in the custody VAC 40-130-130 b 2. It will be clarified in
of a parent who happens to be in training and technical assistance.
foster care through an LCPA.
22 VAC 40-131-90 – Policy and

procedures
Provider 131-90 D.4- Does this standard Issues regarding back-up homes will be
require that a specific home be kept clarified in training and technical assistance.
as a back- up for each child or is a
general reference to a back- up
home being available sufficient.
Can this be clarified?
Provider D 4 : Implementing the child’s Issues regarding back-up homes will be

emergency back-up plan when the clarified in training and technical assistance.
placement disrupts. Can this be met
through a general statement such
as “another approved provider
home within the agency” or is a
specific home necessary? The
requirement of another specific
home would be unrealistic as the
needs of children placed in a foster
home fluctuate as does the capacity
of the foster home provider.
Provider D 4 We have questions about the Issues regarding back-up homes will be
expectation of this policy. How clarified in training and technical assistance.
detailed would plans need to be and
how can the agency plan for all
potential contingencies. A plan for
a disruption based on a foster
parent becoming ill would look very
different than one based on
unforeseen changing behaviors of
the child in placement.
Division of D.5. Add “casework” between Change made for clarity.
13
Licensing “designated” and “staff”.

Programs, Child
Welfare Unit
Provider F- Suggest guidance on Information on emergency back-up plans will

implementation of emergency back be clarified in training and technical assistance.
up plans when placement disrupts.
Suggest TFC providers be
permitted to have a general
statement such as “another
approved provider home within
agency” to allow for variation
internally based on timing and
situational emergencies, since not
all back up homes will be readily
available or appropriate at the time
of the unplanned emergency.
Attorney J. A copy of the written policy and This suggestion adds burdensome paperwork
procedures shall be filed with the and expense and is not necessary.
licensing representative and an
update shall be filed at least once
every three years.
REASON: The state should have a
copy so they can address
complaints and deal with issues
such as location of records after an
agency ceases. There needs to be
reasonable periodic reviews of
policy and procedures within a set
timeframe. 22VAC40-131-100
addresses the need but no
timeframe.
22 VAC 40-131-100 - Program

evaluation and improvement
Two providers This is a very nice addition to Agency agrees.

standards!
22 VAC 40-131-140 – Staff

composition and qualifications
Provider Staff- These revised definitions are Agency agrees.

appreciated to allow for greater
hiring flexibility across the state and
particularly in more rural areas.
Provider D- Given the therapeutics needs of No change; this was a decision made by the
the population served by treatment regulation revision committee.
foster care, the requirements
pertaining to the role of program
director should be increased, if
anything, and not reduced.
14
Division of Add the word “child-placing “in front Change made for clarity.
Licensing of “supervisor” for E.2, 3, 4.
Programs, Child
Welfare Unit
Provider E4 The training and experience of No change; this was a decision made by the
supervisors overseeing the “direct” regulation revision committee.
services rendered to clients should
parallel or reflect the therapeutics
needs of the clients served.
Degrees in sociology and special
education do not reflect this parallel
experience in the same manner as
degrees in social work and
psychology.
Attorney E ADD: Clarifications will be made on an individual

5. For the purposes of this section, basis.
a part-time contract worker with
three or less concurrently open
cases shall be counted as ½
caseworker.
REASON: This section fails to
address “contract workers” which
many licensed agencies employ.
Some contract workers are used on
a limited basis to provide assistance
in a rural part of the state or
sometimes a social worker is
retained (and is technically a
contract worker) out-of-country to
do the post-placement visits for say
a State Department family. I do not
know if my proposal is the best
solution but /I bring forth the issue
as one needing to be addressed.
Two providers H 1- Requirement to be supervised No change will be made. Students are only
by an MSW. This is the only required to be supervised by a MSW if they are
mention of this specific degree performing child-placing activities and involved
requirement in the new standards. in making placement decisions.
This may not have been
intentional? Suggest that a Child
Placing Supervisor is sufficient to
supervise interns or students if the
college/university is OK with that
qualification (particularly given the
new experience requirements in
other job descriptions
Provider H 2 - Regulation as proposed No change will be made. Students are only

association and requires a doctorate or masters in required to be supervised by a MSW if they are
three providers social work to supervise interns; performing child-placing activities and involved
should the requirement not follow in making placement decisions.
E.4.b related to supervising staff?
15
The MSW requirement is

inconsistent with accepted
credentials for staff supervision
22 VAC 40-131-150 – Staff

development
Three provider B 1,2- Regulations as proposed No change will be made. Information on staff
associations and require initial orientation training to development will be clarified in training and
two providers be completed prior to the staff technical assistance.
person assuming responsibilities of
his position and within 30 days of
the date of employment. There are
some job responsibilities that could
be successfully completed during
the staff persons 30 day orientation
and training period i.e. making
referrals and linking to resources,
monitoring service delivery, and
obtaining progress updates from
foster parents. This requirement
would also seem excessive when
the newly hired worked has
previous experience in service
delivery to foster children. Could the
“prior to assuming the
responsibilities” verbiage be
stricken while maintaining the 30
day requirement?
Division of B.4 Change staff person who has

Licensing responsibility to work with children Change made for clarity.
Programs, Child and their families to casework staff.
Welfare Unit
Attorney B 6 (6) Prohibition of corporal

punishment, mental abuse and These behaviors are prohibited by definition of
seclusion; REASON: While the old “abused or neglected child” in § 63.2-100 of the
definition of corporal punishment Code. No changes are needed.
was broader, under the new
definitions there is a need to be
more specific.
Two providers E. uses expression "a child-placing

agency-managed" file to describe This comment is correct. No change; this was
where training documentation is to a decision made by the regulation revision
be kept. We assume this committee.
expression means the Personnel
Record for the employee as that is
what is prescribed in the Personnel
Records section below.
22 VAC 40-131-170 – Program

statement and description
16
Division of A.3.a. -- This seems to add to the Change made for clarity. There is no authority
Licensing services for which a LCPA would be to license the adoption search services.
Programs, Child licensed. We do not currently
Welfare Unit provide authority for searches. It is
not a child-placing activity. If this is
needed, please remove “if the
licensee is licensed to”. Suggestion
– Adult adopted persons, if the
licensee provides adoption search
services.
One thousand 170 B (Non-discrimination) – Language referencing gender, age, religion,

twenty-six Opposed to language political beliefs, sexual orientation, disability
(1026) public and family status was removed. The words ‘to
comments apply’ in 22 VAC 40-131-170 B 2 were
received removed. Change made to be consistent with
including those federal law, 42 USC 671.
from four
licensed child-
placing
agencies; 18
groups and
organizations;
four providers
associations;
Helen Donovan;
adoption
attorney;
Delegate Robert
Marshall
Thirty-three (33) Supported language in 170 B Language referencing gender, age, religion,
public comments political beliefs, sexual orientation, disability
received and family status was removed. The words ‘to
including those apply’ in 22 VAC40-131-170 B 2 were
from one removed. Change made to be consistent with
organization federal law, 42 USC 671.
22 VAC 40-131-180 – Home study

requirement
One provider B, C- sections seem to focus on the

association and completion of the home study This language is consistent with 22 VAC 40-
one provider application before gathering and 211- Resource, Foster and Adoptive Family
assessing begins by the licensee. Home Approval Standards. This is in line with
Suggest combining B & C and strike our goal of consistent regulations between
the word “completion” to allow the public and private agencies.
licensee to begin the process of
gathering and assessing
information before the full
application is completed.
Two providers Home Study Requirements The discrimination language referenced in this
"verifications of provider couple's comment is being amended.
17
marriages and divorces" ... This is

the standard which we took in the
past to mean that if the provider is a
couple and they cannot verify they
are married, then we cannot use
them. We assume that this
interpretation is now incorrect
considering the new anti-
discrimination clause referred to
above.
Attorney C. Upon the licensee's This language is consistent with 22 VAC 40-
determination that the provider 211- Resource, Foster and Adoptive Family
application is complete or that the Home Approval Standards. Home study
circumstances of a particular case requirements will be clarified in training and
require simultaneous actions, the technical assistance.
licensee shall begin the process of
gathering and assessing
information for use in the final
decision related to whether the
applicant and home meets all
required elements for approval.
REASON: While we may all strive
to do handle things in an orderly
fashion, real life requires agencies
to have some flexibility to handle
emergencies without receiving
violations.
Provider 180 C. Does this standard This language is consistent with 22 VAC 40-
mean that a completed application 211- Resource, Foster and Adoptive Family
must precede any assessment of Home Approval Standards. Home study
the applicants’ suitability to be requirements will be clarified in training and
approved a provider. Can this be technical assistance.
clarified?
Attorney D. The licensee shall conduct a

minimum of three face-to-face This language is consistent with 22 VAC 40-
interviews on three separate days 211- Resource, Foster and Adoptive Family
with each applicant. If one Home Approval Standards. Home study
applicant cannot be physically requirements will be clarified in training and
present because of military service, technical assistance.
employment or extraordinary
circumstances, alternative methods
of communication including, but not
limited to videoconferencing,
webcam and telephonic
communication, maybe substituted
to include the participation by that
applicant. In order of priority,
reasonable efforts should be made
to include the applicant in person,
by video means and finally by
telephonic or other means.
18
Attorney E. At least one of the face-to-face This language is consistent with 22 VAC 40-
interviews shall be conducted in the 211- Resource, Foster and Adoptive Family
home of the applicant and, if there Home Approval Standards. The absence of an
are two applicants, at least one applicant will be clarified in training and
face-to-face interview shall be technical assistance.
conducted with both applicants
present except when one applicant
cannot be physically present
because of military service,
circumstances.
Two provider 180 E. The licensee shall conduct 3

associations face to face interviews on 3 The absence of an applicant will be clarified in
separate days… For prospective training and technical assistance.
parents where one is in the military
or temporarily out of the country, it
would be helpful to include an
option for conducting interviews
through Skype or through video
conferencing.
Attorney F. At least one face-to-face

interview shall be conducted with all This language is consistent with 22 VAC 40-
individuals who reside in the home 211- Resource, Foster and Adoptive Family
of the applicant except when one Home Approval Standards. The absence of an
applicant cannot be physically applicant will be clarified in training and
present because of military service, technical assistance.
circumstances. REASON: An
occasional but reoccurring issue
has been trying to complete home
studies when spouses are deployed
overseas for military duty or as
military contractors, Foreign Service
Officers and CIA. This allows the
agency some flexibility to
accommodate those serving our
country when the need arises.
Two provider 180 F Interview conducted with all This language is consistent with 22 VAC 40-
associations individual who reside in the home… 211- Resource, Foster and Adoptive Family
In the current standards VAC 40- Home Approval Standards.
130-400 B. 2. There is a
requirement to interview all of the
prospective parent’s children who
live outside the home as well. It is
strongly recommended that this
standard continue to be included.
Three provider G- Current proposed standard This language is consistent with 22 VAC 40-
associations requires at least one of three 211- Resource, Foster and Adoptive Family
references be non-relative. Best Home Approval Standards. Requirement does
practice would suggest a larger not prevent agencies from developing their own
ratio of references be provided by policies.
19
non-relatives. Would a revision be

considered requiring at least two
references from non-relatives?
Attorney G QUESTION: Is one non-relative This language is consistent with 22 VAC 40-
adequate or should two non-relative 211- Resource, Foster and Adoptive Family
references continue as is currently Home Approval Standards.
required?
One provider J 1 b- Tuberculosis screenings is Screenings can include tests; this change is
and two provider referenced in this regulation. To not needed.
associations maintain consistency with other
standards, suggest this read
“tuberculosis tests or screenings.”
Two provider 180 J. 3. e. (4) Corporal This suggestion is beyond the scope of the
associations Punishment…Understands regulation. Post adoption activities are not
prohibition from using any form of regulated.
corporal punishment on the child
and also prohibition from giving
permission to others to use any
form of CP on the child….INCLUDE
“while in the care and/or custody of
a LCPA or until a final order of
adoption is issued.”
Provider J 3 e 4 We suggest that this This suggestion is beyond the scope of the
standard be edited to reflect the regulation. This regulation does not address
differences between a child in a adoptive children after the final order has been
foster placement and a child in an entered.
adoptive placement. First, we agree
that corporal punishment should be
prohibited in all foster placements
as well as in adoptive placements
prior to the entry of the final order.
However, we feel that some
distinction should be made between
these stages of the process.
The Code of Virginia currently does
not prohibit the use of reasonable,
non-abusive corporal punishment
by parents as a means of
disciplining their children. However,
the language of this regulation
would require unequal treatment of
biological and adoptive children.
Although we acknowledge (and
inform parents) that corporal
punishment is often not appropriate
for an adoptive child given that
child’s background, the law itself
should treat biological children and
adoptive children equally.
We support the inclusion of a
standard requiring that adoptive
20
parents receive education on

disciplinary theories and how
different methods of discipline
would affect their adoptive child
considering his/her unique
background. For many adopted
children, this will mean that parents
will be advised that corporal
punishment is inappropriate for their
child. For others, it may be that
something as seemingly innocuous
as a timeout could do more harm
than good. Rather than mandating a
particular disciplinary theory, the
law should recognize that each
child is different, and what is
appropriate for one may not be
appropriate for another. Adoptive
parents, then, should be provided
with all the information in order to
allow them to make an informed
decision about how best to
discipline their children in
accordance with each child’s
background and needs.
Attorney J 3 e 4 (4) Understands he is

prohibited from using any form of These behaviors are prohibited by definition of
corporal punishment, mental abuse “abused and neglected child” in § 63.2-100 of
and seclusion on the child and also the Code.
prohibited from giving permission to
others to use any form of corporal
punishment on the child, mental
abuse and seclusion; REASON:
While the old definition of corporal
punishment was broader, under the
new definitions there is a need to be
more specific.
Provider 180 O - Question: so is it optional to This background check issue will be clarified in
run background checks after 18 training and technical assistance.
months if the adoption hasn’t
finalized rather than a requirement?
22 VAC 40-131-190 – Home

environment
.
Two provider 190 A. 3. Bed, furniture, equipped This home environment issue will be clarified in
associations with clean, safe and comfortable training and technical assistance.
sleeping furnishings. For infant and
International adoption, it may be
years before a child is placed in the
home. (most of the time the child’s
room is still an office). Not realistic
for those parents to furnish a room
21
that may not be occupied for 3

years. May want to specify: Bed,
furniture, equipped with clean, safe
and comfortable sleeping
furnishings...before a placement
occurs.
Provider Will these requirements be in effect This language is consistent with 22 VAC 40-
for both foster and adoptive homes? 211- Resource, Foster and Adoptive Family
If so, this is a significant change Home Approval Standards. This is in line with
from current standards and practice our goal of consistent regulations between
with respect to the approval of public and private agencies.
adoptive homes.
Provider E- Will we receive clarification Issues regarding telephones will be clarified in

association and regarding whether this means that a training and technical assistance.
one provider landline is required in the home or if
an available cell phone is
adequate?
One provider 131-190 O. This standard No, to protect children and vulnerable adults,
association and seems excessive. Can it be regulations for all licensed programs require
one provider reduced in its scope? emergency preparedness and response plans.
Three provider 190 R – Need clarification on what Issues regarding weapons will be clarified in
associations and constitutes a “weapon” and having training and technical assistance.
three providers knowledge of each federal, state
and local ordinance seems like an
excessive burden to place on
providers.
One provider S. Clarification needed: does this Issues regarding veterinary records will be
association and mean that all vet records are clarified in training and technical assistance.
five providers needed for all indoor and outdoor
pets or just what are the parameters
around this? Also, what specific
documentation would be needed in
the resource/adoptive parent files to
meet this requirement?
One provider T- Need to add statement on how to The standard will remain as proposed;
ensure pets are safe and ensure agencies must determine how to ensure pets
proper documentation are safe around children.
22 VAC 40-131-200 – Initial

approval or disapproval of home
Division of A—Please define living ‘Or living arrangement’ struck because it is

Licensing arrangement or remove from the unclear what the term is referring to. There is
Programs, Child standard. It is unclear what the term no definition of ‘living arrangement’ in 22 VAC
Welfare Unit refers to. 40-131.
22
Division of Remove from B and G.1 the Correction made-language not necessary.
Licensing reference to independent living
Programs, Child arrangement
Welfare Unit
Two provider 200 E. Within 7 business days the Consistent with 22 VAC 40-211- Resource,
associations decision of approval or disapproval Foster and Adoptive Family Home Approval
of an applicant, the licensee shall Standards. This is in line with our goal of
notify the applicant in writing….This consistent regulations between public and
proposed standard no longer private agencies. The error in ‘license’
requires the agency to offer to meet corrected to ‘licensee.’
the client in person to discuss the
disapproval outcome. Not good
social work practice.
Three provider H- "Following approval ... shall Agency agrees. Orientation moved to 22 VAC
associations and provide orientation etc." The usual 40-131-200 A 2. This training issue will be
three providers practice in TFC is to do orientation clarified in training and technical assistance.
and pre-service training before or
during the actual home study
process since training serves also
as an opportunity for mutual
selection. Suggest striking
orientation from H.1.and be
included in 22VAC40-131-210A.
22 VAC 40-131-210 – Provider

training and development
Provider A. The pre-service training Agency agrees. Change was made to allow
association, five requirements fail to recognize the pre-service training to be consistent with the
providers, and differences between foster and licensee’s program statement and description.
one attorney adoptive children and their families,
and even between families of
children who are adopted
domestically and families of
internationally adopted children. As
an agency that currently only offers
intercountry adoption services, we
do not provide services related to
the transition of youth to
independent living (22 VAC 40-131-
210(A)(8)) nor do we deal with
situations where reunification is a
service goal (22 VAC 40-131-
210(A)(5)). Further, many of the
training requirements do not apply
to our international programs
because of the nature of
intercountry adoption. Training
standards should be edited to
reflect the differences between the
programs offered by child-placing
agencies.
23
Division of Strike ‘short-term foster’ from 210 A ‘Short-term foster’ has been removed. Short
Licensing term foster training is covered in 22 VAC 40-
Programs, Child 131-220
Welfare Unit
One provider B- Suggest “prior to renewal of This training issue will be clarified in training
association and approval, training should be and technical assistance.
one provider provided relevant to the needs of
the family and children served, as
appropriate.” At renewal, families
should not have to go through all
pre-service training again. Ideally,
provider is training family
throughout year since last renewal
to ensure relevant training is held.
Division of Add the physical restraint training Physical restraint training was added to the
Licensing required by 90.G.1 and 3. pre-service training core competencies in 22
Programs, Child VAC 40-131-210 A 22.
Welfare Unit
22 VAC 40-131-230 – Monitoring

and re-evaluation of provider
homes
One provider 230 B 1-2: While frequent home This language is consistent with 22 VAC 40-
association and visits and contact with provider 211- Resource, Foster and Adoptive Family
one provider homes may be beneficial for Home Approval Standards. This is in line with
families fostering older children, it our goal of consistent regulations between
would be overly burdensome and public and private agencies.
unnecessary for agencies working
in infant adoption and intercountry
adoption. There is already a
standard that agencies need to be
informed of significant changes to
the home prior to placement which
would require a home study
addendum, and this standard is
sufficient.
Provider E4- Needs clarification as to who is The Virginia Department of Health’s

qualified to complete this TB tuberculosis screening form specifies who is
screening. Does it have to be authorized to complete and sign the form.
medical personnel or can staff
complete this?
Provider 230 E.8. Why would you need to The re-evaluation is the process; the home
provide an addendum to the study addendum is the document.
homestudy when you are
completing a re-evaluation? Isn't a
reevaluation by its very nature an
addendum to the homestudy?
24
Provider 230.F.2.d SUGGESTED This language is consistent with the current

ADDITION: “Exception - For re- regulation 22 VAC 40-130 and will remain the
evaluations of providers of short- same.
term foster care only, instead of
addressing the provider’s
consistency and stability for each
child placed since the last
evaluation, the licensee should
conduct an overall evaluation of the
providers ability to assist the
children in their home with
transitioning to and from care.”
REASONING: Since the primary
goal for short-term care is to
provide safe and nurturing shelter
during a transitional period in the
life of a child, it is of greater
importance that the providers
understand how to help children
successfully transition between
home settings, than to provide long-
term stability. In addition, because
short-term providers typically care
for more children over a 36 month
period than long-term providers, it is
more practical to conduct an overall
assessment of the provider’s
performance in this area than to
look at each child’s case at the time
of re-evaluation when they provides
does short-term care only.
One provider K- We agree that all contacts This documentation issue will be clarified in
association and should be documented, however training and technical assistance.
three providers home visits and contacts in
reference to a particular child are
documented in the child’s file,
having the documentation in both
files would be time consuming,
costly and environmentally
unfriendly. We would ask that this
requirement be clarified to say that
all contacts that are not in reference
to a child and therefore not in a
child’s record, shall be documented
in the provider’s file.
22 VAC 40-131-240 – Capacity of

provider home
Provider A- Capacity for the number of

One provider children in foster home and No, approval of adoptive placements is based
association and therapeutic foster care but no on many variables.
one provider mention of adopted homes- should
we have a statement that says ‘no
25
capacity.’
Speaker at B Suggest that written justification Justification is still required for protection of the
public comment be required when more than two best interests of children.
session unrelated children are placed in a
treatment foster home. Suggest
exempting sibling groups from
requiring written justification.
B Recommending 2 therapeutic The proposed regulation does allow for an

foster children in a home is a exception with written justification. The local
concern. She feels there should be DSS concern is outside the scope of this
a special provision for the regulation
exception. She also shared a
concern about a local DSS not
following DSS standards. A
therapeutic foster care home where
the family was planning to adopt
and the child had reservations
about the adoption. The child was
removed from the foster home after
voicing reservation about the
adoption.
22 VAC 40-131-250 – Intake,

assessment, and placement
Division of A and A.6 are inconsistent. It is Correction made for consistency.

Licensing suggested to remove from “in foster
Programs, Child care” to “treatment foster care” from
Welfare Unit A.
Provider C.5 - Under these standards, can a Placement agreements are not allowed
parent (legal guardian) enter into a between a parent and a licensed child placing
“placement agreement” directly with agency. Standard is consistent with § 63.2-
Volunteer Families (LCPA) without 1817 of the Code.
the involvement of a local
department of social services or the
court? How does a placement
agreement with a parent differ from
a temporary entrustment? What
should be contained in a placement
agreement made directly between
an LCPA and a legal parent?
Provider D. - Independent living services is Standard is consistent with definition of

association and referenced in this section. Should “independent living services” in this regulation.
two providers the reference be to “Independent Independent living arrangement is different
Living Placement” services? from independent living services.
Two provider E. In cases where one birth parent Change made to be consistent with § 63.2-
associations, has signed an entrustment and the 1817 of the Code.
one attorney, other has not, the termination of the
and four rights of the birth parent who didn't
providers sign should occur by operation of
26
law, as is currently the case. We

feel that this is the best procedure
for children who need families.
Attorney My suggested changes address this This change is not permitted; § 63.2-1817 of
provision: the Code requires custody and there is no
250 E 2. A notarized entrustment mention of persons having authority to consent.
agreement signed by both parents
or other person having legal
authority to consent to the adoption
(STRIKE: custody) of the child;
REASON: Custody is not legally
enough.
3. A notarized entrustment Change made for clarity and to be consistent

agreement signed by one with § 63.2-1817 of the Code.
parent and no other parent or
individual has the legal right to
consent to the adoption; REASON:
Need to add, otherwise agencies
forced to pursue court action for
termination of parental rights when
an individual’s consent is not
required by law.
5. When allowed by law, a This is an industry practice that is not currently

notarized written agreement recognized by the Code.
approving the transfer of the child's
custody from one agency to
another. REASON: Court approval
is not normally required when a
child is transferred between private
agencies; also no court order
required in common practice of
Korean agency transferring custody
to US Agency.
Three provider H & P – Regulation states 250 H. 1 This documentation issue will be clarified in
associations and – 8 need to be documented before training and technical assistance.
two providers accepting a child for placement. 250
P states all of the required elements
in 250 H need to be in the child’s
file within 30 days of the
placement. Could we receive
clarification on the time
requirements related to this
documentation? Some of the
information required is not always
available from the LDSS prior to
acceptance, especially in
emergency placement situations.
Suggested verbiage would be 250
H “Prior to accepting a child for
placement in a foster care home,
treatment foster home, short-term
27
foster care home, or an

independent living arrangement the
licensee shall attempt to gather,
review and document the following
in the child’s file:”; 250 P would
remain as it is currently written. This
suggested verbiage would result in
all documentation required in H
being in the child’s file within 30
days (as required by P) but allow
both the LDSS and LCPA time to
gather information.
Provider 250.H.3.a.2 - SUGGESTED This adoption issue will be clarified in training

ADDITION: Except in the case of and technical assistance.
parental placement in short-term
foster care or respite, for a child
under one year old the admission
examination shall consist of a
hospital summary and a physician
signed report of interim care no
older than 30 days that documents
the absence of abnormalities or if
abnormalities are present the report
shall contain an explanation of
abnormalities observed.
REASONING: While it is important
for the licensee to capture as much
medical information as possible at
the point of intake, in the case of
parental placement, there may be
no to suspect that there are any
abnormalities in the child’s
development or that the child has
been hospitalized since
birth. Parental placements are often
made without any reported
allegations of abuse or neglect by
the parent.
SUGGESTED ADDITION: Except

when the placement of the child is
an emergency placement or
placement intended to last no
longer than 30 days, the licensee
shall prepare the child for
placement and arrange a pre
placement visit for the child in the
prospective home. If a pre
placement visit did not take place
prior to the child’s placement, the
reasons why it did not occur shall
be documented in the child’s file.
REASONING: The intent of pre-
placement visit is to help ensure
28
that a child and a foster family are

well-matched for long-term
placement. While the licensee can
and should use a variety of tools to .
match children and families prior to
placement, a pre-placement visit
may not be necessary prior to
intended to last longer than 30
days.
Provider S1- Add an additional code: 63.2- The suggested Code section does not apply to
1233 of the Code of Virginia, as this 22 VAC 40-131-250 S 1 as it discusses
also pertains to this standard. parental placements.
Division of S.3, intake assessment does not The word ‘assessment’ was removed from 22
Licensing seem to be used in this document. VAC 40-131-250 S 3.
Programs, Child Please remove or define the intake
Welfare Unit assessment. The intake
assessment seems to be covered
by H. If H is intended to be the
intake assessment, please include
intake assessment in the heading.
Provider 131-250 S.7. Rather than document This standard will remain the same; it is
association and the parent's specific reaction to consistent with the current regulation 22 VAC
one provider each topic would it suffice to 40-130-210 G. This language has not caused
document the parent's general a significant hardship for providers.
reactions unless they expressed
concerns?
22 VAC 40-131-260 – Social

history
Provider 260 A - For children in foster care This social history issue will be clarified in
association and who we anticipate shall be longer training and technical assistance.
two providers term placements, but actually exit
the program within the first 30-45
days, and when there is no plan for
re-entry, we would suggest waiving
the social history. This is an extra,
unnecessary burden for unplanned
placement disruptions. Suggest the
regulation read complete social
history at 45 days.
Provider 260 B 8 and 9 - If a social history is This social history issue will be clarified in
association and required for “short term” placements training and technical assistance.
three providers that exit care prior to 30 days could
the education, occupation, medical
and psychiatric history information
be required only for parents and
siblings and/or other custodians? It
can, at times, be quite difficult and
time consuming to research the
information for aunts, uncles and
29
grandparents, unless they were

direct custodians of the child. This
might be extremely difficult to
accomplish within 30 days and
would have little relevancy to
treatment planning for a short term
placement. Possible alternative
verbiage would be “should attempt
to gather” the above information on
these family members.
22 VAC 40-131-270 – Foster home

agreements
Division of B and C - Address verbal approval 22 VAC 40-131-270 B and 22 VAC 40-131-
Licensing followed by written approval 270 C are amended to reflect this change- The
Programs, Child child can be placed with verbal approval from
Welfare Unit the Interstate Compact on the Placement of
Children, but written approval must be obtained
and maintained in the child’s file.
22 VAC 40-131-280 – Foster home

agreements
Two providers The current Foster Home This foster home agreement issue will be
Agreement which now includes the clarified in training and technical assistance.
new Code of Ethics is 5 pages
long. Over 20 additional items have
been added here and it likely that
this new agreement might reach 10
pages or more. This does not seem
reasonable especially for certain
placements such as weekend
respites. Items such as
permissions (for out-of-state travel
& fundraising) are most always not
relevant for these short
placements. We currently keep
such agreements in the child's
record and inform foster parents as
needed. Often agreements such as
these have to be 'agreed upon' for
each instance of out-of-state travel
etc., so DSS may be reluctant to
sign away such permissions to a
foster parent on a non-specific
basis.
Provider C.10 & 11 - Proposed regulation This foster home agreement issue will be
association and requires permission for out-of-state clarified in training and technical assistance.
one provider travel and permission for the child
to participate in any fund-raising
30
activities. Could these two

requirements be stricken as they
usually are dealt with on a case-by-
case basis and custodial agencies
may not be willing to give “blanket”
permission?
22 VAC 40-131-290 – Medical,

dental, and psychiatric
examinations and care
Two providers Medical, Dental, and Psychiatric Agency agrees.

Examinations and Care - Thanks for
the 60 days. That will be a big help.
Provider SUGGESTED ADDITION: “In the No changes will be made. To protect the
case of temporary parental health, safety, and welfare of the child, the
entrustment of a child into short- agency has 60 days to obtain a medical report.
term care or respite, the licensed
agency will identify obtaining
medical care for the child as a
primary service plan goal, and
assist the parent and child with
meeting that goal in no less than 60
days following placement, if a
written medical examination no
earlier than 90 days prior to
placement is not available.”
Provider A. 1. - Could there be clarification This medical examination issue will be clarified
association and given with regards to children in training and technical assistance.
one provider placed in an emergency situation
that stay fewer than 60 days? If the
child leaves prior to 60 days, is the
requirement to obtain the physical
waived? This would cover cases
where a physical had been
scheduled within the 60 day
requirement but was unable to be
kept prior to the child exiting care.
Provider C.11 Recommend that the phrase “Handicapping conditions or” is struck based
association and "Handicapping conditions" be on these comments.
two providers changes to Disabling conditions or
some other phrase that is less
pejorative.
Provider K-M are items concerning We are adding a reference to 22 VAC 40-131-
association and providers/foster parents would be 230 E4 about 22 VAC 40-131-290 K. We are
two providers more reasonably addressed in adding a reference in 22 VAC 40-131-180 J 2 e
section 22 VAC 40-131-180 for 2 about 22 VAC 40-131-290 L-M to improve
Home Study Requirement. regulation compliance.
22 VAC 40-131-300 - School

enrollment
31
Attorney ADD ; C. In order to provide Language to comply with Public Law 110-351
educational stability to the child, the was added to this regulation.
child should not be moved from
their school of origin unless
remaining is not in the child’s best
interests. REASON: Federal law
mandates this to provide stability.
22 VAC 40-131-320 – Reports and

policies to protect children
Provider B. 1. c. - Can clarification be added Licensing needs to be notified of all child

as to whether or not this section protective services reports made by a licensed
requires the licensing child placing agency, regardless of whether the
representative to be notified when a report is accepted for investigation.
suspected case of abuse or neglect
is called into the local department or
if the licensing representative is
only notified notified only when a
case is accepted for investigation
by the locality.
Provider D2. & E. Suggest that the No change will be made. This decision was
association and requirement in D2 for notifying the made by the regulation review committee. The
one provider offices of licensing about a child’s standard does not prohibit the licensee from
death includes the phrase “no later making the notification earlier.
than the end of the next business
day following the child’s death.”
However in standard 320 E. serious
incidents, accidents, or injuries to
the child, while including 24 hour
legal notice to the guardians, etc.
also require 24 hour notice to the
department’s licensing
representative. It seems that these
incidents should be congruent with
the standard notification of death, to
read “on the next business day, to
the department of licensing
representatives.” Clarification is
also suggested on defining “serious
incidents” otherwise the department
of licensing representatives will be
overloaded with reports on school
suspensions, et. as serious incident
is defined in many contracts with
localities in many different ways.
Provider E. Can clarification be added as to Guidance is given in the definition for ‘serious
association and what constitutes a serious accident incident report’ in 22 VAC 40-131-10.
three providers or injury?
32
22 VAC 40-131-330 – Visitation

and continuing contact with
children
Provider 330 F - This seems to be for the This section is changed for clarity and now
association and purpose of supporting services in reads: “The licensee shall have at least one
three providers the foster home. However there face-to-face contact with the child in the
may be cases when intensive work placement setting every 60 days.” This is
might need to be done in the consistent with the current standard.
community or with the school. We
would hope that we would be able
to add additional contacts there,
without being required to add
contacts in the foster home in order
to meet this standard. We would
request that the standard clarify that
more than half of the required
contacts be conducted in the
placement setting, this would allow
flexibility that additional contacts be
in whatever venue would be
necessary.
Provider G. 1. - Suggestion: The requirement This visitation issue will be clarified in training
association and of seven days between face-to-face and technical assistance.
two providers contacts needs an exception: if
child is placed during the last seven
days of the month, two visits may
occur within seven days, to be no
closer than 24 hours apart. This
would satisfy the DMAS
requirement of two visits in a month
that are necessary to bill for
Medicaid TFC Case Management
Division of K – Remove permanent. Our Change was made; local departments of social
Licensing feedback from locals has been that services must be made aware of any move of a
Programs, Child they want to be notified of any child. Local departments of social services
Welfare Unit move. must know where the child is placed.
Provider 330 L. If repeated efforts to contact This notification issue will be clarified in training
the worker/ supervisor fail does and technical assistance.
leaving a message on the voice
mail of the worker/supervisor
constitute contact?
22 VAC 40-131-340 – Service

plans
Individual Question: does this include children This comment is outside the scope of this
through Child Specific Recruitment regulation.
(Adoption) programs? (They may
not be physically with us, but are
receiving services.)
33
Three providers B.2. "Within 45 days ... an Change made for clarity. The language
individualized service plan and an ‘individualized comprehensive’ is deleted from
individualized comprehensive this regulation. The treatment plan may or may
treatment plan." The use of the not be a separate plan from the service plan.
conjunction 'and' implies two plans.
Would be a little less confusing to
state 'an individualized service plan
or individualized service and
treatment plan' to distinguish the
Service Plan from the
Service/Treatment Plan.
Three providers C. "in .. case of short-term foster Requirements for service plans for short term
care placement ... shall develop and foster care are defined in 22 VAC 40-131-340
implement plan within 72 hours." Is C. This issue will be clarified in training and
this intended to apply to programs technical assistance.
offering respite care to bio families
from the community? If so, then the
requirement to have a full-blown
service plan written in 72 hours will
greatly discourage agencies from
developing or continuing this
service. The purpose of these
programs is to offer families
temporary respite and relief, not to
treat their child which would be
difficult in so short a period of time.
It takes our staff at least one full day
to write the initial comprehensive
service plan.
22 VAC 40-131-360 – Discharge

from care
Two provider Upon discharge from care, the

associations licensee who holds custody should This discharge issue will be clarified in training
ensure that the parents receiving a and technical assistance.
child for placement are provided
with a copy of the child’s birth
certificate. This information is
confidential in many agency infant
adoptions. Identifying information
cannot be disclosed to the adoptive
parents
22 VAC 40-131-370 – Case record

requirements
Provider A.& O. The regulation proposed in

association and A. requires a separate case file for This case record issue will be clarified in
one provider the child’s birth parents whereas the training and technical assistance.
regulation proposed in O. states if
services are provided to the child’s
birth family a file shall be
maintained. O. goes on to state the
34
child’s birth family file may be

separate or combined with the
child’s file.
Attorney H. When not in use, active and Change made for clarity. All of these elements
closed files shall be maintained in: are required.
1. A location that allows the
department's licensing
representative complete access to
the files within a reasonable and
short period of time following the
representative's request to review
files; and
2. An area accessible to staff; and
REASON: I believe the intent was
for these to be “and” and not by
implication “or”.
Division of M.1 – The department does not Change made for clarity; the department does
Licensing have an application format for not have a required application format.
Programs, Child approved providers.
Welfare Unit
Two providers N.1-10 Child's file: Items 1 thru 10 This documentation issue will be clarified in
are a little confusing as organized training and technical assistance.
here. For instance it is not clear
which items address required
content for the face sheet (1 only or
1 thru 5)
Does case management (linking to This documentation issue will be clarified in

services) offered to the family as a training and technical assistance.
part of the service plan for the child
constitute “services provided to the
birth family?”
Two providers P. "... file on each adoptive family" This documentation issue will be clarified in
In typical foster to adopt situations, training and technical assistance.
it has always been confusing as to
whether one or two files for the
provider are required. Only one
seems needed.
Two providers Q. "Narrative Case notes ..." Would No change will be made. Organization of this
seem better to put this section regulation was determined by the regulation
under the Child's file section. revision committee.
Two providers R. Would seem better to put these No change will be made. Organization of this
final rules above in the general regulation was determined by the regulation
rules section for all records/files. revision committee.
35
22 VAC 40-131-400 – Children

placed in permanent foster care
Two providers This section appears to apply only This foster care issue will be clarified in training
to custodial agencies. TFC and and technical assistance.
other non-custodial foster care
programs facilitate placements in
Permanent Foster Homes which
they have approved, but do no legal
or other work (Agreements etc.)
related specifically to the
permanency issue. Might be a
good idea to clarify this fact here
and in the adoption section below.
22 VAC 40-131-420 – Children

placed in short-term foster care
Provider Pleased to see short term foster Agency agrees.

care being considered and
addressed
Provider C. Concern how the licensee shall This foster care issue will be clarified in training
inform the provider of the child’s and technical assistance.
treatment and service plan at the
time of placement of the child if they
are a community based youth who
doesn’t currently reside in foster
care custody and show on
weekends. Suggest defining
difference of short term placements
from short term foster care services,
and allowing current guidance
material for short term placements
to be entered as regulation in these
standards, without requiring a
variance for programs admitting
short term placements or respite
placements to youth not
permanently placed in foster care.
Provider D - What is the intended purpose of This section applies to children placed in short-
the above section? How does this term foster care.
section apply, or not apply, to
agencies which ONLY provide
short-term foster care?
22 VAC 40-131-460 – Children

placed in treatment foster care
Provider B 4 c - Question: Regulation as Language ‘and’ changed to ‘or’ for grammatical

association and proposed “Provides for at least one correction.
one provider full time professional staff and part
time staff whose hours are
equivalent to a full time
36
position”. Should this regulation

read “Provides for at least one full
time professional staff or part-time
staff whose hours are equivalent to
a full time position”?
Provider D. Regulation as proposed requires This treatment foster care issue will be clarified
association and a written plan for back-up in training and technical assistance. Another
one provider emergency care if placement agency approved home is adequate for the
disrupts. Suggest this be met emergency plan.
through a general statement such
as “another approved home
provider within the agency. The
requirement of another specific
home would be unrealistic as the
needs of children placed in a
provider home fluctuate as does
foster home provider capacity.
22 VAC 40-131-490 – Adoption

counseling and services for birth
parents
Two provider D. 2. Counseling was provided to No change will be made; standard says ‘if
associations the birth father. Such counseling counseling is provided.’
shall be documented. It is very
common that the birth father does
not agree to participate in an
adoption plan; therefore counseling
cannot be provided or documented.
Suggestion: Substitute “the birth
father was offered counseling”
instead of was provided counseling.
Attorney and E. If the birth mother or both birth The language in 22 VAC 40-131-490 E was
one provider parents choose to place the child removed, as it is already required in 22 VAC
with the licensee for adoption, the 40-131-250 E.
licensee shall secure a termination
of parental rights in accordance with
§§ 16.1-277.01 and 16.1-278.3 and
other relevant sections of the Code
of Virginia related to termination of
parental rights unless the licensee
is able to resolve all parental rights
by operation of law. REASON:
Current law does not require
licensees to go to court to terminate
parental rights unless right is
unresolved. This would add a great
expense to agencies.
37
22 VAC 40-131-500 – Involuntary

termination of parental rights
When it is necessary to petition the The language ‘policy approved by state board’
Attorney court to terminate parental rights, was removed because state board does not
the licensee shall follow the approve policy. The following language is
requirements of §§ 16.1-277.01 and added: “any other necessary legal requirements
16.1-283 3 and other relevant to achieve the involuntary termination of parental
sections of the Code of Virginia rights” based on the suggestion by the Office of
related to termination of parental the Attorney General.
rights and policy approved by the
state board. REASON: Parallels
22VAC40-131-490 by including
appropriate Code sections.
22 VAC 40-131-510 – Provisions

for adopting children with special
needs
Provider A. Assume here that the custodial Change was made to clarify requirements to
association and agency has the responsibility to register a child with special needs on the
four providers register child with the Adoption Adoption Resource Exchange.
Resource Exchange. Should be
clarified.
Division of A, strike family, add ‘placement Change was made to clarify requirements to
Licensing agreement has been signed’ register a child with special needs on the
programs, Child B. strike ‘a child has been identified Adoption Resource Exchange
Welfare Unit for placement with the family’ and
add ‘an adoptive placement
agreement has been signed
C. strike subsidy, insert ‘assistance’ § 63.2-1300 in the Code has been revised and
‘adoption subsidy’ is now referred to as
‘adoption assistance’.
Provider B. Most TFC agencies that do This adoption issue will be clarified in training
association and adoption do foster to adopt. and technical assistance.
two providers Parents are approved as TFC/foster
parents first but willing or can be
talked into adopting the placed child
if the fit is right. Their primary
interest is not first in adoption and
therefore it would seem to be
inappropriate to register them with
the Exchange. There are a few
parents whose interest is primarily
in adoption and it would be totally
appropriate to register them on the
Exchange. Can this be clarified
here?
Provider Concern: could be a huge ‘Pursuant to § 63.2, Chapter 13 of the Code of

undertaking depending on the case Virginia’ - Adoption Assistance for Children with
– what are the parameters or Special Needs is added to 22 VAC 40-131-510
guidance around this? D. This adoption issue will be clarified in
38
training and technical assistance.
Attorney ADD:
E. A child shall not be listed on the This will not be added. A child should be listed
Adoption Resource Exchange of on the Adoption Resource Exchange until an
Virginia if an adoptive family has adoption placement agreement has been
been identified. REASON: Some signed. Not all identified adoptive families
local Departments list all children complete the adoption process. It is in the best
even if a family is identified thereby interest of the child to be listed on the Adoption
wasting resources. Resource Exchange.
G. The case worker shall
appropriately respond to an inquire No changes will be made; this is outside the
for a child listed on the Adoption scope of this regulation.
Resource Exchange of Virginia
within three business days. A
supervisor shall appropriately
respond to the inquiry when three
business days if brought to their
attention that the case worker has
not responded within the allowable
time. REASON: A 2007 Federal
study delineates that 2/3 of potential
adoptive parents are lost because
of non-responsiveness on the local
level. I receive numerous
complaints from potential parents
and social workers that they can not
get local workers to respond to
inquiries of children who are listed
and available for adoption. These
children unnecessary sit in the
foster care system even though
there are potential parents ready
and willing to pursue their
adoptions.
22 VAC 40-131-520 – Selecting an

adoptive home
Provider C2- This is inconsistent with the

proposed section, 22VAC40-131- The language in 22 VAC 40-131-170 B will be
170 which addresses issues of age changed, deleting “age” to be consistent with
discrimination. We do agree that federal law, 42 USC 671.
age is a consideration in the
selection of adoptive families in
infant adoptions.
Attorney 520 F1. The child's history, “Educational” is added because this
including information about the information should be provided to the adoptive
child's birth, social, cultural, school, parents.
medical, developmental, The request for actual records will not be
psychological, and mental health; included as it is unknown if agencies would be
when appropriate and reasonably able to comply.
available, the child’s actual records
shall be provided and redacted if
39
appropriate, and
REASON: School information is
important. Actual records should be
given when appropriate.
22 VAC 40-131-530 – Adoption

placement agreement
Two provider 530 C. The adoption placement No change will be made; the requirement is
associations agreement shall include the consistent with current regulation 22 VAC 40-
requirements of the foster care 130-330, Minimum Standards for Licensed
agreement specified in 22VAC40- Child-Placing Agencies. There have been no
131-280 B and C. problems with the current language.
The above requirement is
completely irrelevant and
unnecessary for agency infant
adoption. Rarely are infants placed
with foster parents. In the vast
majority of cases an adoptive family
is already identified. When the
adoption placement agreement is
signed, the foster care provisions in
the above mentioned standard do
not apply. Suggestion: Provide a
separate section in the regulations
for agency infant foster care.
22 VAC 40-131-540 – Placements

requiring legal risk agreement
This is in the current regulation 22 VAC 40-
Provider D - Please clarify what determines
130-330, Minimum Standards for Licensed
“legally free” - and consider that
Child-Placing Agencies, and will not be
currently a placement agreement
changed. This placement issue will be clarified
can be signed with a notarized
in training and technical assistance.
entrustment signed by a birthmother
and with the appropriate result from
the search of the Putative Father
Registry – see 63.2-1233 of the
Code of Virginia
22 VAC 40-131-560 – Parental

placement adoption services
This language is consistent with 22 VAC 40-
Attorney C. During the preparation of the
211- Resource, Foster and Adoptive Family
home study report (STRIKE:
Home Approval Standards. This is in line with
process), the licensee shall meet at
our goal of consistent regulations between
least one time with the birth
public and private agencies. No changes will
parent(s) and at least one time with
be made.
the prospective adoptive parents.
The licensee shall obtain the
agreement of both parties prior to
holding simultaneous meetings.
D. The licensee shall ensure that
the birth parent(s) and prospective
40
adoptive parents have exchanged

identifying information including full
names; addresses; physical,
mental, social, and psychological
information; and any other
information useful in promoting the
welfare of the child, unless both
parties have agreed in writing to
waive the disclosure of full names
and addresses.
E. During the meeting with the birth
parent(s), the licensee shall
determine that the consent for
adoption is informed and not
coerced.
REASON: Originally specifies the
wrong segment of the process.
Recognizes that both birth parents
may not participate in counseling or
a simultaneous meeting.
22 VAC 40-131-580 – Post-

placement responsibility for
adoptive home placements
Attorney A - The licensee shall ensure that

supervisory visits with the child are No change will be made; this is covered in 22
made in compliance with § 63.2- VAC 40-131-270.
1212 of the Code of Virginia and in
compliance with the Interstate
Compact on the Placement of
Children; and, for children in foster
care, in compliance with the
requirements of policy approved by
the Board of Social Services.
REASON: Should include ICPC.
Attorney A 2. At least one visit shall be This visitation issue will be clarified in training
conducted in the home of the and technical assistance.
petitioners in the presence of the
child and both petitioners unless the
petition was filed by a single parent
or one of the petitioners no longer
resides in the home. If one
petitioner no longer resides in the
home, the licensee shall contact the
absent petitioner to determine his
interest in remaining involved in the
proceedings. If one applicant
cannot be physically present
because of military service,
circumstances, alternative methods
of communication including, but not
limited to videoconferencing,
41
webcam and telephonic

communication, maybe substituted
to include the participation by that
applicant. In order of priority,
reasonable efforts should be made
to include the applicant in person,
by video means and finally by
telephonic or other means.
REASON: Address the occasional
but reoccurring issue when spouses
are deployed overseas for military
duty or as military contractors,
Foreign Service Officers and CIA.
This allows the agency some
flexibility.
Attorney B 3 - If conditions warrant, the At the suggestion of the Office of the Attorney
licensee shall proceed to remove General, § 63.2-904 C is the correct citation.
the child in accordance with the
provisions of § 63.2-1207 (STRIKE
904 C) of the Code of Virginia.
REASON: This is the applicable
Code provision which includes
§ 63.2-904 (C).
22 VAC 40-131-590 – Intercountry

placement adoptions
Attorney A - Do we need to include agencies Comment is unclear.

that provide support services for
international adoption?
Attorney B - The licensee shall make No change is made; this is covered under 22
available to its staff and to VAC 40-131-270.
applicants written information about
Virginia's pre-adoptive requirements
for intercountry placements
including the Interstate Compact on
the Placement of Children
requirement when the foreign
adoption will not be finalized abroad
and assist the family in determining
when these requirements are
applicable. REASON: Addresses
common requirement.
Attorney E. The licensee shall request that This is outside the scope of this regulation.
the adoptive applicants share
available information about the child
with the licensee when the
applicants directly receive medical,
developmental, social history, and
other information learned about the
child, the birth family, and extended
family, including the child's
42
placement history. The licensee

shall request a copy of the legal
documents from the foreign country.
The licensee shall document in the
child's file that this request was
made. REASON: Agency should
have copies particularly if adopters
copies are ever lost or destroyed.
22 VAC 40-131-600 –
Interlocutory orders of adoption
Attorney (STRIKE: Interlocutory orders of Comment unclear. No change will be made.

adoption) Foreign Placements The current language in 22 VAC 40-130-380
Authorized But Not Finalized In The has not been problematic.
Foreign Country.
A. If the licensee holds legal
custody of the child, the licensee
shall file with the court, if it finds the
adoptive placement appropriate, its
written consent (STRIKE: to an
interlocutory order) for the proposed
adoption.
Attorney C. A notarized statement shall Comment unclear. No change will be made.

accompany the report of The current language in 22 VAC 40-130-380
investigation (STRIKE: order) has not been problematic.
stating that the licensee will assume
legal responsibility for the child
should the placement disrupt prior
to the issuance of the final order of
adoption. REASON: I believe this is
what this regulation is attempting to
address. Is the statement for the
Court or ICPC?
GENERAL COMMENTS:
VDSS Division Please note that the following This change does not need to be made. It is
of Family information is required by the the responsibility of the custodial local
Services, Fostering Connections to Success department of social services to maintain and
Permanency and Increasing Adoptions Act of share these records.
Program 2008. This requirement should be
Manager added to the proposed regulation
for Licensed Child Placing Agency
Standards. This will also build
consistency between requirements
for public and private agencies in
maintaining and sharing these
records as required by law.
4. Health and Education Records
a. A child's health and education
records are reviewed and updated,
and a copy of the record is supplied
to the foster parent or foster care
43
provider with whom the child is

placed, at the time of each
placement of the child in foster
care.
b. The child's health and education
records are supplied to the child at
no cost at the time the child leaves
foster care if the child is leaving
foster care by reason of having
attained the age of majority under
State/Tribe law.
A the time of each placement a
copy of the child's health and
education records shall be supplied
to the ___ (foster parent) are
reviewed and updated, and a copy
of the record is supplied to the
foster parent or foster care provider
with whom the child is placed, at the
time of each placement of the child
in foster care.
b. The child's health and education
records are supplied to the child at
no cost at the time the child leaves
foster care if the child is leaving
foster care by reason of having
attained the age of majority under
State/Tribe law.
There didn’t seem to be a place This documentation issue will be clarified in

within the proposed standards that training and technical assistance.
provided guidance around what
Provider documentation is required when a
child is placed but is discharged
prior to 30 days. If a child comes in
to care due to an Emergency
Removal Order, is placed in a TFC
home, and then the Judge orders
them back home at the Preliminary
Hearing or a placement disrupts
prior 30 days , what paperwork is
required to be completed?
Support for Revisions to Licensed No response required.

Child Placing Agency Minimum
Standards:
Provider Volunteer Families, a Virginia
Licensed Child Placing Agency
(License #co-339-10), is pleased
with the effort to revise minimum
standards for licensure. As the only
agency in the Commonwealth
whose expressed mission is to
provide a maximum of 21 days of
emergency shelter and respite,
44
Volunteer Families especially

supports the distinction made in the
new standards related to SHORT-
TERM FOSTER CARE. After nearly
32 years of service to over 17,000
of Virginia’s at-risk children and
youth, we have a great deal of
evidence to support that short-term
care meets a significant need. We
also believe the services that we
are able to provide as a licensed
agency are in clear congruence with
the Virginia Department of Social
Services’ new practice model and
the National child welfare
movement to increase permanency
for foster youth. Offering emergency
shelter and ongoing respite to at-
risk families, before an incidence of
abuse or neglect occurs, will help
keep families intact in the long run,
while immediately serving the best
interests and safety of
children. However, the previous
standards adopted in 1989, set up
significant barriers for agencies like
ours to meet requirements and
conduct our work efficiently and
effectively. Primary Concerns
Regarding Revisions: While we
support the short-term foster care
distinction, there are several areas
in which we believe the recent
revisions do not go far enough in
removing barriers to quality service
provision.
Sections were combined to reduce redundancy
The proposed changes to the child- where requirements were similar, while
placing agency standards don't additional requirements for specific programs
address the significant differences are addressed in separate sections. No
Individual between the types of agencies that changes will be made.
are all licensed by the same
regulations. A foster care agency a
domestic placement agency and an
international placement agency
conduct very different work and
shouldn't be subjected to the same
licensing standards.
No response.
Intercept Youth Services applauds
all of the individuals who put time,
energy, sweat and tears into the
Provider rewrite of these regulations many
times over since 1989. I appreciate
the improved balance and realistic
45
view of our work, and look forward

to the assistance of strong guidance
material that will continue to help
shape the workability of these
regulations so the intent of the
regulations to protect and serve
children well in foster care is
honored. Thank you for considering
my comments
22 VAC 40-131-250 E has been amended to
It appears that the revised be consistent with § 63.2.-1817 of the Code.
standards would now require all
temporary entrustments directly to
Provider LCPAs be subject to court Short-term foster care is discussed in 22 VAC
approval—which is a major change 40-131-420.
from previous standards. It is also
unclear as to whether parents are Respite care is not used in this regulation.
able to place their children in short- Short term foster care is used.
term or other care using a parental
placement agreement without
entrustment, when a local
department of social services is not
involved with the case. Therefore,
a serious, potential obstacle to
parents seeking preventative or
emergency care is presented in the
new standards.
Recommendation - At this time it is
the recommendation of Volunteer
Families, Lutheran Family Services,
and Children, Youth, & Family
Services that the new standards
should contain a section which
outlines the content of a parental
placement agreement for short-term
care in order to ensure a standard
of fairness, ethics and legality
among child placing agencies who
take direct parent referrals for care.
Then, temporary entrustments,
authorized by the court should not
be required in such cases.
Is a separate section of the
standards, dedicated solely to
short-term foster care, being
considered?
Services to afford short-term care
its own section within the
standards---solely for the purposes
of clarity. We believe there are
enough important distinctions
46
between short-term care and other

placing activities to warrant an
entire section.
What is the VADSS definition of
respite, both emergency and
planned/ongoing?
Services, to define the terms
“respite,” “crisis respite” and”
planned respite” within the definition
section of the new standards as
follows.
Respite – short-term foster care
voluntarily entered into by birth,
foster and adoptive parents, in
order to provide care to children
during a family crisis or during
periods of high family stress.
Respite does not change the child’s
custody status, and the goal is to
prevent disruption of their
permanent placement.
Crisis Respite – respite that is
needed immediately to alleviate a
crisis in the child’s home. Crisis
respite placements made by LCPAs
are subject to the same exceptions
as emergency foster care
placements made by local DSS.
Planned respite – respite entered
into when a family is experiencing
chronic stress, but no immediate
crisis is present. Planned respite
can be scheduled as a single
episode, or as a series of ongoing
episodes.
No response.
The Foster Family-based Treatment
Association - Virginia Chapter
appreciates the time and effort
Provider involved in revision of the minimum
standards for licensure. The
proposed standards 22VAC40-131
are indicative of Virginia’s ongoing
commitment to delivering quality
services to children and families.
Sections were combined to reduce redundancy
Having read the entirety of the where requirements were similar, while
proposed revisions to the Minimum additional requirements for specific programs
Standards for Licensed Child are addressed in separate sections. No
Provider Placing Agencies, it would be changes will be made.
helpful if the standards were
47
reorganized to reflect the In the example of 22 VAC 40-131-210, the

differences between the various requirement was changed to allow the licensee
child placing services offered. An to develop pre-service training based on their
agency that provide adoption program statement and description.
services and an agency that
provides foster care services have
very different considerations and
priorities. Even amongst adoption
service providers there are very
different circumstances and
considerations. Agencies that
provide intercountry adoption
services have different regulations
and issues to consider than
agencies that provide domestic
adoption services, and the
standards should reflect these
differences. For example, the
training requirements enumerated
in 22 VAC 40-131-210 are not
equally applicable to foster and
adoptive parents. The current
organization of the standards
makes it difficult for agencies to
determine what standards apply to
the services they provide and what
standards do not.
This will be addressed by changes made to 22
I am writing to comment on the VAC 40-131-170 B.
proposed changes to the Virginia
guidelines for child-placing Sections were combined to reduce redundancy
Individual agencies. As a social worker, I where requirements were similar, while
think it would be wholly additional requirements for specific programs
inappropriate to do a family are addressed in separate sections. No
assessment and not be allowed to changes will be made.
consider family status as part of a
determination for a child
placement. I can imagine many
scenarios when a single individual
may not be qualified for the same
placement as a couple due to the
ages, specials needs and number
of children being placed.
Also, there doesn’t seem to be a

distinction between the
requirements for an agency that
receives state funding and those
that do not. It makes sense for
Virginia to have separate licensing
standards for a foster care agency
than for a private domestic
placement agency than for an
international adoption agency.
No response.
48
Adolescent and Family Growth

Center, Inc. appreciates the work
done by the Virginia Board of Social
Provider Services and the workgroup that
was assembled to adopt new
regulations for Licensed Child
Placing Agencies. We also
appreciate the opportunity to
comment on the proposed
regulations
All changes made in this regulatory action
Please list all changes that are being proposed and the consequences of the proposed changes.
Describe new provisions and/or all changes to existing sections.
Current Proposed Current requirement Proposed change and rationale

section new section
number number, if
applicable
22VAC40-130- 22VAC40-131- The following new terms and their
10. Definitions. 10. Definitions. meanings are added in order to clarify
their use in the body of the regulation:
adoptive parent, adoptive placement,
adult, annual, applicant, background
checks, behavior support, birth parent,
caretaker, career and technical
education, case management, casework
staff, child’s family, dual approval
process, emergency placement,
employee, foster care placement, foster
care services, foster parent, independent
living services, in-service training,
intercountry placement, local board, local
department, mental abuse, mutual
selection, parent, parental placement,
permanent entrustment agreement,
physical abuse, physical neglect,
physical restraint, placing agency, pre-
service training, provider, records,
resource parent, seclusion, serious
incident reports, services plan, sexual
abuse, short-term foster care, special
needs, treatment, treatment foster care,
treatment foster parent, treatment team,
and youth.
The definition for foster care was

replaced with foster care placement and
foster care services.
49
22VAC40-130- 22VAC40-131- Legal base provided. This section combines the legal base
20. Legal base. 20. Scope and and specifies applicability of 22VAC40-
applicability. 131 to types of child-placing agencies.
22VAC40-130- 22VAC40-131- Describes the different This section was expanded to clarify the
30 30. types of sponsorships for different business entities recognized by
Sponsorship Sponsorship. licensees: individual, the State Corporation Commission.
partnership,
unincorporated
association, or
corporation and
applicable requirements.
22VAC40-130- 22VAC40-131- Describes licensee’s This section combines the current 22
40. Maintaining 40. Licensee. responsibility to maintain VAC40-130-40 and 22VAC40-130-50
standards. compliance with and includes provisions of General
22VAC40-130- standards and provide Procedures and Information for
50. Financing evidence of finances and Licensure, 22VAC40-80 and § 63.2-1707
plan. resources that will ensure of the Code of Virginia (Code). It adds a
operation in compliance requirement for compliance with the
with the standards. agency’s policies and procedures,
addresses information distributed or
made available to the public and clarifies
that the licensee maintains ultimate
responsibility for the child’s health, safety
and well-being 24 hours a day 7 days a
week. The requirements in these
sections were combined to improve the
clarity of the regulation and to assist
providers with compliance.
22VAC40-130- 22VAC40-131- Requires the licensee to This section combines two sections in
100. Agency 50. Office maintain an office in the current regulation into one section
setting. settings and Virginia to conduct and clarifies language. All office
22VAC40-130- conditions. business and specifies requirements were combined in one
110. the spatial and use section. The requirements in these
Office requirements and storage sections were combined to improve the
conditions. conditions of the office. clarity of the regulation and to assist
providers with compliance.
22VAC40-130- 22VAC40-131- Requires the license to The requirement is the same with
120. Posting of 60. Posting of be posted in a language added for clarity. The most
the License the License conspicuous place near recently issued license must be posted in
the agency entrance and each office location where child-placing
in branch offices. activities are performed.
22VAC40-130- 22VAC40-131- This section specifies The requirements are the same, but
140. Conflict of 70. Conflict of who can serve on the language has been updated to include
Interest. Interest. placing agency’s board of current terminology.
directors and prohibits the
licensee from accepting
an application for
adoption from or provide
services to its staff or
governing board.
22VAC40-130- 22VAC40-131- This section specifies The proposed regulation is the same as
130. Caseload 80. Licensed numbers for caseloads the current regulation except that
numbers and capacity and for staff and trainees and treatment foster care caseloads are
licensed maximum species how licensed addressed in the proposed regulation.
capacity. caseload capacity is determined. Treatment foster care was not addressed
50
numbers. in the current regulation and has been

added. Student intern caseloads have
been reduced from 5 to 3. The
requirement for a training program for
trainees has been moved to 22VAC40-
131-140.
22VAC40-131- To protect the health, safety and welfare
90. Policy and of children, this proposed section
procedure. requires the licensee to develop policies
and procedures for: admission, discharge
and placement of children, foster parent
support, licensee record-keeping,
reporting of abuse and neglect of
children, licensees hiring of qualified
staff, notifying the department when an
agency ceases operation, handling
adverse reactions of children to
medications, and acceptable methods of
correction of children’s behaviors
(behavior support).
22VAC40-131- This proposed section requires the
100. Program licensee to evaluate their programs and
evaluation and services and make improvements based
improvement on their findings. This will provide
greater protections to children in care.
22VAC40-131- This proposed section is needed to
110. Received ensure the licensee’s compliance with
date for regulations requiring dated materials and
materials timeframes. This will assist providers
with compliance.
22VAC40-131- This proposed section is needed to
120. Access to ensure staff members have a basic
written understanding of licensee’s personnel
personnel policies.
policies
22VAC40-130- 22VAC40-131- The agency shall have a To ensure the employee is aware of job
170. 130. Job written description of the responsibilities, the proposed language
Job descriptions. duties and responsibilities clarifies the current language by
description. for each staff describing the content of the job
classification in its description. It removes the requirement
program. A copy of each to provide a copy to the licensing
description shall be given representative at the time changes are
to the licensing made as this was burdensome and
representative at the time unnecessary. It adds a requirement that
of the initial application the licensee provide a copy of the job
and when descriptions description to employees to ensure that
are changed. employees are aware of their job
responsibilities.
22VAC40-130- 22VAC40-131- It describes required staff To facilitate staffing of the licensed child
190. 140. Staff positions and the placing agency with qualified personnel,
Staff composition qualifications for each the new language expands the potential
composition and position. for individuals with related human
and qualifications. services credentials to serve in the
qualifications. position of program director; changes the
position title of “director of social
51
services” to “program director”; increases

the years of experience necessary to
serve as child-placing supervisor; and
expands the responsibilities of
caseworkers.
22VAC40-131- The proposed language provides
150. Staff categories of orientation and training
development. necessary for staff to be knowledgeable
about practices, laws, and regulations for
the protection and well-being of children.
The training includes: agency policy and
procedures; child abuse and neglect
recognition and reporting; behavior
support; emergency preparedness;
permanency; and transition from foster
care to independent living.
22VAC40-130- 22VAC40-131- Requirements for content The language clarifies the current
180. 160. Personnel of personnel records. requirements for background checks,
Personnel records. applications and resumes. It provides
records. the ability of licensees to maintain
electronic records. It adds a requirement
for copies of educational degrees and
credentials, and dates of employment
and separation of each position. It
expands accepted references by allowing
oral references. It provides requirements
for maintaining documentation for staff
records. These new requirements will
ensure that staff are qualified to work
with children.
22VAC40-130- 22VAC40-131- Section 200 contains Combined similar requirements for foster
200. 170. Program requirements pertaining care and adoption into one section to
(Foster care) statement and to foster care and reduce redundancy. Included
program description. independent living. requirements are consistent with §§ 63.2
statement. Section 290 contains Chapters 9 and 12 and §§ 63.2-1817 and
22VAC40-130- requirements pertaining 1819 of the Code. The prohibition to
290. (Adoption) to adoption. discriminate based on the sex or
program handicapping condition of the child was
statement. removed. Discrimination based on race,
color, or national origin continues to be
prohibited in the proposed regulation.
These changes were made to be
consistent with federal law 42-USC 671.
22VAC40-130- 22VAC40-131- Section 270 contains Combined similar requirements for foster
270. The foster 180. Home requirements for foster care and adoption into one section to
family. study home study. Section 280 reduce redundancy. Included
22VAC40-130- requirements. requires a foster home requirements consistent with the Code
400. The application. Section 400 and 22VAC40-211- Resource, Foster
adoptive home is the adoptive home and Adoptive Family Home Approval
study. study. Section 410 is the Standards. Clarifies requirements for
22VAC40-130- adoptive home short-term foster care, resource and
280.C.2. Foster application. treatment foster care homes. Change
care records. made for clarity to remind licensee of
22VAC40-130- requirements for medical examinations in
410.D.1. direct 22VAC40-131-290 L-M to assist
52
parental providers with compliance.

placement
services.
22VAC40-130- 22VAC40-131- Requirements for the Requirements were added to be
270. The foster 190. Home home and surroundings. consistent with 22VAC40-211- Resource,
family. environment. Foster and Adoptive Family Home
Approval Standards. Requirements
increased provisions involving
emergency preparedness, bathing and
toileting facilities, pets, safe storage of
medication, and smoke detectors.
Additional requirements will increase the
health, welfare and safety of children.
22VAC40-130- 22VAC40-131- Section 270 contains It is consistent with 22VAC40-211-
270. The foster 200. Initial requirements for the Resource, Foster and Adoptive Family
family. approval or approval of foster homes. Home Approval Standards. Change was
22VAC40-130- disapproval of Section 400 contains made to allow orientation training to
400. The home. requirements for the occur prior to the approval of the provider
adoptive home approval of adoptive as orientation can provide a time for
study. homes. further assessment of the family.
22VAC40-130- 22VAC40-131- The agency shall have a It is consistent with 22VAC40-211-

270.C.1. The 210. Provider plan of orientation for Resource, Foster and Adoptive Family
foster family. training and each newly approved Home Approval Standards. It clarifies
development. foster family. the elements of what needs to be
included in pre-service training. Agencies
may develop pre-service training based
on their program statement and
description.
22VAC40-131- This new section is consistent with
220. Training 22VAC40-211, Resource, Foster and
and Adoptive Family Home Approval
development Standards, to meet federal funding
for providers of requirements for foster care services.
short-term This section was added because short-
foster care. term foster care is not addressed in the
current regulation. The proposed
regulation provides requirements for
orientation and pre-service training.
Some training elements required for the
other types of placements have been
eliminated for the short-term foster care
provider.
22VAC40-130- 22VAC40-131- Sections 22VAC40-130- Along with re-evaluation, elements have
270.D. Re- 230. 270.D and 22VAC40-130- been added to ensure the protection,
evaluation of Monitoring and 400.I addressed only the safety and well-being of placed children
foster homes. re-evaluation re-evaluation of foster by requiring periodic monitoring and
22VAC40-130- of provider and adoptive homes. evaluation of approved providers.
400.I. Re- homes. This new section is consistent with
evaluations. 22VAC40-211- Resource, Foster and
Adoptive Family Home Approval
Standards.
22VAC40-130- 22VAC40-131- The total number of For the protection, safety and welfare of
270.B. Foster 240. Capacity children in the foster children, this section clarifies that each
home capacity. of provider home shall not exceed child shall have adequate space and
53
home. eight including the furnishings. It also limits treatment foster

parents’ own children. homes to two children for the protection,
safety and well-being of children. It
establishes criteria for determining
capacity based on accommodations,
capabilities and skills of the provider, and
needs of the children in care.
22VAC40-130- 22VAC40-131- The current requirements This section clarifies language of the
210 Intake. 250. Intake, consist of a list of current regulation, incorporates
22VAC40-130- acceptance, elements with directions applicable provisions in § 63.2-1817 of
300.B. and to follow Service the Code and adds placement
Authority to placement. Programs Manual (Family requirements for independent living
place. Services’ manuals arrangements. The reference to Service
regarding foster care and Programs Manual was deleted. For the
adoption). protection, safety and well-being of
children, this section adds criteria for the
placement of children. For clarity, the
term ‘intake assessment’ is changed to
‘intake’.
22VAC40-130- 22VAC40-131- The current requirements This section increases the time for
210.C. (Foster 260. Social consist of information to completion of the social history from 30
care) Intake. history. obtain on a child for the to 45 days to allow for more complete
22VAC40-130- purpose of determining information on the child. More thorough
310.C. the appropriate goal for information will assist in protecting the
(Adoption) the child and services safety and well-being of the child and
Program needed to reach the goal. assist in assessing needs and
statement. determining the goal and services to be
provided to the child. For adoption, the
social history will need to be completed
prior to the signing of the adoption
agreement; this was changed to ensure
children who were not placed in foster
homes have a social history completed.
22VAC40-130- 22VAC40-131- The current requirements This section incorporates interstate
430. Interstate 270. Interstate for interstate placements compact requirements into the document
compacts. placements. are made by reference whereas before these requirements were
only. incorporated only by reference. This
section is consistent with requirements
§§ 63.2-1104 and 1105 of the Code. This
section clarifies that verbal approval by
interstate compact is required prior to
placement, but written approval must be
obtained and maintained in the child’s
file.
22VAC40-130- 22VAC40-131- The current requirements This section clarifies the current
270.C.4. The 280. Foster consist of information language and adds new requirements
foster family. home necessary to include in from § 63.2-902 of the Code. It is
agreements. an agreement for consistent with 22VAC40-211-Resource,
placement. Foster and Adoptive Family Home
Approval Standards. The changes will
assist in protecting the health, safety and
welfare of the child.
22VAC40-130- 22VAC40-131- The current requirement This section adds the flexibility for the
220. Ongoing 290. Medical, is for the medical licensee to obtain a medical examination
services. dental, and examination to be on the emergency-placed child within 60
54
psychiatric completed within 30 days days following placement instead of the

examinations of placement for current 30 days for any child who has not
and care emergency-placed received a medical examination within 90
children. days prior to his placement. This was
changed due to the difficulty some
licensees face in trying to find a Medicaid
provider to examine the child on quick
notice. The term ‘handicap’ was
changed to currently accepted terms.
22VAC40-130- 22VAC40-131- This current requirement This section incorporates language in §
210.E. Intake. 300. School made the licensee, 63.2-900 of the Code which requires the
enrollment. whether custodian or not, custodial agency to enroll the child in
responsible for enrolling school within 72 hours of placement.
the child in school with 5 Language was added to require the
days of placement. licensee to collaborate and work
cooperatively with the local department
of social services and the education
authority to maintain educational stability
for each child, based on federal law,
Public Law 110-351. It is preferred that
children continue to be enrolled in their
home locality school to maintain
educational stability.
22 VAC40- 22VAC40-131- School age children shall For clarity and to assist providers with
130-220 310 Clothing have an allowance. compliance, clothing and spending
Ongoing and Spending money for children was separated from a
Services Money for regulation with multiple requirements.
Children
22VAC40-130- 22VAC40-131- The current requirement This section clarifies language for the
460. General. 320. Reports is limited only to making a responsibilities of the licensee and adds
22VAC40-130- and policies to report of suspected child requirements for: documentation of
470. Death of protect abuse and the death of a reports made, reporting serious incidents
a child. children. child. to placing agency, the parent or legal
22VAC40-130- guardian, and department; and for the
480. Abuse or licensee to immediately notify custodial
neglect, or agency and department in cases of
both suspected child abuse and neglect.
22VAC40-130- 22VAC40-131- The current requirement This section has incorporated: the
220. Ongoing 330. Visitation describes visitation. requirements of the Department of
services. and continuing Medical Assistance Services for
contact with treatment foster care providers, § 63.2-
children. 904 of the Code, and 22VAC40-211-
Resource, Foster and Adoptive Family
Home Approval Standards. It combines
different requirements for permanent
foster care and children placed in
residential settings. The licensee must
make certain notifications if a move is
made from one foster home to another
because local departments who hold
custody of the child must be aware of
where the child is placed at all times.
These changes help to assist providers
with compliance.
22VAC40-130- 22VAC40-131- The current requirement This section has clarified requirements of
55
210.H. (Foster 340. Service is very general and the current regulation and incorporated:
care) Intake. plans. includes components of the requirements of the Department of
the services plan Medical Assistance Services and § 16.1-
including: goal and target 281 of the Code for treatment foster care
date for the child, providers. The incorporation of these
services to be offered, elements makes the requirements
participation sought, and consistent for all placement types.
placement type
22VAC40-130- 22VAC40-131- The current regulation This section has clarified requirements
230.B. (Foster 350. Quarterly requirement is a written from the current regulation and it
care) Intake. progress summary for the quarter incorporates the requirements of the
summaries. to evaluate progress Department of Medical Assistance
made in reaching the Services for treatment foster care
child’s goal. providers. The incorporation of these
elements makes requirements consistent
for all placement types.
22VAC40-130- 22VAC40-131- This section contains Changed the word “termination” to
240. 360. Discharge requirements to be “discharge”. This section clarifies the
Termination of from care. included in the child’s language from the current regulation and
care. discharge summary and it incorporates the requirements of the
for custodial agency Department of Medical Assistance
responsibilities in Services for treatment foster care
providing copies of providers. The incorporation of these
medical and school elements makes requirements consistent
records to parents or for all placement types.
receiving agency.
22VAC40-130- 22VAC40-131- The current regulation This new section merges and groups
280. Foster 370. Case lists elements required in multiple sections into one section to
care records. record the records kept by the reduce redundancy, clarifies language of
22VAC40-130- requirements. licensee. the standards, adds language from
420. Adoption Department of Medical Assistance
records. Services for treatment foster care, and
22VAC40-130- incorporates requirements of 22VAC40-
500. Storage. 211- Resource, Foster and Adoptive
22VAC40-130- Family Home Approval Standards.
510. Requirements about storage of active
Confidentiality. and closed files have been clarified to
22VAC40-130- assist providers with compliance.
520. Entries in
case records.
22VAC40-130-
530. Evidence
of compliance.
22VAC40-130-
540. Retention
of records.
22VAC40-131- This new section incorporates positive
380. Behavior behavior management techniques for
support and parents to use to assist children with
crisis overcoming negative or undesirable
intervention. behaviors and to assist children in
learning new coping techniques. It
identifies acceptable correction methods.
These changes reflect current industry
standards.
56
22VAC40-131- This is a new program-specific section

390. that only applies to permanent foster
Applicability care. This change makes the regulation
(Permanent more user-friendly.
foster care).
22VAC40-130- 22VAC40-131- The current regulation This section removes the reference to
250. 400. Children incorporates by reference the Service Programs Manual and lists
Permanent placed in the state social services the requirements of § 63.2 Chapter 9, §
foster care. permanent department Service 16.1-281 and § 16.1-282 of the Code. It
foster care Programs Manual (Family clarifies that permanent foster care
Services’ manuals homes are approved, monitored, and
regarding foster care and evaluated the same as other provider
adoption). home types.
410. that only applies to short-term foster
Applicability care. This change makes the regulation
(Short-term more user-friendly.
foster care).
22VAC40-131- This section is consistent with 22VAC40-
420. Children 211 - Resource, Foster and Adoptive
placed in short- Family Home Approval Standards except
term foster care that the term respite care services is
replaced with short-term foster care in 22
VAC40-131.
430. that only applies to independent living
Applicability arrangements. This change makes the
(Independent regulation more user-friendly.
living
arrangements).
22VAC40-130- 22VAC40-131- The current regulation This section removes the reference to
260. 440. Youth incorporates by reference the Service Programs Manual and adds
Independent placed in the state social services specific requirements for placing youth in
living independent department Service independent living arrangements. It is
arrangements. living Programs Manual (Family consistent with the requirements of §
arrangements. Services’ manuals 63.2 Chapter 9, § 16.1-281 and § 16.1-
regarding foster care and 282 of the Code for independent living
adoption). arrangements. These requirements are
now specifically listed in the regulation
which will assist providers with
compliance.
450. that only applies to treatment foster care.
(Applicability This change makes the regulation more
Treatment user-friendly.
foster care).
22VAC40-131- The current regulation does not include
460. Children the requirements for treatment foster
placed in care. The programs providing those
treatment foster services were required to follow the
care. separate Medicaid regulation for
treatment foster care. This section now
incorporates the Medicaid requirements.
This will assist providers with
compliance.
57

470. that only applies to adoption. This
Applicability change makes the regulation more user-
(adoption). friendly.
22VAC40-130- 22VAC40-131- The current regulation This section contains clarifying language
390. Agency 480. Fees for requires an explanation of and adds the requirements for full
fees. adoption fees, determination of disclosure of fees, provision of a copy of
applications fees and refund policy. the fee explanation to the applicant, and
and services. the establishment of a mutually
acceptable written agreement for fees.
22VAC40-131- This section incorporates applicable
490. Adoption adoption requirements of § 63.2-1224-
counseling and 1226 of the Code.
services for
birth parents.
22VAC40-130- 22VAC40-131- The current regulation This section requires the licensee to
370. 500. includes a statement of follow § 16.1-281-283 of the Code when
Involuntary Involuntary when to seek termination involuntary termination of parental rights
termination of termination of of parental rights, is necessary.
parental rights. parental rights. requires the submission
of a permanent
placement plan to the
court and incorporates by
reference social services
department’s Service
Programs Manual (Family
Services’ manuals
regarding foster care and
adoption).
22VAC40-130- 22VAC40-131- The current regulation This section clarifies the requirements for
360. 510. Provisions specifies to make a making a referral to Adoption Resource
Provisions for for adopting referral to Adoption Exchange of Virginia and incorporates
children with children with Resource Exchange of language from the social services
special needs. special needs. Virginia and incorporates department’s Service Programs Manual.
by reference the social Adoption ‘subsidy’ is removed and
services department’s replaced with ‘assistance’ due to
Service Programs Manual changes made to § 63.2-1300- Adoption
(Family Services’ Assistance for Children with Special
manuals regarding foster Needs of the Code. Language requiring
care and adoption). the agency to make arrangements for
services for a child with special needs
after the final order of adoption has been
changed to language requiring the
licensee to ensure that services and
treatment are provided to children with
special needs. Language ‘pursuant to
Title 63.2, Chapter 13 of the Code of
Virginia’ is added to ensure compliance
with this Code.
22VAC40-130- 22VAC40-131- The current regulation This section adds relatives as a primary
320. Items to 520. Selecting requires foster parents to adoptive resource and increases the
be considered an adoptive be a primary adoptive opportunity to be consistent with
when selecting home. resource and details permanency goals. It incorporates
an adoptive requirements for language from requirements in § 63.2-
home. consideration when 900.2 of the Code. The licensee must
58
selecting an adoptive provide adoptive parents factual

home. information about the child and the
child’s birth family.
22VAC40-130- 22VAC40-131- The current regulation Clarifies that adoption placements must
400 G. The 530. Adoption requires the licensee to follow the same requirements for the
adoptive placement follow the foster home placement agreement at acceptance of
placement agreement. agreement. the child and adds requirements from §
agreement. 63.2-1221 of the Code.
22VAC40-131- This new section incorporates
540. requirements § 63.2-1221 of the Code. It
Placements addresses conditions under which the
requiring legal valid entrustment agreement may be
risk agreement revoked, clarifies that the placement is
recognized as a foster home placement
thus requiring the foster home
agreement, and requires the prospective
adoptive parents to sign a written
statement acknowledging the revocation
conditions. This statement must be
maintained in the child’s file.
22VAC40-130- 22VAC40-131- The current regulation This section incorporates requirements in
340. 550. Adoptive requires 22VAC40-130- § 63.2 Chapter 12 of the Code. It
Placement of placement of 320 to be considered in requires the involvement of the child in
children over children over placing a child over one adoption planning and includes the
one year. one year of year. An older child’s responsibility of the licensee to document
age; additional concerns about adoption services and contacts provided to the
provisions. must also be considered. child for adoption preparation.
560. Parental requirements in § 63.2 Chapter 12 of the
placement Code and specifies the licensee’s
adoption responsibilities of conducting the home
services. study, ensuring the exchange of
information between birth and adoptive
parents, ensuring adoption decision is an
informed decision and has not been a
coerced decision, and providing
counseling to prospective adoptive
parents.
570. Parent- requirements §§ 63.2-1225 and 1226 of
recommended the Code and specifies the licensee’s
homes for responsibility when accepting custody of
adoptive a child for the purpose of adoption to
placements. include providing information to the birth
parents about adoption placements and
obtaining their decision about placement
option, allowing representation by legal
counsel and counseling.
22VAC40-130- 22VAC40-131- This section requires This new section incorporates
350. Agency 580. Post- supervisory visits and that requirements in § 63.12-1212 of the
responsibility placement the licensee maintain Code and clarifies the licensee’s
after child is responsibility contact with the family responsibilities specified in 22VAC40-
placed in the for adoptive until the final order or 130-350.
adoptive home adoption. It clarifies that
home. placements. the agency is responsible
59
for the child until final

order of adoption is
entered.
590. requirements of the Hague Adoption
Intercountry Convention, Intercountry Adoption Act of
placement 2000, and Department of the State
adoptions. regulations on intercountry adoptions and
requires the licensee to notify the
department of details pertaining to the
licensee obtaining or losing accreditation
status.
22VAC40-130- 22VAC40-131- This section describes This new section incorporates
380. 600. the conditions under requirements § 63.2-1209, § 63.2-1210,
Interlocutory Interlocutory which the licensee may and § 63.2-1211 of the Code.
orders. orders of issue its consent to an
adoption. interlocutory order.
22VAC40-131- This section provides clarification and
610. responsibilities of the licensee when an
Subsequent approved home provider requests
adoptive additional adoptive placements for their
placements. home. This section specifies
requirements for home study, interviews,
and orientation of the provider.
Minor grammatical, typographical, and numbering/lettering errors were also corrected. The word ‘provider’
is used in this proposed regulation in place of ‘foster parent’ and ‘adoptive parent’ in some situations.
Regulatory flexibility analysis
Please describe the agency’s analysis of alternative regulatory methods, consistent with health, safety,
environmental, and economic welfare, that will accomplish the objectives of applicable law while
minimizing the adverse impact on small business. Alternative regulatory methods include, at a minimum:
1) the establishment of less stringent compliance or reporting requirements; 2) the establishment of less
stringent schedules or deadlines for compliance or reporting requirements; 3) the consolidation or
simplification of compliance or reporting requirements; 4) the establishment of performance standards for
small businesses to replace design or operational standards required in the proposed regulation; and 5)
the exemption of small businesses from all or any part of the requirements contained in the proposed
regulation.
This regulation is intended to help children find safe, stable and permanent homes which ultimately
benefits society as a whole.
Private licensed child-placing agencies will benefit from this regulation by: consolidation of the
requirements and updates of practice requirements specified in the Code of Virginia, applicable current
practices and requirements of 22VAC40-130, and requirements of other social services regulations into
one regulation set; some relaxed requirements for hiring casework staff; available specific clarity on
expectations and requirements for compliance; available clarity on standards regarding applicability and,
identifying any standards that are not applicable to certain home/program types.
60
Family impact
Please assess the impact of the proposed regulatory action on the institution of the family and family
stability including to what extent the regulatory action will: 1) strengthen or erode the authority and rights
of parents in the education, nurturing, and supervision of their children; 2) encourage or discourage
economic self-sufficiency, self-pride, and the assumption of responsibility for oneself, one’s spouse, and
one’s children and/or elderly parents; 3) strengthen or erode the marital commitment; and 4) increase or
decrease disposable family income.
This new regulation will allow families who foster or adopt children to receive better training and support
for managing the children placed in their homes. By doing so, children’s placements will become more
stable, allowing children the safety and security of a family home within which to reside, while promoting
permanency for the child.
61
Project 2036 - Final
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
Adopt new standards for licensed private child-placing agencies.
CHAPTER 130
MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR LICENSED PRIVATE CHILD PLACING AGENCIES
(REPEALED)
Part I
Introduction
22VAC40-130-10. Definitions. (Repealed.)
The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall have the following
meanings, unless the context indicates otherwise:
"Adoptive home" means any family home selected and approved by a parent, local board of
public welfare or social services, or a licensed child placing agency for the placement of a child
with the intent of adoption.
"Casework" means both direct treatment with an individual or several individuals, and
intervention in the situation on the client's behalf. The objectives of casework include: meeting
the client's needs, helping the client deal with the problem with which he is confronted,
strengthening the client's capacity to function productively, lessening distress, and enhancing
opportunities and capacities for fulfillment.
"Child" means any individual under 18 years of age.

"Child-placing agency" means any individual or agency licensed to place children in foster
homes, adoptive homes, child-caring institutions or independent living arrangements. Local
departments of social services are child-placing agencies also.
"Commissioner" means the Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Social Services.
"Complaint" means an accusation received either orally or in writing that:
A licensed child placing agency is not in compliance with one or more of these standards
or one or more statutory requirements; or
An agency foster or adoptive home is not in compliance with one or more applicable
requirements of this chapter; or
A child placed in a home or institution by a child-placing agency is being abused or
neglected.
"Corporal punishment" means the inflicting of pain or discomfort. Prohibited actions include
but are not limited to hitting with any part of the body or with an implement, pinching, pulling,
shaking, binding a child, forcing him to assume an uncomfortable position, or locking him in a
room or closet.
The prohibition is in effect whether punishment is spontaneous or a deliberate technique for
effecting behavioral change or part of a behavior management program.
"Department" means the Virginia Department of Social Services.
"Foster care" means the provision of substitute care and supervision, for a child committed
or entrusted to a child welfare agency or one for whom the agency has accepted supervision.
The child may be placed in a foster or adoptive home, group home, residential facility, institution
or independent living arrangement.

"Foster home" means the place of residence of any individual or individuals in which any
child, other than a child by birth or adoption, resides as a member of the household.
"Independent living arrangement" means the placing of a youth at least 16 years of age,
whose custody is held by the child-placing agency or a local department of social services, in a
living arrangement in which there is no daily parental supervision.
"Interstate placement" means the placing of a child outside the Commonwealth by a Virginia
agency or the placing of a child in Virginia by an individual or agency outside the
Commonwealth pursuant to the "Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children," Chapter 10
(§ 62.1-219 et seq.) of Title 63.1 and §§ 63.1-207 and 63.1-207.1 of the Code of Virginia.
"Licensee" means any individual, association, partnership or corporation to whom the
license is issued.
"Licensing representative" means an employee or officially designated agent of the
Department of Social Services, acting as the authorized agent of the Commissioner in carrying
out the responsibilities and duties specified in Chapter 10 (§ 63.1-195 et seq.) of Title 63.1 of
the Code of Virginia.
"Permanent foster care" means the placement of a child in a foster home where he is
expected to stay until he is aged 18. Both the placement and a removal, if any, must be
approved by the court. Under certain circumstances, the youth may stay in permanent foster
care beyond age 18 but not beyond age 21.
"State Board" means the State Board of Social Services.
22VAC40-130-20. Legal base. (Repealed.)
Sections 63.1-196 and 63.1-202 of the Code of Virginia set forth the responsibility of the
Department of Social Services for licensure of child-placing agencies. It includes the authority
and responsibility of the State Board of Social Services for the development of standards and
requirements for the activities, services and facilities of the agency regarding children or other
persons within its custody or control.
It is a misdemeanor to operate a child-placing agency without a license.
Part II
Organization and Administration
22VAC40-130-30. Sponsorship. (Repealed.)
Each agency shall have a clearly identified sponsor. An individual, partnership, association,
or corporation, may operate a child placing agency.
1. When an agency is sponsored by an individual, the individual is the licensee.
2. When an agency is sponsored by a partnership, the partnership shall serve as the
licensee and have a written agreement (articles of partnership) which allows operation
and maintenance of a child-placing agency.
3. When an agency is sponsored by an unincorporated association, the association shall
have:
a. A governing board which serves as a licensee; and
b. A written constitution or by-laws which includes the operation and maintenance of
a child-placing agency.
4. When an agency is sponsored by a corporation, it shall have:
a. A governing board which serves as the licensee;
b. A certificate of corporate status issued by the State Corporation Commission or,
for corporations based out-of-state, a certificate of authority to transact business in
the Commonwealth; and

c. A charter which specifies that the purpose of the corporation includes the
operation of a child-placing agency.
22VAC40-130-40. Maintaining standards.(Repealed.)
The licensee shall be responsible for meeting and maintaining these standards and for
complying with other relevant federal, state and local laws and regulations.
22VAC40-130-50. Financing plan.(Repealed.)
The applicant for a license shall have a plan of financing which provides evidence of income
and other financial resources that will ensure operation in compliance with this chapter for a
period of 12 months.
22VAC40-130-60. Process.(Repealed.)
The plan of financing shall be provided to the licensing representative with the initial
application and with each renewal.
A. Initial applications shall include:
1. A balance sheet showing current assets and liabilities; and
2. The agency's projected budget detailing the expected income and expenses for
the year.
B. Renewal applications shall include:
1. A statement for the last complete fiscal year showing actual income and
expenditures;
2. A balance sheet showing current assets and liabilities;
3. A budget detailing income and expenses:

a. For the current fiscal year if the agency is less than six months into its current
year; or
b. For the next fiscal year if the agency is more than six months into its current year.
NOTE: If the agency is more than three months into its current fiscal year, the latest
quarterly statement of income and expenditures is requested. This applies to both 3
a and 3 b.
22VAC40-130-70. Ratio.(Repealed.)
The agency shall maintain a ratio of assets to liabilities of at least one.
22VAC40-130-80. Audit.(Repealed.)
Financial records shall be audited annually by a certified public accountant not associated
with the agency.
22VAC40-130-90. Copies of report. (Repealed.)
A copy of the most recent auditor's report shall accompany the application for license
renewal.
22VAC40-130-100. Agency setting. (Repealed.)
The agency shall maintain an office within Virginia from which the child placing activities are
carried out.
22VAC40-130-110. Office conditions. (Repealed.)
The agency shall provide office space, equipment and supplies to ensure:
1. Confidentiality and safekeeping of records;
2. Privacy for interviewing and conferences; and
3. Availability of visiting rooms for families and children.

NOTE: Rooms and offices may serve multiple functions.
22VAC40-130-120. Posting of license. (Repealed.)
The current license shall be posted in a conspicuous place near the entrance of the agency.
If the agency has branch offices, copies of the license shall be posted in the same manner
in each location.
22VAC40-130-130. Caseload numbers and licensed capacity. (Repealed.)
A. Total agency capacity shall be the sum of the following:
1. A maximum of 25 children for a full-time child-placing staff person;
2. A maximum of 10 children for a beginning trainee;
This may be increased to 15 by the end of the first year and 20 by the end of the second
year by which time he will qualify as a caseworker.
The agency shall have a training program for trainees during the two years. It shall have
its own list of topics to be covered.
3. A maximum of five children for each student intern.
B. Children to be counted in the agency caseload are:
1. Children in agency custody including children for whom an interlocutory order has
been entered who are still awaiting a final order; and
2. Children not in the custody of the agency, but who are being supervised in a foster or
adoptive home, group home, institution, or independent living arrangement for another
agency or individual.
22VAC40-130-140. Conflict of interest. (Repealed.)
A. No applicant for or recipient of adoptive services shall serve as an agency board member
before the final order for the adoption is entered.
B. No biological parent of a child currently placed by the agency may serve as a board
member of the agency.
C. No foster home applicant shall serve as a board member of the child-placing agency.
D. No board member who is a foster parent for the agency shall vote on a foster care policy
issue.
E. Staff members of an agency may not receive services as foster parents of the agency for
which they work.
F. Board members and agency staff who wish to apply to adopt shall be referred to another
child-placing agency.
22VAC40-130-150. Deceptive representation of advertisement. (Repealed.)
No child-placing agency shall disseminate, or cause directly or indirectly to be disseminated,
statements regarding services which are untrue, deceptive or misleading.
22VAC40-130-160. Corporal punishment.(Repealed.)
Staff members of an agency may not use corporal punishment with children in agency care
nor give permission to others to do so.
Part III
Personnel
22VAC40-130-170. Job description. (Repealed.)
A. The agency shall have a written description of the duties and responsibilities for each
staff classification in its program.

B. A copy of each description shall be given to the licensing representative at the time of the
initial application and when descriptions are changed.
22VAC40-130-180. Personnel records. (Repealed.)
A separate personnel record shall be maintained for each employee. The record shall
contain:
1. The application for employment or resume;
2. A list of educational credentials and relevant work experience, giving dates, places
and details substantiating qualifications required by this chapter;
3. At least two written references or record of interviews with references;
4. Annual performance evaluations;
5. Copies of professional licensure, when licensure is required by law; and
6. The criminal record certificate as required by § 63.1-198.1 of the Code of Virginia.
22VAC40-130-190. Staff composition and qualifications. (Repealed.)
A. A staff member shall be designated to perform each function described in this chapter.
This does not limit the agency to the use of the job titles in this chapter.
B. When a staff person serves multiple functions within the agency, he shall meet the
qualifications for each position held.
C. Executive director.
1. The licensee shall appoint an executive director to whom responsibility for the
administration of the agency has been delegated in writing. An individual licensee may
be the executive director.

2. The executive director is responsible to the licensee for the administration of the
agency, including implementation of all agency policies, procedures, and financial
management.
3. The executive director shall have a doctor's or master's degree plus three years of
experience in a social service agency or program including one year in an
administrative, supervisory or consultative capacity.
4. The executive director shall appoint a staff member to serve in his absence. He shall
provide the department with a written statement of the duties and authority of his
designated substitute at the time of application and renewal.
5. When the executive director does not have a doctor's or master's degree in social
work from a college or university accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, he
shall employ a director or supervisor of social services.
D. Director or supervisor of social services.
1. The director or supervisor of social services shall:
a. Supervise directly or through others all child-placing staff and activities; and
b. Assist the executive director and governing body in the formulation and
implementation of the agency's policies and programs related to child-placing.
2. The director or supervisor of social services shall have a doctor's or master's degree
in social work from a college or university accredited by the Council on Social Work
Education, plus three years of experience in providing casework services to children and
their families including one year as an administrator or supervisor of casework services.
E. Child-placing supervisor.
1. When an agency employs six or more child-placing staff persons, the agency shall
employ a child-placing supervisor.
2. The supervisor shall:
a. Be responsible for direct supervision of child-placing staff, but
b. May not supervise more than eight child-placing staff members.
3. The supervisor shall have:
a. A doctor's or master's degree in social work from a college or university accredited
by the Council on Social Work Education plus two years of experience in providing
casework services to children and families; or
b. A baccalaureate degree plus four years of experience in providing casework
services to children and families.
F. Case worker.
1. Responsibilities of case worker include:
a. Interviewing children and families;
b. Conducting home studies;
c. Preparing and carrying out social plans with children and families;
d. Preparatory counseling with children and families for placement or discharge, or
both;
e. Supervising children in foster or adoptive homes, group homes, institutions or
independent living arrangements; and
f. Preparing and maintaining case records.
2. The case worker shall have:

a. A doctor's or master's degree in social work from a college or university accredited
by the Council on Social Work Education or a field related to social work such as
sociology, psychology, education or counseling, with a student placement in
providing casework services to children and families. One year of experience in
providing casework services to children and families may be substituted for a student
placement; or
b. A baccalaureate degree in social work or a field related to social work including
sociology, psychology, education or counseling and one year of experience in
providing casework services to children and families; or
c. A baccalaureate degree in any field plus two years experience in providing
casework services to children and families.
3. Case worker trainee. When an agency employs a casework trainee, all of the
following conditions shall be met:
a. The trainee shall have a baccalaureate degree;
b. The director or supervisor of social services or a supervisor of child-placing shall
directly supervise the trainee; and
c. Placement decisions made by the trainee shall be approved by the supervisor.
G. Consultants. All consultants engaged to provide services to the agency or to families and
children served by the agency shall be qualified according to the requirements of the Code of
Virginia governing professions.
H. Volunteers.
1. The agency shall, if it makes use of volunteers, have a written plan for their selection,
orientation, training and assignment.

2. When a volunteer is used to perform any staff function or responsibility, the volunteer
shall meet the qualifications for the position.
3. The agency shall not be wholly dependent upon the use of volunteers to ensure the
provision of services.
4. Staff who usually supervise or perform the assigned tasks shall supervise volunteers.
I. Students or interns receiving professional training.
1. If an agency provides professional training to undergraduate or graduate students or
interns, it shall have a written plan for their selection, orientation, training, assignment
and evaluation.
2. An individual with a doctor's degree or a master's degree in social work from a college
or university accredited by the Council on Social Work Education shall supervise
students or interns who perform child-placing activities. That supervisor shall approve all
placement decisions made by the student or intern.
3. The agency shall not be dependent upon the use of students or interns to provide
required services.
Part IV
Foster Care Services
22VAC40-130-200. Program statement. (Repealed.)
A. Child-placing agencies shall have a statement describing their services including:
1. The purpose of the foster care program;
2. An open admissions policy if federal or local social service agency funds are involved.
It shall state that their program is open to all children without regard to race, color,
national origin or sex. It shall say also that children with handicapping conditions will be
accepted if their needs can be reasonably accommodated.
The statement shall describe the population the agency is prepared to serve.
3. A list of the agency's preadmission requirements, an explanation of the fee system, if
any, and decision-making procedures for acceptance, placement and termination of
care;
4. A description of the services provided to children, biological families and foster
families;
5. A statement of eligibility requirements for foster families;
6. A description of the agency's procedures for foster family study and approval including
a description of any orientation and training;
7. A description of agency policy and procedures for independent living arrangements, if
offered; and
8. A description of division of responsibilities and workload of the child-placing staff.
B. Either the full statement or a summary shall be given to agencies and individuals who
inquire about the services provided.
C. The program statement shall be updated when changes are made in the program, and a
copy provided to the licensing representative.
22VAC40-130-210. Intake. (Repealed.)
A child-placing agency may receive a child through court commitment or from an individual
or agency having legal custody.

A. Authority to place. Before placing a child in foster care, the agency shall have the
authority to place based on one of the following:
1. Court commitment;
2. Permanent entrustment by the parent or parents, or other person having legal
custody; or
NOTE: If it appears that a child may need subsidy in the future, the agency should try to
have the child enter care through court commitment. Few children who enter care
through permanent entrustment are eligible for IV-E Adoption Assistance (federal
subsidy). See 22VAC40-130-310 B 2 b Note.
3. Temporary entrustment by the parent or parents or other person having legal custody,
or a placement agreement from an agency with legal custody.
The agency shall petition the court for approval of a temporary entrustment within 30
days unless the entrustment is for less than 90 days.
EXCEPTION: An agency licensed as a child-placing agency and certified as a proprietary
school for the handicapped by the Department of Education shall not be required to take
custody of a child placed in its special education program but shall enter into a placement
agreement with the parent or other individual holding custody.
B. Intake assessment.
1. The assessment shall include items listed in subdivisions 1a through 1d. However, the
agency shall collect the information for items listed in subdivisions 1a and 1b before
accepting the child for placement. The required items are:
a. The reason the placement is requested;
b. Current information on the child's

(1) Health;
(2) Behavior in the home or other living situation; and
(3) Grade level and adjustment to school, if of school age; or adjustment to day care
or nursery school, if any, for preschool children;
c. The dates and persons involved in placement visits and staffings;
d. The reason or reasons the child was accepted and the date the decision was
made.
2. The assessment shall be written within 30 days of placement.
C. Social history. The purpose of the history is to assist in determining the appropriate goal
for the child and identify the services needed to reach the goal.
1. The study shall be completed within 30 days of placement and include the date it was
completed.
2. Information shall be collected on the items listed below. If information on an item is not
available, the explanation shall be recorded.
3. The study shall cover:
a. Family structure, relationships and involvement with the child;
b. The child's previous placement history, if any;
c. The child's developmental and medical history;
d. A description of the child's appearance;
e. Any emotional or psychological problems of the child including strengths and
needs;
f. The child's school history;

g. The education and occupation of parents; and
h. Family medical history as it relates to the suitability of the child for placement.
4. The worker shall:
a. Recommend long-term goals and intermediate objectives;
b. Identify services needed to meet the objectives and goals; and
c. Make a recommendation as to the type of home best suited to the child. Siblings
shall be placed together whenever possible unless it is clearly not in their best
interest.
5. When a home is selected, the worker shall explain why it was chosen.
D. Physical or dental examinations.
1. A child shall have an examination by or under the direction of a licensed physician
within the 90 days before placement. The discharge summary from a hospital shall be
acceptable for a newborn.
EXCEPTION: The 90-day requirement may be waived if:
a. A report of an examination no more than a year old is available; together with
b. A report of all medical treatment provided in the interim, and
c. The child has been in the continuous placement of a public or private agency.
2. When a child, accepted in an emergency, has not had an examination within 90 days
before placement, he shall have one within 30 days after placement.
3. Each child over three years shall have had a dental examination within 12 months
before placement or within 60 days after placement.

E. School enrollment. The agency shall contact school authorities within five days of
placement to arrange for the enrollment of each school age child.
F. Acceptance of a child from another agency. When a child is accepted for placement from
another child-placing agency which is retaining custody:
1. The receiving agency shall obtain a placement agreement before placing the child. It
shall cover the financial and other responsibilities of each agency including the services
each agency agrees to provide for the child, the biological family and foster family.
2. The agreement shall be signed by a person from each agency who has the authority
to commit the agency to the provisions.
3. The referring agency which retains custody is required by §§ 16.1-281 and 16.1-282
of the Code of Virginia to send the court service plans for each child in its custody.
The receiving agency shall obtain a copy of the service plan sent to the court or document
its efforts to obtain one. It shall develop service plan or plans compatible with the goal or goals
in the plan sent to the court.
G. Acceptance of a child from parent or parents or other individual. When accepting a child
for placement from a parent or other individual holding custody, the agency shall:
1. Obtain an entrustment (Exception: See 22VAC40-130-220 A 3);
2. Explain the agency's foster care program;
3. Collect information for the intake assessment and social history which shall be
recorded only under those headings;
4. Explain service plan, covering:
a. Long-term goals;
b. Steps for their accomplishment;

c. The case worker's responsibilities;
d. The parent or other individual's responsibilities; and
e. Date setting for intermediate and long-term goals.
NOTE: Only the client's reactions should be recorded here; elements of the plan
should be with the service plan itself.
H. Service plans in foster care. An agency shall prepare a service plan for each child in its
care. The parents shall be consulted unless parental rights have been terminated. Prior
custodians or foster parents shall be consulted when appropriate.
1. Service plan requirement when the agency holds custody.
a. The plan shall be filed with the court within 60 days after the agency receives
custody unless:
(1) The court grants an additional 60 days, or
(2) The child is returned home or placed for adoption within 60 days.
b. The goal is to provide services that will lead to the child's placement in a
permanent situation. Goals in order of priority are:
(1) Return to parents or prior custodians;
(2) Placement with relatives with planned transfer of custody;
(3) Adoptive placement;
(4) Permanent foster care; and
(5) Continued foster care or placement with relatives without transfer of custody.
c. Reports to the court are in two parts: A and B.

(1) Part A, only, shall be used if the goal is to return to the parents or prior
custodians. It shall include:
(a) The services to be offered to the child and parents;
(b) The participation to be sought from the parent or parents or prior custodian or
custodians;
(c) Visitation between the child and parent or parents or prior custodian or
custodians;
(d) The type of placement being provided; and
(e) A projected date for the return of the child to the parent or custodian.
(2) If the agency determines that it is not likely that the child can be returned to the
parent or parents or custodian within a reasonable period of time, both Parts A and B
shall be used.
Part B shall include:
(a) The reasons the child cannot be returned to the parents or prior custodians;
(b) The goal selected;
It must be the highest feasible goal. The reasons a higher goal was not selected
must be explained.
(c) A plan for attainment of the selected goal; and
(d) A projected date for attainment of the goal.
d. Procedures in the Service Programs Manual, Volume VII, Section III, Chapter B,
"Preparing the Service Plan" shall be followed. These procedures are incorporated
by reference and made a part of these regulations.

2. Service plan requirements when agency does not hold custody.
a. The plan shall include:
(1) The goal for the child;
(2) The services to be offered to the child and parents or prior custodians;
(3) The participation to be sought from the parents or prior custodians;
(4) The type of placement recommended for the child and how it relates to the goal;
and
(5) The target date for achievement of the goal.
b. The plan shall be completed within 60 days of placement.
22VAC40-130-220. Ongoing services. (Repealed.)
A. Visitation.
1. There shall be a face-to-face contact between the child-placing staff and the child
every 30 days during the first year of placement in a foster home.
2. Contacts every 60 days shall be in the placement setting.
3. If the child is in the same home after one year, the number of required contacts is still
12 per year but there may be 45 days between any two visits. Alternate required visits
shall still be in the placement setting.
EXCEPTIONS:
a. At least one face-to-face contact shall be made each quarter with a child in a
group care facility.

b. Visits to children in permanent foster care shall be made at least every six months
in accordance with Service Programs Manual, Volume VII, Section III, Chapter B,
"Permanent Foster Care Placement."
c. Youth who cannot meet the requirements for court-approved permanent foster
care because they are over 18 but meet all other requirements and have been in a
stable placement for a year, shall be visited at least every six months.
d. Visits to children in out-of-state placements shall be the responsibility of the
agency supervising the placement.
B. Medical care.
1. Frequency of examinations.
a. The physician's recommendations for children under one year shall be followed.
b. Examinations for children over one year shall be no more than 13 months apart.
If the examining physician recommends it, examinations may be every two years for
youths over 18.
2. Reports shall be signed by the physician, his designee or an official of the local health
department.
3. All reports except the discharge summary on a newborn shall include the following
when, at the discretion of the physician, they become appropriate to the child's age.
a. Immunizations given in the past 13 months or since the last examination;
b. Current physical condition, including growth and development, visual and auditory
acuity, nutritional status, evidence of freedom from tuberculosis in a communicable
form, allergies, chronic conditions and handicaps.

4. The agency shall arrange for the child to receive recommended follow-up care as well
as care for illnesses or injuries.
5. The School Entrance Physical Examination of the Department of Health or equivalent
may be used to meet the requirements for a medical examination.
C. Dental care.
1. Each child over three years shall have a dental examination within 13 months of the
last examination and every 13 months after that.
2. The findings shall be signed by a licensed dentist or his designee.
3. The agency shall arrange for the child to receive the recommended follow-up care as
well as care for injuries or other conditions requiring attention between examinations.
D. Psychological and psychiatric care. The agency shall arrange for a child to receive
psychiatric or psychological services if the need for them has been recommended or identified.
EXCEPTION: If the agency does not follow a recommendation, it shall explain in the record
why following the recommendation would not be in the child's best interest.
E. Clothing. The agency shall see that each child in care has his own supply of clothing for
indoor and outdoor wear, suitable to the season.
F. Spending money. School-age children shall have an allowance.
22VAC40-130-230. Narratives, quarterly summaries and service plans in the child's
record. (Repealed.)
A. Narratives shall be in chronological order and current within 30 days. Entries may be in
narrative form or recorded on a contact sheet. They shall cover:
1. Casework treatment and services provided;

2. Contacts with the child, parent or parents, the person or persons or agency holding
custody if other than the parent, and collaterals; and
3. Other significant events, if any.
B. Summaries and service plans shall be made quarterly. The date of the initial service plan
is the beginning date of the first quarter.
1. The summary for the quarter shall evaluate the progress made in reaching the goal
including:
a. Problems met and problems still existing or arising; and
b. An evaluation of:
(1) The services provided the child;
(2) The participation of the services offered the biological parents, if any;
(3) The participation of the foster parents; and
(4) The continued suitability of the goal and termination date.
2. The service plan for the next quarter shall cover:
a. Any changes recommended in the goal and termination date;
b. Services needed for the child and their availability;
c. Contacts planned with the foster parents, school, biological parent or parents and
other relatives; and
d. Progress anticipated during the coming quarter.
3. The fourth quarterly report shall also address subdivision 2 b, c and d for the next 12
months.
For recording in biological and foster family records, see 22VAC40-130-280.

22VAC40-130-240. Termination of care. (Repealed.)
A. The closing narrative shall be completed within 30 days of termination and include:
1. The reason or reasons for the termination;
2. The name or names of persons with whom the child has been placed or to whom he
was discharged;
3. Follow-up services, if any, to be provided the child and family or guardian; and
4. A brief statement of what was accomplished while the child was in care; and
5. Recommendations for services if the child is discharged to another agency.
B. A copy of medical and school records, and birth certificate if the agency holds custody,
shall be given to the parents or receiving agency. Information shall be released, to a child who
has reached 18 in accordance with § 63.1-209 of the Code of Virginia.
22VAC40-130-250. Permanent foster care. (Repealed.)
A child-placing agency may place a child in permanent foster care in accordance with §
63.1-206.1 of the Code of Virginia. Agencies shall follow procedures in the Service Programs
Manual, Volume VII, Section III, Chapter B, "Permanent Foster Care Placement."
22VAC40-130-260. Independent living arrangement. (Repealed.)
Any agency may place a child in an independent living arrangement. Procedures in the
Service Programs Manual, Volume VII, Section III, Chapter B, "Placing the Child in an
Independent Living Arrangement" must be followed.
22VAC40-130-270. The foster family. (Repealed.)
A. The foster home study. Information on the items listed below shall be gathered in order to
assess whether or not it would be a suitable foster home, and, if so, what types of children
would fit into the home.

1. The foster parent or parents shall be at least 18 years old.
2. Workers shall see marriage licenses for couples applying to be foster parents. If there
have been previous marriages, the worker shall ascertain that divorces from the former
spouses are final.
3. Health.
a. Each permanent member of the household shall obtain a report signed by a
physician, his designee or an official of the local health department containing:
(1) An evaluation of the current health of the individual;
(2) A statement that the individual does not have tuberculosis in a communicable
form including the date and type or types of test or tests and the results;
If the test is positive or no test is done, there shall be a written explanation by the
physician.
(3) An opinion as to whether or not the health of the household member will affect
the care of foster children.
b. Additional tests are not required unless:
(1) The individual comes in contact with a known case of tuberculosis; or
(2) Develops chronic respiratory symptoms.
For either of these symptoms, he must be evaluated according to subdivisions 2 a
(2) and 2 a (3) of this subsection.
c. At the request of the agency or the licensing representative, an examination shall
be obtained when there are indications that the safety of the children in care may be
jeopardized by the physical or mental health of a household member.

The agency shall plan for the immediate removal of the child or children if the
examination reveals that their safety might be in jeopardy.
4. Income and financial resources of the foster family shall be sufficient to assure
continuing maintenance of the foster family. If there is an amount in the agency's
monthly payment above that required for the needs of the child, it may be counted as
income.
5. Child care if parents are employed. When a single foster parent or both parents are
employed, there shall be plans approved by the agency for the care of the child during
their absence.
6. CPSIS and Division of Motor Vehicles checks.
a. Persons applying to be foster parents and other adult members of the household
shall consent to a search of the Child Protective Services Central Registry (CPSIS).
(1) The agency shall use the form provided by the registry and follow the instructions
thereon.
(2) A search must be done for the initial approval and may be repeated if the child-
placing staff believes it necessary.
(3) The home shall not be used if an adult in the household has a founded or
unfounded reason to suspect child abuse or neglect record.
NOTE: The Central Registry name is to be changed from CPSIS to CANIS (Child
Abuse and Neglect Information System) in the early fall of 1989. The method of
judging injury to children is to be changed. Agencies will be sent information on the
changes when they occur.

b. Persons applying to be foster parents shall consent to a check of Department of
Motor Vehicles records if the agency thinks it is needed. The agency may require
consent to a check after a home is in use if it appears to be needed.
7. Residence and surrounding area.
a. The home shall have:
(1) A working telephone;
(2) Screens on all doors and windows used for ventilation;
(3) Some method of ventilation for the rooms where children sleep;
(4) Closet or drawer space or both for clothing and personal possessions of children
over two years;
(5) Separate beds for each foster child except that two siblings of the same sex may
share a double bed;
(6) A written plan for evacuation of the home in case of fire.
(a) The worker shall review the plan during the initial home study and at the time of
the reevaluation if the family has moved.
(b) The foster parents shall review the plan, with any child old enough to understand,
within five days of placement. This requirement shall be in the foster home
agreement or other document signed by the foster parent.
b. If the family possesses firearms, they shall be stored in locked cabinets or locked
areas not accessible to children. Ammunition shall be stored in a locked place
separate from the firearms.
c. There shall be an assessment of the following based on the worker's observations
and discussion with the applicant or applicants:

(1) The availability and use of sleeping space;
(2) The availability of play or recreation areas appropriate for the ages of children to
be placed;
(3) The availability of study areas if school age children are to be placed;
(4) Housekeeping standards; and
(5) The neighborhood and the accessibility of applicable community facilities.
8. Interviews with family members.
a. There shall be a minimum of three face-to-face interviews with each foster parent,
including at least one joint interview in the home.
b. All other members of the household shall be interviewed face-to-face at least
once.
c. The following areas shall be covered:
(1) Each applicant's reasons for and expectations of becoming a foster parent;
(2) Each applicant's parenting skills, understanding of types of children to be placed,
prior experiences with children, attitudes toward natural parents and toward working
with the agency;
(3) The abilities of all members of the household to accept a foster child including
their experiences in sharing with and caring for children not related to them;
(4) The social and academic adjustment of the applicant's children such as peer
relationships, grade placement, and school performance;
(5) Family relationships including marital;
(6) General patterns of family life; and

NOTE: The purpose of recording the patterns is to assess how a child will fit into the
usual routines or activities of the household.
(7) The applicant's relationships with extended family and friends.
9. References. At least three references for the family shall be obtained.
10. Worker's recommendations.
a. The child-placing staff shall recommend approval or disapproval of the home. The
date of the action shall be recorded.
b. Applicants shall be informed within a week of approval or disapproval.
c. The worker shall recommend the type, number, age and sex of children that can
successfully be cared for in the home. Foster parent or parents preferences shall be
taken into consideration.
11. The foster home study shall be written and the home approved before a child is
placed.
B. Foster home capacity. The total number of children in the foster home shall not exceed
eight including the parent's own children.
EXCEPTION: When placement of a sibling group in one home is in the best interest of the
siblings, the total may exceed eight.
C. Services and requirements following approval.
1. The agency shall have a plan of orientation for each newly approved foster family.
2. The agency shall provide the foster family with written procedures for handling
emergencies during and outside the agency's regular office hours.
3. Prior to placement the family shall be assisted to make an informed decision as to
whether a particular child is appropriate for them.

4. The agency shall have a written foster home agreement with the family for each child
in care.
a. The agreement shall be signed on or before the date the child is placed in the
home.
b. The agreement shall include:
(1) The payment for foster care;
(2) Payment for other expenses;
(3) Arrangements for medical care;
(4) Arrangements for the provision of clothing;
(5) Arrangements for spending money for the child;
(6) Arrangements for visits by parents;
(7) An agreement not to use corporal punishment or give others permission to do so;
EXCEPTION: If the agency prefers, it may substitute a written policy statement
containing the prohibition which foster parent or parents shall sign saying they have
read and will follow to the best of their ability.
If a statement is substituted, it needs to be signed only at the time of the first
placement. It shall state that it applies to any child placed by the agency.
(8) A clear statement that the agency has the right to remove the child when it
considers it in the child's best interest; and
(9) A statement that the foster family has the right to receive the support and
assistance of agency staff at all times in relation to the child's care in the home.
D. Re-evaluation of foster homes. The agency shall re-evaluate the foster home after one
year and every two years after that covering the topics in the initial home study.
The re-evaluation shall take place in the home. The visit shall be made when both parents
can be present. The re-evaluation may be done at the time of one of the regular home visits.
NOTE: A form may be used to indicate those areas in which there has been no change. The
same form may be used to note changes that have occurred and to cover items listed in
subdivisions 1 through 5 of this subsection providing there is space for an explanation.
The re-evaluation shall also cover:
1. A brief description of the adjustment of each child placed in the home since the last
evaluation;
2. An evaluation of the performance of the foster parents addressing:
a. Their ability to relate to the children;
b. Their ability to help children reach their goals;
c. Skills in working with particular types of problems; and
d. Their ability to work with the agency in meeting the needs of a child.
3. The relationship between the children and the family members. Family members shall
be mentioned by name but may be listed together if one statement applies to all;
4. The stability of the home and any problems or significant changes that have occurred
in the family since the last evaluation; and
5. Worker's recommendations regarding continued use of the home, and age, sex, types
and number of children which home can handle successfully.

22VAC40-130-280. Foster care records. (Repealed.)
The agency shall maintain a record for the child, the biological family and the foster family.
The biological family record may be a part of the child's record.
A. The child's record. The record shall include:
1. A face sheet completed within five working days of placement, with the following
information:
a. For the child: birth date, place of birth, sex and race and source of this information;
b. For the biological parents: full names, address or addresses, telephone numbers,
if available, and marital status;
c. For siblings: names, and addresses, if available;
d. Names, addresses and telephone numbers of person or persons or agency
holding custody; and
e. Names and telephone numbers of persons to be contacted in an emergency, and
2. Other material pertaining to a child in foster care as required by this chapter.
B. The biological parent's record. The record shall contain:
1. A face sheet with the following information:
a. Names, addresses and marital status of the biological parents;
b. Members of the biological family and their whereabouts with addresses and
telephone numbers when available; and
c. Cross-references to the child's record.

2. A chronological narrative or summary of contacts with and services provided to the
family. It shall include visits of the parents with the child and visits, or attempts to visit,
with the parents.
3. Material relating to biological parents as required by this chapter.
C. The foster home record. The record shall contain:
1. A face sheet listing all members of the household and their relationship to the foster
parents;
2. The agency application for foster parents;
3. A record of orientation and training provided to the foster parents;
NOTE: a form listing the training offered by the agency may be filed in the record. When
the parent or parents complete a course, the date may be entered on the form.
4. A narrative account of the preparation of the family for each child placed with them;
5. A list of the children placed including names, birth date or age, dates of placement
and removal and reasons for removal;
6. Copies of all foster home agreements;
7. Other material required for foster home studies by this chapter;
8. Re-evaluation of the foster home, and
9. When applicable, date and reason for closure.
Part V
Adoption Services
22VAC40-130-290. Program statement. (Repealed.)
A. Child-placing agencies shall have a statement describing their services including:

1. The purpose of the adoption program;
2. An open admissions policy if federal or local social service agency funds are involved.
It shall state that the program is open to all children without regard to race, color,
national origin or sex. It shall say also that children with handicapping conditions will be
accepted if their needs can be reasonably accommodated.
The statement shall describe the population to be served.
3. Qualifications for adoptive families;
4. A description of the study, approval and selection process for adoptive families
including orientation and training offered by the agency and policy regarding fees;
5. A list of services provided to children, biological families and adoptive families prior to
the final order of adoption;
6. A list of services provided after the final order, either directly or by referrals to adopted
children and families;
7. A description of services provided to adult adopted persons; and
8. A description of the responsibilities and workload of agency staff.
B. The program statement or a summary shall be given to agencies or individuals who ask
about the services of the agency.
C. A copy shall accompany the initial application for a license.
D. The program statement shall be updated when changes are made and a copy sent to the
licensing representative.
22VAC40-130-300. Intake. (Repealed.)
A. Services to biological parents contemplating placing their child for adoption.

1. While parents may have decided to place their child for adoption before coming to the
agency, counseling sessions shall be offered to assure that:
a. The decision was not made under duress; and
b. The decision is firm.
2. Alternatives to adoptive placement shall be discussed including:
a. Services to help the family stay together if it is in the best interest of both the child
and the family;
b. Temporary foster care; and
c. Placement with relatives.
3. Additional counseling sessions shall be offered as needed.
4. If either of the parents was not offered counseling, the worker shall record the reason
or reasons.
5. Agency adoption services shall be explained.
6. If the parents choose adoption, the agency shall secure a termination of parental
rights in accordance with termination procedures in The Service Programs Manual,
Volume VII, Section III, Chapter B, "How Parental Rights are Terminated."
B. Authority to place. The agency shall have the authority to place a child either in a foster or
adoptive home.
1. An agency may place a child in a foster home with:
a. A court commitment;
b. A permanent entrustment by the parent or parents or other person holding
custody, or
c. A temporary entrustment by the parent or parents or other person holding custody;
The agency shall petition the court for approval of a temporary entrustment within 30
days unless the entrustment is for less than 90 days.
d. A placement agreement from an agency holding custody.
2. To place a child for adoption, an agency shall have:
a. A permanent commitment with termination of parental rights from the court; or
b. A permanent entrustment by the parent or other person holding custody;
NOTE: A child coming into care through permanent entrustment is eligible for federal
subsidy (Title IV-E, Adoption Assistance) if:
(1) The court finds that remaining in the home would be contrary to the welfare of the
child, and
(2) The child has been living with the parent or parents within six months of the
initiation of court proceedings.
The agency should consult with the local departments of social services to determine
whether other relatives would be acceptable.
In order to conserve state funds, agencies should do everything possible to make a
child eligible for IV-E if he or she is likely to need subsidy. Permanently entrusted
children who are not eligible for subsidy are, however, eligible for state subsidy.
State and local funds pay for the same needs and services for the child.
or
c. Transfer of custody from another agency. Agency transfer requires court approval.
22VAC40-130-310. Temporary foster care prior to adoption for children under one year.
(Repealed.)
A. The foster home. The foster home shall be approved under the provisions of 22VAC40-
130-270. The foster home agreement shall be signed by the agency and foster parents.
B. Intake assessment. The agency shall collect the following information before accepting
the child for placement:
1. The reason the placement is requested, and a brief report on his living situation or
situations if he did not come directly from the hospital.
2. Current information on the child's health:
a. The hospital discharge summary is an acceptable admission examination for a
newborn.
b. If a child has not come directly from the hospital, the hospital summary and a
report of interim care, signed by the physician shall be obtained. The report shall be
no more than 30 days old. The absence of abnormalities shall be noted or the
presence of abnormalities noted and explained on the report.
3. In addition, the assessment shall cover:
a. Dates and persons involved in placement visits and staffing; and
b. The reason or reasons the child was accepted and the date the decision was
made
4. The assessment shall be completed within 30 days of placement.
C. Social history. The purpose of the history is to assist in the determination of the most
suitable adoptive home for the child.
If some item of information is not available, the reason shall be recorded.

1. The history shall cover:
a. The reasons for and the goal of the foster home placement;
b. The physical appearance of the child and of both parents if available;
c. The child's parents' nationality, race and religion;
d. The child's parents', siblings', aunts', uncles' and grandparents' medical and
psychiatric history as it relates to the selection of a suitable home for the child;
e. The education and occupation of the child's parents, siblings, aunts, uncles and
grandparents; and
f. The expected length of placement in foster care.
2. The social history shall be completed within 30 days after placement in the foster
home and include the date it was completed.
3. The worker shall describe the type of adoptive home that appears to be best for the
child.
D. Visitation. The case worker shall have a face-to-face contact with the child every 30 days.
Visits every 60 days shall be in the foster home.
E. The worker shall see that the child has an adequate supply of clothing.
F. Continuing contact with parent or parents.
1. Parents shall be included in service planning, including goal setting, until or unless
rights are terminated.
2. If parental rights are terminated, and the parents request it, the agency shall arrange
continuing services, either directly or by referral.

G. Service plans in foster care. If the agency holds custody it shall file a foster care plan with
the court within 60 days unless the child is returned home or placed for adoption within that
time. (See 22VAC40-130-220 H.)
H. For narrative, quarterly reports and termination of care, see 22VAC40-130-240 and
22VAC40-130-250.
22VAC40-130-320. Items to be considered when selecting an adoptive home. (Repealed.)
A. Siblings shall be placed together unless it clearly is not in the best interest of the children.
Reasons for separation shall be explained in the record.
B. Consideration shall be given to placing children with families of the same racial or cultural
or religious identity; however, no one or all of these factors shall be determinative since the best
interest of the child shall always be paramount.
C. Foster parents shall be considered a primary adoptive resource when that is considered
in the best interest of the child.
NOTE: Section 63.1-221 of the Code of Virginia has the following provision: When a foster
parent who has a child placed by an agency wishes to adopt the child and the child has been in
the home at least 18 months, the foster parent may petition the court directly for permission to
adopt.
D. The ages of the adoptive parents in relation to the age of the child shall be considered in
determining the best interest of the child.
E. The agency may consider the recommendations of a physician, an attorney licensed in
the Commonwealth, or a clergyman who is familiar with the situation of the proposed adoptive
parents only as provided in § 63.1-204 C 1 of the Code of Virginia.

22VAC40-130-330. Direct placement in adoptive home. (Repealed.)
A. If a child is placed in the adoptive home before he is 25 days old or before the child is
legally free for adoption, a statement acknowledging this shall be signed by the prospective
adoptive parents and filed in the child's record.
B. Such a placement shall be recognized as a foster home placement and a foster home
agreement signed by the agency and foster parents.
C. The adoptive placement agreement shall not be signed until the child is legally free.
22VAC40-130-340. Placement of children over one year. (Repealed.)
The provisions of Part IV (22VAC40-130-200 et seq.) are applicable when placing children
over one year of age in foster care prior to adoption. When selecting an adoptive home, items in
22VAC40-130-320 shall be considered. In addition, an older child's concerns about adoption
shall be taken into account.
22VAC40-130-350. Agency responsibility after child is placed in the adoptive home.
(Repealed.)
A. The agency shall ensure that supervisory visits are made in compliance with §§ 63.1-228
and 63.1-229 of the Code of Virginia, or according to the laws of the state in which the final
order of adoption is issued.
The Code of Virginia stipulates that the child shall have lived in the adoptive home
continuously for a period of six months before the petition for the final order is filed with the
court. A minimum of three visits shall be made during a period of six months with at least 90
days between the first and last visits.

B. The agency shall maintain contact with the family until the final order is entered. If
conditions warrant, it shall proceed to remove the child in accordance with the provisions of §
63.1-211.1 of the Code of Virginia.
C. The agency is legally responsible for the child until the final order is entered.
22VAC40-130-360. Provisions for children with special needs. (Repealed.)
A. Referral to AREVA (Adoption Resource Exchange of Virginia).
1. Special needs children who are legally free for adoption shall be registered with
AREVA within the timeframes set by service programs.
2. Families willing to accept special needs children shall be registered also.
3. Agencies shall follow procedures in the Service Programs Manual, Volume VII,
Section III, Chapter C, "Adoption Resource Exchange of Virginia."
B. Subsidy.
1. Subsidy payments shall be provided for a special needs child determined eligible for
subsidy.
NOTE: A special needs child is not eligible for subsidy until reasonable efforts have been
made to find an appropriate home without subsidy. However, in some cases such as
where the child has developed significant emotional ties with the prospective adoptive
parents while in their care as a foster child, efforts to find another home are not required.
"Reasonable efforts" are defined in the Service Programs Manual, Volume VII, Section
III, Chapter C, "Subsidized Adoption."
2. Agencies shall follow service programs procedures and work with their local
department of social services to secure a subsidy.

3. Refer to 22VAC40-130-300 B 2 b for the explanation of the effect of permanent
entrustment on eligibility for subsidy.
C. Services for children after final order. When an agency places a child in its custody in an
adoptive home and the child has longstanding mental or physical problems, the agency shall
make arrangements for services after the final order. This may be through continued agency
services or referral to some other resource such as another agency, a post-adoption counseling
group or resources for medical or psychiatric services.
22VAC40-130-370. Involuntary termination of parental rights. (Repealed.)
When a child has been in the custody of a licensed child-placing agency for 12 months, the
court may terminate parental rights if it finds that the parent or parents have been unable or
unwilling to remedy the conditions that led to the placement.
1. If the agency elects to take the case to court for an adjudication, the agency shall
submit a plan for finding a permanent placement for the child.
2. The agency shall follow the procedures in the Service Program Manual, Volume VII,
Section III, Chapter B, "Terminating Parental Rights."
22VAC40-130-380. Interlocutory orders. (Repealed.)
A. While agencies are legally responsible for a child placed in an adoptive home until the
final order, an agency may issue its consent to an interlocutory order if a determination is made
that:
1. The adoptive parent or parents are financially able to care for the child (subsidy funds
may be counted in the assessment where appropriate);
2. The adoptive parent or parents are suitable persons to care for the child;
3. A home visit made at least 30 days after placement and any other contacts provide
evidence that the child and family are making a positive adjustment to each other; and
4. The best interest of the child is served by entering an interlocutory order rather than
waiting until the end of the visitation period.
B. A notarized statement shall accompany the order stating that the agency will assume
legal responsibility if the placement disrupts before the final order.
C. The child shall be visited at least three times in the six months following the interlocutory
order with not less than 90 days between the first and last visits.
D. The agency shall continue to count the child in determining agency caseload capacity
until the final order is entered.
22VAC40-130-390. Agency fees. (Repealed.)
If the agency requires fees from adoptive applicants, it shall attach an explanation of agency
policy to the license renewal application. The explanation shall cover the amounts charged, how
the figures were arrived at, and what services are to be provided for the fees.
If a new agency plans to charge fees, an explanation of the proposed policy shall
accompany the application for a license.
Fees shall be discussed with applicants before or at the start of the home study. Applicants
shall be given an explanation of:
1. The amount they must pay and when and how payments are to be made;
2. How the amount is determined and what services it covers; and
3. The agency refund policy if any.

22VAC40-130-400. The adoptive home study. (Repealed.)
A. Information on the items below shall be gathered in order to assess the applicant's or
applicants' capacities as adoptive parent or parents. If the home is approved, the information is
also used to determine the type of child that can successfully be placed in the home.
B. Interviews with family and household members.
1. There shall be a minimum of three face-to-face interviews with the adoptive applicant
or applicants. At least one interview with a couple shall be joint and one shall take place
in the home.
2. All members of the household shall be interviewed as well as children of each
adoptive parent living outside the home.
Information may be requested by telephone or letter if the child is over 18 and lives more
than 50 miles from the parents' home.
3. If the required contacts with children living outside the home should not or could not
be made, the reasons shall be taken into consideration in the assessment of the home.
C. Subjects to be covered in interviews with the applicants shall include:
1. A description of:
a. The home and surrounding area; and
b. The physical appearance of the applicant or applicants.
2. A discussion of the family covering:
a. The compatibility of the couple and stability of the marriage in relation to its length;
b. The relationships with other household members and children in the home, if any;
c. Physical and mental health history;

d. The interests and activities of family members, including a judgment as to whether
or not the general patterns of family life will accommodate a child;
e. Extended family, social and community relationships;
f. Childhood or family life experiences of adoptive applicant or applicants;
g. The place of religion in family life; and
h. Income and financial resources in relation to expenses.
3. The family in relation to adoptions:
a. The applicant's or applicants' motivation for and expectations of adoption;
b. Experiences of the applicant or applicants with children;
c. Attitudes and opinions about discipline of children;
d. Attitudes toward biological parents;
e. Attitudes about periodic contact with parent or parents or prior custodians for older
children (open adoption);
f. The age and type of child desired and the age or ages of the applicant or
applicants in relation to the child; and
g. The attitude toward adoption of family and extended family members, especially
natural children living outside the home.
4. A discussion of agency services before and after adoption if family is interested in a
special needs child.
D. Information from other sources.
1. A minimum of three references for the family shall be obtained.

2. A report of a recent medical examination of all members of the household shall be
obtained. It shall report on both mental and physical health and be signed by the
physician. If difficulties are noted, specialists in the appropriate field shall be consulted.
3. Adoptive applicants shall consent to a search of the Child Protective Services Central
Registry (CPSIS).
a. The agency shall use the form provided by the registry and follow the instructions
thereon.
b. The home shall not be used if an applicant has a founded or unfounded reason to
suspect child abuse or neglect record.
NOTE: The Central Registry name is to be changed from CPSIS to CANIS (Child
Abuse and Neglect Information System) in the early fall of 1989. The method of
judging injury to children is to be changed. Agencies will be sent information on the
changes when they occur.
4. If an agency believes it is needed, it may, in addition, require consent to check
Division of Motor Vehicle records.
5. The worker shall see the marriage license for couples. If there has been a previous
marriage, the worker shall ascertain that the divorce is final to make sure there is a valid
marriage.
6. If a single adoptive applicant is divorced, the worker shall ascertain that the divorce is
final to avoid legal difficulties with the adoption.
7. Employment shall be verified by pay stub or other written evidence, personal
knowledge of an agency staff member or interview with the employer.
E. Approval or disapproval.
1. The worker shall recommend approval or disapproval.
2. If approval is recommended, the worker shall recommend the age, sex, special
characteristics and number of children that could successfully be nurtured.
The adoptive parent's or parents' preferences shall be considered in reaching the
recommendations.
3. The applicant or applicants shall be informed in writing within a week of the approval
or disapproval and offered an interview to have the agency's decision explained to them.
F. The selection of the child for the adoptive family shall be in the best interests of the child
and is the responsibility of the agency. The reasons for selecting the specific home for the child
shall be stated.
The adoptive parents have the right to full factual information about the child and the child's
birth family except for identifying information.
The prospective family shall, however, be permitted to decide whether or not a child is
suitable for them. Refusal of a child shall not be the sole basis for excluding a family from
consideration for another child.
G. The adoptive placement agreement. The agreement shall include:
1. The agency's responsibilities until final order is entered;
2. The adoptive family's responsibilities until final order is entered;
3. The statement that the agency is legally responsible for the child until the final order
and may, with the sanction of the court, remove the child if it is necessary for the child's
well being; and
4. A statement of services to be provided after the final order, if any have been agreed
upon.
H. Corporal punishment. The agency shall have a written statement prohibiting corporal
punishment which the adoptive parent or parents shall sign saying they have read and will
follow to the best of their ability.
I. Re-evaluations.
1. When 12 months have elapsed after completion of the original home study and the
agency is contemplating placing a child, a reevaluation shall be made which includes:
a. A visit to the home;
b. Face-to-face interviews with all members of the household; and
c. Updated medical reports.
2. When subsequent adoptive placements are considered, the agency shall reevaluate
the home covering all areas of the original study.
Concrete areas such as house or neighborhood which have not changed may be noted on a
form.
At least one home visit shall be made with all household members present except for
members out of the home for extended periods.
22VAC40-130-410. Direct parental placement services. (Repealed.)
If an agency chooses to provide direct parental placement services, it shall do so in
accordance with §§ 63.1-220.3 through 63.1-220.5 and 63.1-238.01 and 63.1-238.02 of the
Code of Virginia.
22VAC40-130-420. Adoption records. (Repealed.)
A. The agency shall maintain a case record for each child, the biological family and the
adoptive family. The biological family record may be a part of the child's record.
B. The child's record. The record shall include:

1. Identifying information including birthdate, place of birth, sex, race, height, weight, hair
color, eye color and identifying marks;
2. The legal documents required for adoption;
3. A record in the narrative dictation of the child's and family's preparation for the
placement; and
4. Other information required in this chapter.
C. The biological family's record. The record shall include:
1. Identifying information including, names, addresses, telephone numbers and marital
status of the parents;
2. A narrative of contacts; and
3. Other information required by this chapter.
D. The adoptive family record. The record shall contain:
1. The agency application;
2. A copy of any written information given to the adoptive parent or parents concerning
the child;
3. Summaries of supervisory visits and closing summary; and
4. Other information required by this chapter.

Part VI
Interstate Placements
22VAC40-130-430. Interstate compacts. (Repealed.)
A child-placing agency shall comply with the Interstate Compact on the Placement of
Children before sending a child out of state or receiving a child into the Commonwealth for
foster care or adoption.
The procedures to be followed are in the Service Programs Manual, Volume VII, Section III,
Chapter E.
22VAC40-130-440. Procedures. (Repealed.)
If an agency does an adoptive home study before a child has been identified, the Interstate
Compact Office is not involved. However, the agency shall:
1. Inform the potential adoptive parent or parents that the placement of an out-of-state
child must go through the compact office; and
2. Attach a statement to the home study explaining the requirement.
22VAC40-130-450. Out-of-state child. (Repealed.)
If a Virginia agency is asked to supervise the placement of an out-of-state child, it must have
notification of compact approval of the placement before proceeding. The placing agency is
responsible for obtaining compact approval.

Part VII
Reports
22VAC40-130-460. General. (Repealed.)
Agencies shall keep records and make reports as required by the Department of Social
Services pursuant to § 63.1-203 of the Code of Virginia. Reports include the criteria listed in
22VAC40-130-470 and 22VAC40-130-480.
22VAC40-130-470. Death of a child. (Repealed.)
The agency shall:
1. Notify the parent or parents or guardian of the child immediately; and
2. Notify the licensing representative within 48 hours.
A written report of the circumstances shall be made to the licensing representative within
seven days of the death.
22VAC40-130-480. Abuse or neglect, or both. (Repealed.)
The agency shall:
1. Immediately notify the appropriate local department of social services of all complaints
or suspected cases of abuse and neglect of a child;
2. Cooperate with the local department in its investigation of the complaint;
3. Make its own investigation of each complaint to determine whether or not its policies
and procedures have been violated; and
4. Report the results of its investigation to the licensing representative within 90 days of
receipt of the complaint.

Part VIII
Case Record Requirements
22VAC40-130-490. Inspection. (Repealed.)
The agency shall provide licensing representatives reasonable opportunity to inspect all
facilities, books and records related to the child-placing program.
22VAC40-130-500. Storage. (Repealed.)
Active and closed case records shall be kept in locked, metal files. They shall be
systematically filed.
22VAC40-130-510. Confidentiality. (Repealed.)
Case records are confidential.
22VAC40-130-520. Entries in case records. (Repealed.)
A. All entries shall be dated. They shall indicate who performed the service and be signed or
initialed.
B. If an agency has offices in more than one state, the record shall identify the office which
provided the service.
22VAC40-130-530. Evidence of compliance. (Repealed.)
To be in compliance with a standard:
1. There shall be written evidence that the requirement has been met;
2. It shall be completed by the required date if a time limit is specified in the standard;
and
3. It must be filed in the appropriate record within 30 days unless otherwise specified in
this chapter.
NOTE: Whenever possible, information shall be recorded in the appropriate place and not
repeated elsewhere.
22VAC40-130-540. Retention of records. (Repealed.)
A. Upon entry of a final order of adoption or other final disposition of a matter involving
adoption, all reports and collateral information shall be forwarded to the commissioner.
B. The agency shall retain a copy of the child's subsidy record as long as the child receives
a subsidy.
C. If a child has been united with his biological family before reaching majority, case records
shall be retained until one year after his 21st birthday.
D. Records shall be retained permanently for any children who have not been adopted nor
reunited with their families.
E. When an agency ceases to operate, it shall inform the department in writing of the
location for the retention of its records.
22VAC40-130-550. Disclosure of information. (Repealed.)
A. If a child has reached his majority without being adopted, information shall be revealed to
him according to the provisions of § 63.1-209 of the Code of Virginia.
B. Information concerning children who have been legally adopted shall be revealed to them
only according to the provisions of § 63.1-236 of the Code of Virginia.
FORMS (22VAC40-130) (Repealed.)
Application for License for Private Child Placing Agencies.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (22VAC40-130) (Repealed.)
Service Programs Manual, Volume VII, Section #, Chapter B, Virginia Department of Social
Services, 7/85.
CHAPTER 131
STANDARDS FOR LICENSED CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES
Part I
General Provisions
22VAC40-131-10. Definitions.
"Adoptive home" means any family home selected and approved by a parent, local board or
a licensed child-placing agency for the placement of a child with the intent of adoption.
"Adoptive parent" means any person selected and approved by a parent or a child-placing
agency for the placement of a child with the intent of adoption.
"Adoptive placement" means arranging for the care of a child who is in the custody of a
child-placing agency in an approved home for the purpose of adoption.
"Adult" means any person 18 years of age or older.
"Annual" means within 13 months of the previous event or occurrence.
"Applicant" means an individual or couple applying to be approved as a resource, foster,
adoptive, treatment foster, or short-term foster family home [ ; or independent living
arrangement ] provider.
"Background check" means a sworn statement or affirmation disclosing whether the
individual has a criminal conviction, is the subject of any pending criminal charges within or
outside the Commonwealth of Virginia and is the subject of a founded complaint of abuse or
neglect within or outside the Commonwealth; criminal history record information; child abuse
and neglect central registry search; and any other requirement of 22VAC-40-191, Background
Checks for Child-Welfare Agencies, and §§ 63.2-1721 and 63.2-901.1 of the Code of Virginia.
"Behavior support" means those principles and methods employed by a provider to help a
child or youth achieve positive behavior and to address and correct a child's or youth's
inappropriate behavior in a constructive and safe manner in accordance with goals of the child's
or youth's service or treatment plan and the safety of the child or youth and others.
"Birth parent" means the biological parent of a child and, for the purposes of adoptive
placement, means parents by previous adoption.
"Caretaker" means any individual having the responsibility of providing care for a child and
includes the following: (i) a parent or other person legally responsible for the child's care; (ii) any
other person who has assumed caretaking responsibility by virtue of an agreement with the
legally responsible person; (iii) a person responsible by virtue of their position of conferred
authority; and (iv) adult persons residing in the home with the child.
"Career and technical education" means organized sequential educational activities and
courses that provide individuals with academic and relevant technical knowledge and skills
needed to prepare for further education and careers in current or emerging professions.
"Case management" means an activity that assists individuals eligible for Medicaid in
gaining and coordinating access to necessary care and services appropriate to his needs. Case
management activities are provided in treatment foster care.
"Casework" means provision of direct services or treatment with an individual or several
individuals, and intervention in the situation on the client's behalf.
"Casework staff" means an individual hired to perform casework services who has at least a
baccalaureate degree with relevant experience required in this chapter.
"Child" means any natural person under 18 years of age.
"Child-placing activities" means the activities involved in the placement of children in foster
or adoptive family homes; and children or youth in children's residential facilities or independent
living arrangements. The following activities and actions are integral components of a Virginia-
licensed child-placing program and when performed in Virginia, these components are regulated
under this chapter:
1. The provision of counseling to biological parents including assisting parents to
formulate a plan for the care and/or placement of their child;
2. The acceptance of a child's custody for placement purposes;
3. Assessing a child's service and placement needs;
4. Performing home studies;
5. Selecting and approving applicants for resource, foster, treatment foster, or short-term
foster care and adoption placements; and approving independent living placements and
services;
6. Matching a child with an approved family or licensed children's residential facility;
7. Making a placement of a child in a resource, foster, treatment foster, or short-term
foster care home; an independent living arrangement; or children's residential facility
selected for that child;
8. Casework and supervision of children in foster care, adoption and independent living,
including counseling the child, the biological, adoptive parents, or other persons; and
consultation with foster parents and agencies holding custody of the child; and
9. Providing documentation to finalize adoptions and providing post-placement adoption
and supervision services or making referrals to appropriate resources for such services.
"Child-placing agency" means any person who places children in foster homes, adoptive
homes, or independent living arrangements pursuant to § 63.2-1819 of the Code of Virginia; or
a local board that places children in foster or adoptive homes pursuant to §§ 63.2-900, 63.2-
903, and 63.2-1221 of the Code of Virginia. Officers, employees, or agents of the
Commonwealth of Virginia or any locality acting within the scope of their authority as such, who
serve as or maintain a child-placing agency, shall not be required to be licensed.
"Child's family" means the birth or adoptive parents, legal guardians, or family to whom the
child may return.
"Commissioner" means the Commissioner of the Department of Social Services, his
designee, or his authorized representative.
"Complaint" means an accusation that a facility that is subject to licensure is operating
without a license or that a licensed facility is not in compliance with licensing standards or law.
"Corporal punishment" means punishment administered through the intentional infliction of
pain or discomfort to the body through (i) actions such as, but not limited to, striking or hitting
with any part of the body or with an implement; (ii) pinching, pulling, or shaking; or (iii) any
similar action that normally inflicts pain or discomfort.
"Department" means the State Department of Social Services.
"Dual approval process" means a process that includes a home-study, mutual selection,
interviews, training, and background checks completed on all applicants to be considered for
approval as a resource, foster, or adoptive family home provider.
"Emergency placement" means the placement of a child where the local department of
social services placing the child has within the past 72 hours removed the child from his home
or previous placement due to abuse or neglect or other emergency.
"Employee", "staff [ , ] " [ , ] or "staff person" means a person working for the licensee who is
compensated or has a financial interest in the business of the licensee, regardless of role,
service, age, function, or duration of employment with the licensee. Employee, staff, or staff
person also includes persons hired through a contract to provide services for the licensee.
"Foster care placement" means placement of a child through (i) an agreement between the
parents or guardians and the local board where the legal custody remains with the parents or
guardians or (ii) an entrustment or commitment of the child to the local board or licensed child-
placing agency.
"Foster care services" means the provision of a full range of casework, treatment, and
community services, including but not limited to independent living services, for a planned
period of time to a child who is abused or neglected as defined in § 63.2-100 of the Code of
Virginia or in need of services as defined in § 16.1-228 of the Code of Virginia and his family
when the child (i) has been identified as needing services to prevent or eliminate the need for
foster care placement, (ii) has been placed through an agreement between the local board of
social services and the parents or guardians where legal custody remains with the parents or
guardians, or (iii) has been committed or entrusted to a local board of social services or licensed
child-placing agency.
"Foster home" means the place of residence of any natural person in which any child, other
than a child by birth or adoption of such person, resides as a member of the household.
"Foster parent" means an approved provider who gives 24-hour substitute family care, room
and board, and services for children committed or entrusted to a child-placing agency.
"Independent living arrangement" means the placement of a child at least 16 years of age
who is in the custody of a local board or licensed child-placing agency and has been placed by
the local board or licensed child-placing agency in a living arrangement in which he does not
have daily substitute parental supervision.
"Independent living services" means services and activities provided to a child in foster care
14 years of age or older who was committed or entrusted to a local board of social services,
child welfare agency, or private child-placing agency. Independent living services may also
include services and activities provide [ d ] to a person who was in foster care on his 18th
birthday and has not yet reached the age of 21 years. Such services shall include counseling,
education, housing, employment, money management skills development, access to essential
documents, and other appropriate services to help children or youth and persons prepare for
self-sufficiency.
"In-service training" means the on-going instruction received by providers after they
complete their pre-service training.
"Intercountry placement" means the arrangement for the care of a child in an adoptive home
or foster care placement into or out of the Commonwealth by a licensed child-placing agency,
court, or other entity authorized to make such placements in accordance with the laws of the
foreign country under which it operates.
"Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children" means a uniform law enacted by all 50
states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands that establishes orderly procedures
for the interstate placement of children and sets responsibility for those involved in placing those
children.
"Licensee" means the individual, corporation, partnership, association, limited liability
company, trust, business trust, public entity, or any other legal entity recognized by the Virginia
State Corporation Commission, to whom the department issues a license and who is legally
responsible for compliance with the regulations and statutory requirements related to the child-
placing agency.
"Licensing representative" means an agent authorized by the commissioner to carry out the
responsibilities and duties specified in Subtitle IV (§§ 63.2-1700 et seq. and 63.2-1800 et seq.)
of Title 63.2 of the Code of Virginia.

"Local board" means the local board of social services representing one or more counties or
cities.
"Local department" means the local department of social services of any county or city in
this Commonwealth.
"Mental abuse" means that which occurs when a caretaker creates or inflicts, threatens to
create or inflict, or allows to be created or inflicted upon a child a mental injury by other than
accidental means or creates a substantial risk of impairment of mental functions.
"Mutual selection" means a method within the dual approval process that encourages
collaboration by and between both (i) the applicant applying for approval as a resource, foster,
adoptive, treatment foster, or short-term foster home provider; [ or independent living
arrangement ] and (ii) the child-placing agency who is processing the application. It allows both
parties the ability to gather information necessary to make an informed decision about whether
the applicant has a continued interest in and would be ready to accept a child into his home if it
is determined that he meets all criteria to be an approved home provider. The child-placing
agency makes the final determination regarding approval or disapproval of the applicant.
"Parent" means the birth or adoptive parent of a child.
"Parental placement" means locating or effecting the placement of a child or the placing of a
child in a family home by the child's parent or legal guardian for the purpose of foster care or
adoption.
"Permanent entrustment agreement" means an agreement that provides for the termination
of all parental rights and responsibilities with respect to the child to be placed for adoption.
"Permanent foster care placement" means the place in which a child has been placed
pursuant to the provisions of §§ 63.2-900, 63.2-903, and 63.2-908 of the Code of Virginia with
the expectation and agreement between the placing agency and the place of permanent foster
care that the child shall remain in the placement until he reaches the age of majority unless
modified by court order or unless removed pursuant to [ § ] § 16.1-251 or 63.2-1517 of the Code
of Virginia. A permanent foster care placement may be a place of residence of any natural
persons deemed appropriate to meet a child's needs on a long-term basis.
"Physical abuse" means abuse that occurs when a caretaker creates or inflicts, threatens to
create or inflict, or allows to be created or inflicted upon a child a physical injury by other than
accidental means; or creates a substantial risk of death, disfigurement, or impairment of bodily
functions.
"Physical neglect" means the failure to provide food, clothing, shelter, or supervision for a
child to the extent that the child's health or safety is endangered. This also includes
abandonment and situations where the parent or caretaker's own incapacitating behavior or
absence prevents or severely limits the performing of child caring tasks pursuant to § 63.2-100
of the Code of Virginia.
"Physical restraint" means use of a physical intervention or "hands-on" hold to prevent an
individual from moving his body when that individual's behavior places him or others at imminent
risk.
"Placing agency" means the child-placing agency that placed the child with the licensee.
"Pre-service training" means the instruction received by providers during the initial approval
process.
"Provider" means an individual approved as a resource, foster, adoptive, treatment foster, or
short-term foster parent or family.
"Records" means the written information assembled in a file relating to the child-placing
agency; staff; volunteers; child; child's family; and resource, foster, adoptive, treatment foster,
and short-term foster family home providers.

"Resource parent" means an approved provider who is committed to support reunification
and who is prepared to adopt the child if the child and family do not reunify.
"Seclusion" means the involuntary placement of a child alone in a locked room or secured
area from which he is physically prevented from leaving.
"Serious incident reports" means a written report detailing the child's accidents or injuries
that require medical attention beyond minor first aid care [ , criminal activity, and incidents
requiring police intervention ].
"Service plan" means a written document that describes the programs, care, services, and
other support that will be offered to the child and his parents and other prior custodians pursuant
to § 16.1-281 of the Code of Virginia.
"Sexual abuse" means any act of sexual exploitation or any sexual act upon a child in
violation of the law that is committed or allowed to be committed by the child's parents or other
persons responsible for the care of the child pursuant to § 63.2-100 of the Code of Virginia.
"Short-term foster care" means a licensee-offered service that is designed to provide crisis
or alternate planned-support relief for up to 30 consecutive calendar days to resource, foster,
adoptive, or treatment foster family home providers; or biological families through substitute
care placement arrangements for children. The substitute-care placement environments used
shall be limited to provider home environments that have been approved.
"Special needs" means (i) a physical, mental, or emotional condition existing prior to
adoption; (ii) hereditary tendency, congenital problem, or birth injury leading to substantial risk of
future disability; or (iii) individual circumstances of the child related to age, racial, or ethnic
background or close relationship with one or more siblings. A child with special needs is any
child for whom it has been determined unlikely that he will be adopted within a reasonable
period of time due to one or more of the factors described in clause (i), (ii), or (iii) of this
definition and the child is in the custody of a local board or licensed child-placing agency. A
special needs child includes children who have factors described in clause (i) and (ii) of this
definition present at the time of adoption but not diagnosed until after entry of the final order of
adoption and no more than one year has elapsed.
"State Board" means the State Board of Social Services.
"Treatment" is the coordinated provision of services and use of professionally developed
and supervised interventions designed to produce a planned outcome in a person's behavior,
attitude, emotional functioning, or general condition.
"Treatment foster care" is a community-based program where services are designed to
address the special needs of children and families. Services to children are delivered primarily
by treatment foster parents who are trained, supervised, and supported by child-placing agency
staff. Treatment is primarily foster family based, and is planned and delivered by a treatment
team. Treatment foster care focuses on a continuity of services, is goal directed and results
oriented, and emphasizes permanency planning for the child in care.
"Treatment foster parent" means a provider, approved by the licensed or certified child-
placing agency, who is trained to provide treatment foster care services.
"Treatment team" means the group that provides mutual support; evaluates treatment; and
designs, implements, and revises the treatment and service plan. Treatment team members are
persons directly involved with the child and shall, unless otherwise indicated, consist of the
child; professional child-placing agency staff; other professionals; the child's family members,
where appropriate; [ the licensee; ] and the treatment foster parents.
"Youth" means persons between the ages of 16 and 18 who are in foster care and persons
between the ages of 18 to 21 who are former foster care children and are transitioning from
foster care to self-sufficiency.

22VAC40-131-20. Scope and applicability.
This regulation shall apply to child-placing agencies as defined in § 63.2-100 of the Code of
Virginia and in 22VAC40-131. It shall specifically apply to the following:
1. Licensed child-placing agencies that provide foster care services as stipulated in this
chapter. Specific sections also apply to or impact the foster parents approved by them;
2. Licensed child-placing agencies that provide adoption services as stipulated in this
chapter. Specific sections also apply to or impact the adoptive applicants;
3. Licensed child-placing agencies that provide interstate or intercountry services as
stipulated in this chapter;
4. Licensed child-placing agencies that provide independent living arrangements as
stipulated in this chapter;
5. Licensed child-placing agencies that provide treatment foster care case management
services as stipulated in this chapter. Specific sections also apply to or impact the
treatment foster parents approved by them; and
6. Local departments of social services certified by the department to provide treatment
foster care case management services as stipulated in this chapter. Specific sections
apply to or impact the treatment foster parents approved by them.
Part II
Organization and Administration
22VAC40-131-30. Sponsorship.
Each licensed child-placing agency shall have a clearly identified sponsor. The sponsor may
be an individual, corporation, partnership, association, limited liability company, trust, business
trust, or any other legal entity recognized by the Virginia State Corporation Commission.
1. An individual sponsoring a child-placing agency shall serve as the licensee and shall
have the legal and operational responsibility for the child-placing agency. The individual
shall have knowledge and experience in the programs and services the child-placing
agency offers.
2. A partnership sponsoring a child-placing agency shall serve as the licensee for the
child-placing agency. The partners shall have a written partnership statement of
agreement clearly delineating the responsibilities of each partner in the operation and
maintenance of the licensed child-placing agency. When a partner is responsible for any
of the operational responsibilities, he shall have knowledge of and experience in the
programs and services offered by the child-placing agency.
3. An association sponsoring a child-placing agency shall serve as the licensee for the
child-placing agency. The association shall have a governing board that shall maintain
the legal and operational responsibility for the licensed child-placing agency. The
association shall have:
a. At least one member serving on the board who has knowledge of and experience
in the programs and services offered by the licensed child-placing agency; and
b. A written constitution or bylaws that delineate responsibilities for the operation and
maintenance of the licensed child-placing agency.
[ When not one of the members of the board of directors possesses the required
knowledge and experience in the programs and services offered by the licensed child-
placing agency, the board of directors shall appoint a person who does meet those
required qualifications and shall delegate in writing to that person the authority,
responsibility, and duty of operations for the child-placing agency; and ]

4. A corporation sponsoring a child-placing agency shall serve as the licensee for the
child-placing agency. The corporation shall have a governing board that shall maintain
the legal and operational responsibility for the licensed child-placing agency. The
corporation shall have:
in the programs and services offered by the licensed child-placing agency;
b. A certificate of incorporation issued by the Virginia State Corporation Commission
or, for corporations formed under the laws of a jurisdiction other than Virginia, a
certificate of authority to transact business in the Commonwealth; and
c. Articles of incorporation that specify that at least one purpose of the corporation is
to operate a licensed child-placing agency.
[ When not one of the members of the board of directors possesses the required
knowledge and experience in the programs and services offered by the child-placing
agency, the board of directors shall appoint a person who does meet those required
qualifications and shall delegate in writing to that person the authority, responsibility, and
duty of operations for the child-placing agency. ]
5. A limited liability company sponsoring a child-placing agency shall serve as the
licensee for the child-placing agency. The limited liability company shall have a list of the
names and addresses of each member of the company. The members shall maintain the
legal and operational responsibility for the licensed child-placing agency. The limited
liability company shall have:
in the programs and services offered by the child-placing agency;

b. A certificate of organization issued by the Virginia State Corporation Commission
or, for limited liability companies formed under the laws of a jurisdiction other than
Virginia, a certificate of registration to transact business in the Commonwealth; and
c. Articles of organization that specify that at least one purpose of the limited liability
company is to operate a licensed child-placing agency.
[ When not one of the members possesses the required knowledge and experience in
the programs and services offered by the child-placing agency, the limited liability
company members shall appoint a person who does meet those required qualifications
and shall delegate in writing to that person the authority, responsibility, and duty of
operations for the licensed child-placing agency. ]
6. A business trust sponsoring a child-placing agency shall serve as the licensee for the
child-placing agency. The business trust shall have a list of the names and addresses of
each trustee and beneficial owners of the trust. The trustee shall maintain the legal and
operational responsibility for the licensed child-placing agency and the trustee must have
knowledge and experience in the programs and services the child-placing agency offers.
The business trust shall have articles of trust that specify at least one purpose of the
trust is to operate a licensed child-placing agency.
22VAC40-131-40. Licensee.
A. The licensee shall ensure compliance with all regulations for licensed child-placing
agencies and terms of the current license issued by the department; and with relevant federal,
state, or local laws and relevant regulations.
B. The licensee shall comply with its own policies and procedures.
C. The licensee shall give evidence of financial responsibility.
D. The licensee shall be of good character and reputation as defined in 22VAC40-80-10.

E. The licensee shall meet the requirements specified in 22VAC40-191, Background Checks
for Child Welfare Agencies.
F. The licensee shall meet the requirements specified in 22VAC40-80, General Procedures
and Information for Licensure.
G. The licensee shall [ develop and ] maintain [ an operating budget ] sufficient [ funds ] to
ensure [ adequate funds in all aspects of ] operation [ in compliance with 22VAC40-131. The
licensee shall develop a budget for a period of twelve months of operation. ]
H. The licensee shall ensure that the child-placing agency makes and maintains such
records and other information as required by this chapter. The licensee shall submit, or make
available for inspection to the department's representative, records, reports, and other
information as necessary to assist the department in determining the licensee's compliance with
this chapter and applicable law.
I. The licensee shall allow the department's representative to interview the licensee's
employees and individuals under its custody, control, direction, or supervision.
J. The licensee shall at all times allow the department's representative reasonable
opportunities to conduct announced and unannounced inspections of the licensee's approved
homes.
K. The licensee shall:
1. Correct any areas of noncompliance found during inspections;
2. Take necessary actions to prevent reoccurrence of noncompliance; and
3. Make and implement necessary revisions to its policies and procedures.
L. The licensee shall not disseminate, or cause directly or indirectly to be disseminated,
statements regarding services that are untrue, deceptive, or misleading.

M. The licensee shall ensure that information, brochures, and materials distributed or
available to the public contain accurate and updated information.
N. The licensee shall maintain ultimate responsibility for the health, safety, and well-being of
children under its custody, control, and direction and shall ensure that an on-call licensee
representative is available 24 hours a day 7 days each week to receive contacts from foster
parents, children, and other staff of placement settings in which children have been placed by
the licensee. The licensee shall provide interventions and follow-up services, as necessary.
22VAC40-131-50. Office settings and conditions.
A. The licensee shall maintain an office within the Commonwealth of Virginia from which the
child-placing activities are conducted.
B. The licensee shall ensure that the office from where child-placing activities are conducted
has equipment, supplies, and adequate space for:
1. The safekeeping of records;
2. Protection of confidential information;
3. Affording privacy during interviews and conferences; and
4. Allowing families and children the use of rooms for visitation.
22VAC40-131-60. Posting of the license.
The licensee shall post the most recently issued license to operate in each licensed Virginia
office location where child-placing activities are performed, including branch office locations.
The license shall be posted near the entrance of each office location.
22VAC40-131-70. Conflict of interest.
A. The governing board of the licensee shall not have a board member who is:
1. An applicant for adoption services; or

2. A recipient of adoption services [ until the final order of adoption is entered ].
B. No biological parent of a child currently placed by the licensee shall serve as a member
of the licensee's governing board.
C. No provider applicant shall serve as a member of the licensee's governing board.
D. A member of the licensee's governing board who is also a foster parent for the licensee
shall not vote on issues related to foster care policy and procedure.
E. The licensee shall not provide foster care services to its child-placing agency staff
members.
F. The licensee shall not accept an application for adoption from or provide adoption
services to any of its staff or governing board members.
22VAC40-131-80. Licensed capacity and maximum caseload numbers.
A. The licensee shall include in the child-placing agency's caseload and capacity count all
children to whom supervision is provided. The supervised children may be placed directly by the
licensee or through arrangement or negotiation with another licensed child-placing agency in
one of the following settings:
1. A resource home;
2. A foster home;
3. An adoptive home prior to the final order of adoption;
4. A treatment foster home;
5. A short-term foster home;
6. An independent living arrangement; or
7. Licensed children's residential facility.

B. The total approved caseload numbers served by the licensee at any given time shall not
exceed the following:
1. Except for licensees that provide treatment foster care, the maximum caseload
restrictions shall apply:
a. A full-time caseworker shall serve no more than 25 children at any one time;
b. Trainees:
(1) A beginning trainee shall serve no more than 10 children at any one time until
such time that he has reached his first year anniversary with the licensee; and
(2) A one year experienced trainee shall serve no more than 15 children at any one
time until such time that he has reached his second year anniversary with the
licensee.
c. The caseload of a less than full-time caseworker shall be proportional to the time
spent providing casework services to the licensee.
2. For treatment foster care, the total caseload shall be the sum of the following:
a. A full time caseworker shall have a maximum caseload of 12 children. However,
the caseload shall be adjusted downward if:
(1) The caseworker's job responsibilities exceed those listed in caseworker's job
description; or
(2) The difficulty of the children served requires more intensive supervision and
training of the treatment foster parents.
b. The caseload of a less than full-time caseworker shall be proportional to the time
spent providing casework services to the licensee.
c. Trainees:
(1) A beginning trainee shall serve no more than six children at any one time until
such time that he has reached his first year anniversary with the licensee;
(2) A one year experienced trainee shall serve no more than nine children at any one
time until such time that he has reached his second year anniversary with the
licensee.
[ d 3. ] Student Interns: There shall be a maximum of three children in a caseload
for a student intern, if any student intern works with the licensee.
C. For licensees that serve both foster care and treatment foster care populations, the
licensee shall first consider caseload downward adjustment criteria as specified in 22VAC40-
131-90 B 2 a (1) and (2) and, if the criteria does not apply to the caseworker's caseload under
consideration then, the licensee shall ensure that the caseworker serving the mixed populations
provide services to a maximum of 15 total children; and no more than 10 of those 15 children
are served in treatment foster care.
D. The licensee shall include the following children in the capacity count:
1. A child in the custody of the licensee;
2. A child for whom an interlocutory order has been entered and still awaits a final order
of adoption to be entered; and
3. A child not in the licensee's custody whose placement is supervised by the licensee.
22VAC40-131-90. Policy and procedures.
A. The licensee shall develop and implement written policy and procedures governing the
plans for active and closed cases. The plan shall address the following:
1. Procedures the licensee will follow should the licensee cease operations, including:
a. Disposition of children in placement at the time of cessation, including procedures
for assisting placing agencies in placing children; and
b. Notification to the placing agency, legal guardian, and the department of the
licensee's closing; and
2. Disposing and storing active and closed case files, both written and electronic, on the
children and providers. The disposition and storage schedule shall be consistent with
requirements for local governments contained in the Library of Virginia's Record
Retention and Disposition Schedule General Schedule No. 15 - County and Municipal
Governments Social Services Records (May 2010).
B. The licensee shall develop and implement written admission policies and procedures for
child-placing activities in each program provided by the licensee. The policies and procedures
shall include:
1. A description of intake and admission processes and requirements;
2. Decision-making procedures for acceptance, matching, placement, and discharge
from care; and
3. A statement that children with disabilities will be accepted for admission if the needs
of the child can be reasonably accommodated.
C. The licensee shall develop and implement policies and procedures governing the
licensee's responsibility to monitor the administration of medications by foster parents to ensure
that foster parents:
1. Properly administer medication as prescribed to children placed in their home;
2. Have knowledge of intended and adverse side effects of medication prescribed;

3. Have knowledge about and take necessary actions when placed children experience
adverse reactions to medication including notifying the licensee when such occurs; and
4. Have knowledge of methods for proper, safe, and secure storage; retention; and
disposal of medications.
D. The licensee shall develop and implement written policies and procedures for:
1. Prohibiting corporal punishment, chemical and mechanical restraints, and seclusion;
2. Ensuring that children are not subjected to physical, mental, or sexual abuse; verbal
abuse or remarks that belittle or ridicule the child or his family; physical neglect or denied
essential program or treatment services, meals, clothing, bedding, sleep, or personal
care products; or any humiliating, degrading, or abusive actions;
3. Investigating, responding to, and reporting allegations of misconduct toward children,
including reporting suspicions of child abuse or neglect to the local department of social
services or the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline;
4. Implementing the child's detailed back-up emergency care plan when the child's
placement disrupts; and
5. Assigning designated [ casework ] staff to be available on call to foster parents 24
hours a day, 365 days a year.
E. The licensee shall develop and implement written policies and procedures for
management of all records, written and electronic, that shall describe confidentiality,
accessibility, security, and retention of records pertaining to the files of children, applicants for
home provider, and approved home providers.

F. The licensee shall develop and implement written discharge policies and procedures
governing children's planned and emergency discharges from the licensee's program and
services.
G. The licensee shall develop and implement written policies and procedures governing
foster parent's use of physical restraint. The policies and procedures shall include:
1. A description of all less intrusive behavior support and crisis management techniques
approved by the licensee for use by foster parents;
2. A description of methods of restraint approved by the licensee;
3. A description of training required to be completed prior to use of each method of
physical restraint;
4. A description of the licensee's method for determining that the foster care parent has
the ability to apply the licensee's approved methods of physical restraint and crisis
intervention;
5. A statement prohibiting the use of mechanical and chemical restraint for the purpose
of behavior support; and
6. A statement prohibiting the use of seclusion of a child in a room or area secured by a
door that is locked or held shut or secured by individuals physically blocking the door or
using other physical or verbal means to block the door so that the child cannot leave the
room or area.
H. The licensee shall develop and implement written policy and procedures to address the
following:
1. Acceptable methods of behavior support; and
2. Specific unacceptable methods for behavior control and discipline.

I. The licensee shall have and implement licensee-approved written personnel polices
including procedures to assure that persons employed in or designated to assume the
responsibilities of each position possess the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and
abilities specified in the job description for the position.
22VAC40-131-100. Program evaluation and improvement.
A. The licensee shall develop and implement a written plan to monitor and evaluate the
quality and effectiveness of its program and services on a systematic and on-going basis. If
evaluation findings suggest that improvements be made to the licensee's programs and
services, the licensee shall implement necessary improvements.
B. The evaluation plan shall describe:
1. Methods for collection, summarization, and analysis of information and data;
2. Who has access to the information used for evaluation and how the information will be
used; and
3. Quality indicator factors for assessing the effectiveness of the services provided.
22VAC40-131-110. Received date for materials.
All materials and information received by the licensee shall indicate the date received.
Part III
Personnel
22VAC40-131-120. Access to written personnel policies.
The licensee shall make the child-placing agency's written personnel policies readily
accessible to each staff member.
22VAC40-131-130. Job descriptions.
A. There shall be a written job description for each position that includes:
1. Job title;
2. Duties and responsibilities of the incumbent;
3. Job title of the immediate supervisor; and
4. Minimum education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities required for entry-
level performance of the job.
B. A copy of the job description shall be given to each person assigned to a position at the
time of employment or assignment to the position.
22VAC40-131-140. Staff composition and qualifications.
A. A staff member shall be designated to perform each function described in this chapter.
B. A person who assumes or is designated to assume the responsibilities of a position or
any combination of positions described in this chapter shall meet the qualifications of each
position held.
C. Executive director.
1. Each licensee shall appoint an executive director. An entity such as a corporation or
company shall not serve as the executive director.
2. Each licensee shall delegate to the executive director the responsibilities for the
general administration and day-to-day operation of the child-placing agency including
implementation of all child-placing agency programs, policies, procedures, and financial
management.
3. The executive director shall have a doctorate or master's degree from an accredited
college or university plus five years of experience in a social service agency or program
including one year in an administrative, supervisory, or consultative capacity.
D. Program director.
1. The program director shall:
a. Supervise directly or through others all child-placing staff and activities; and
b. Assist the executive director in the formulation and implementation of the agency's
policies and programs related to child placing and in the specific program area in
which he works.
2. The program director shall have either a doctorate or master's degree in social work
from a college or university accredited by the Council on Social Work Education plus
three years of experience in providing casework services to children and their families
and one year as an administrator or supervisor of casework services.
3. If the program director does not have a doctorate or master's degree in social work,
he shall have a doctorate or master's degree in a field related to social work such as, but
not limited to, sociology, psychology, special education, or counseling; and at least four
years casework service experience with children and families, two of which must be in
providing casework services to children and families in a child-placing agency and one
year of experience must be as an administrator or supervisor of casework services.
E. Child-placing supervisor.
1. A child-placing agency employing six or more caseworkers shall employ a
child-placing supervisor.
2. The [ child-placing ] supervisor shall be responsible for direct supervision of
caseworkers.
3. Each [ child-placing ] supervisor shall supervise no more than a total of eight
caseworkers at any one time.
4. The [ child-placing ] supervisor shall have:

a. A doctorate or master's degree in social work from a college or university
accredited by the Council on Social Work Education plus three years of experience
in providing casework services to children and families;
b. A doctorate or master's degree in a field related to social work such as, but not
limited to, sociology, psychology, special education, or counseling with at least four
years of experience in providing casework services to children and families in a child-
placing agency; or
c. A baccalaureate degree in any field plus five years of experience in providing
F. Case worker.
1. Responsibilities of the caseworker include:
a. Interviewing children and families;
b. Conducting and writing home studies;
c. Service planning by developing individualized treatment and service plans;
d. Counseling children and families in preparation for placement or discharge;
e. Supervising children in resource, foster, and adoptive homes; and in independent
living arrangements;
f. Preparing and maintaining case records;
g. Coordinating services to minimize fragmentation of care, reduce barriers, and link
children with appropriate services to ensure comprehensive, continuous access to
needed medical, social, educational, and other services appropriate to the needs of
the child;
h. Assessing periodically to determine the child's needs for psychosocial, nutritional,
medical, and educational services;
i. Coordinating referrals by assisting the child in arranging for appropriate services
and ensuring continuity of care for a child in treatment foster care. The case worker
shall link the child to services and supports specified in the individualized treatment
and service plan. The case worker shall directly assist the child to locate or obtain
needed services and resources. The case worker shall coordinate services and
service planning with other agencies and providers involved with the child by
arranging, as needed, medical, remedial, and dental services;
j. Monitoring and following up by assessing ongoing progress in each case and
ensuring services are delivered. The case worker shall continually evaluate and
review each child's plan of care. The case worker shall collaborate with the family
assessment and planning teams and other involved parties on reviews and
coordination of services to children and their families;
k. Educating and counseling by guiding the child and developing a supportive
relationship that promotes the service plan; and
l. Collaborating closely with the family assessment and planning teams and other
involved parties in preparation of all case plans.
2. The case worker shall have:
a. A doctorate or master's degree in social work from a college or university
accredited by the Council on Social Work Education or a field related to social work
such as sociology, psychology, special education, or counseling, with a student
placement in casework services to children and families or one year of experience in
providing casework services to children and families;

b. A baccalaureate degree in social work or a field related to social work including,
but not limited to, sociology, psychology, special education, or counseling and one
year of experience in providing casework services to children and families; or
c. A baccalaureate degree in any field plus two years experience in providing
G. Case worker trainee. When a child-placing agency employs a casework trainee, all of the
following conditions shall be met:
1. The trainee shall have a baccalaureate degree in any field;
2. The program director or a child-placing supervisor shall directly supervise the trainee
and develop a written training program listing topics to be covered during the period of
time the individual is a trainee; and
3. Placement decisions made by the trainee shall be approved by the supervisor.
H. Students or interns receiving professional training.
1. If the licensee's child-placing agency provides professional training to undergraduate
or graduate students or interns, it shall have a written plan for their selection, orientation,
training, supervision, assignment, and evaluation.
2. An individual with a doctorate degree or a master's degree in social work from a
college or university accredited by the Council on Social Work Education shall supervise
students or interns who perform child-placing activities and approve all placement
decisions made by the student or intern.
3. The licensee's child-placing agency shall not be wholly dependent upon the use of
students or interns receiving professional training to ensure the provision of services.
I. Volunteers.
1. The child-placing agency shall, if it makes use of volunteers, have a written plan for
selection, orientation, training, supervision, and assignment.
2. Staff who usually supervise or perform the assigned tasks shall supervise volunteers.
3. When the volunteer is used to perform any staff function or responsibility, the
volunteer shall meet the qualifications for the function or responsibility performed.
4. The licensee's child-placing agency shall not be wholly dependent upon the use of
volunteers to ensure the provision of services.
J. Consultants. All consultants engaged to provide services to the licensee's child-placing
agency or to children and their families served by the child-placing agency shall be
professionally qualified according to the requirements of the Code of Virginia governing
professions.
22VAC40-131-150. Staff development.
A. Any staff person who has responsibility to work with children and their families or to
supervise staff persons who work with children and their families shall participate in orientation
and training.
B. Required initial orientation:
1. Prior to assuming the responsibilities of his position in the licensee's child-placing
agency and within 30 days of the date of employment, each staff person who has
responsibility to work with children and their families or to supervise staff persons who
work with children and their families shall receive orientation that includes:
a. The licensee's description of programs and services including population served;
b. The applicable position job descriptions for each position assumed by the
individual; and
c. All training topics identified by the licensee including:
(1) Policies and procedures regarding expectations for service delivery;
(2) Practices regarding protection of confidential information;
(3) Documentation protocols;
(4) The Standards for Licensed Child-Placing Agencies (22VAC40-131), child-
placing related Virginia statutes, and child-placing related policy and guidance
documents and broadcasts issued by the Division of Family Services, Department of
Social Services;
(5) Virginia statutes regarding reporting requirements for suspected child abuse and
neglect;
(6) Prohibition of corporal punishment;
(7) The licensee's policies regarding discipline and behavior management;
(8) Pre-service training core competencies for resource, foster, and adoptive family
home providers; and
(9) The licensee's emergency preparedness and response plan.
2. Child-placing agencies licensed to provide treatment foster care shall provide
additional training to each professional staff person who has responsibility to work with
children and their families or to supervise staff persons who work with children and their
families. The training shall be provided prior to that staff member assuming the
responsibilities of his position and within 30 days of the date of his employment. The
training shall include:

a. The licensee's treatment philosophy and specific treatment methodologies
including the provision of case management services and crisis intervention
techniques;
b. The current requirements of the Department of Medical Assistance Services
related to the provision of treatment foster care case management services, if the
licensee accepts Medicaid reimbursements for case management services;
c. Orientation in effectively working with children who have emotional and behavioral
problems and who may have been abused and neglected;
d. Procedures and requirements regarding foster care placements;
e. Services to children and their families;
f. Services to foster parents;
g. Assessment and evaluation of foster homes;
h. Training of foster home parents;
i. Grief and loss issues for children in foster care, including the significance of birth
families to children placed in foster care;
j. Orientation to life skill preparedness for children in foster care; and
k. Orientation to permanency planning and goal setting for children in foster care.
3. Agencies licensed to provide adoption services shall provide additional training to
each professional staff person. The training shall be provided prior to that staff assuming
the responsibilities of his positions in the child-placing agency and within 30 days of the
date of his employment. The training shall include:

a. Procedures and requirements regarding adoption placement including intercountry
adoptions if the child-placing agency is licensed to provide intercountry adoption
services;
b. Services to birth and adoptive parents;
c. Assessment and evaluation of adoptive homes;
d. Services to children, including grief and loss issues;
e. Provision of post adoption services to families and adoptees; and
f. Current requirements of the Hague Adoption Convention, if applicable.
4. Child-placing agencies licensed to provide foster care services shall provide additional
training to each [ casework ] staff person who has responsibility to work with children
and their families or to supervise staff persons who work with children and their families.
The training shall be provided prior to that staff person's assuming the responsibilities of
his positions in the child-placing agency and within 30 days of the date of his
employment. The training shall include:
a. Procedures and requirements regarding foster care placements;
b. Services to children and their families;
c. Services to foster parents;
d. Assessment and evaluation of foster homes;
e. Training of foster home parents;
f. Grief and loss issues for children in foster care, including the significance of birth
families to children placed in foster care;
g. Orientation to life skill preparedness for children in foster care; and

h. Orientation to permanency planning and setting goals for children in foster care.
C. Professional staff shall participate in the child-placing agency's pre-service training for
adoptive and foster parents. Each professional staff person shall complete this training within
one year of the date of his employment with the child-placing agency.
D. Additional on-going education and training.
1. Annually each professional staff person shall complete training applicable to his job
duties and responsibilities.
2. Training shall be based on the needs of the population served to ensure that staff
persons have competencies to perform their jobs.
E. All orientation and training completed by a staff person shall be documented in a child-
placing agency-managed file.
22VAC40-131-160. Personnel records.
A. Separate up-to-date written or electronic personnel records shall be maintained for each
staff person, student/intern, and volunteer for whom background checks are required by Virginia
and federal law. Content of personnel records for volunteers and students/interns may be
limited to documentation of compliance with requirements of background checks.
B. The records of each staff person shall include:
1. A completed employment application form or other written material providing the
individual's name, address, and phone number;
2. Educational background; copies of educational degrees and credentials; and relevant
work experience, providing dates, places of employment, and details substantiating
qualifications required by this chapter;

3. At least two written references, notations of oral references, or record of interviews
with references;
4. Copies of professional licensure when licensure is required by law;
5. Annual performance evaluations;
6. Date of employment for each position held with the licensee;
7. Date of separation for each position held with the licensee;
8. Documentation of compliance with requirements of Virginia and federal laws regarding
background checks;
9. Documentation of all training required by these standards; and
10. A current job description.
C. Personnel records shall be retained in their entirety for at least two years after separation
from employment, contractual service, student/intern, or volunteer service.
Part IV
Program Statement
22VAC40-131-170. Program statement and description.
A. The licensee shall maintain a current written program statement for child-placing activities
that shall include a description of:
1. The purpose of each program provided by the licensee including, as applicable, foster
care services; short [ - ] term foster care services; treatment foster care services;
independent living arrangements; independent living services; and all categories of
adoption services, including domestic, intercountry, and parental placement;
2. The population to be served in each program provided by the licensee including, as
applicable, foster care services; short-term foster care services; treatment foster care
services; independent living arrangements; independent living services; and all
categories of adoption services, including domestic, intercountry, and parental
placement;
3. Services provided to:
a. Adult adopted persons, if the licensee [ is licensed to ] provide [ s ] adoption
search services;
b. Children and families served by the licensee, and including, as applicable, birth
families, foster families, and adoptive families;
c. Children placed in independent living arrangements and, if the licensee provides
services to the families of those placed children, a description of the services
provided to the families; and
d. Persons 18 years of age to 21 years of age who receive independent living
services.
4. [ Preadoption and post adoption Adoption ] services provided to children, birth
families, and adoptive families prior to the final order of adoption, if the child-placing
agency is licensed to provide adoption services;
5. Preadmission eligibility requirements for children to be served by each program
provided by the licensee;
6. Procedures for conducting the home study and the decision-making process for
approval and selection of families to receive children;
7. Procedures for placement of children and discharge of child from care or services;
8. Intercountry services and identification of the licensee's roles and responsibilities
regarding the provision of services, if the licensee is licensed to provide intercountry
adoption services;
9. Parental placement adoption services and identification of the licensee's roles and
responsibilities regarding the provision of services, if the licensee is licensed to provide
parental placement adoption services;
10. Orientation and training the licensee provides to families;
11. Policy related to the fees for activities and services provided by the licensee; and
12. Procedures for accepting emergency and short-term foster care placements. If such
services are not provided by the licensee, the program statement shall identify that the
licensee does not accept these placements.
B. The licensee shall prohibit acts of discrimination based on race, color, [ gender , or ]
national origin [ , age, religion, political beliefs, sexual orientation, disability, or family status ]
to:
1. Delay or deny a child's placement; or
2. Deny an individual the opportunity [ to apply ] to become a foster or adoptive parent.
C. The licensee shall give a copy of either (i) the full program statement and description or
(ii) a summary of the statement and description to agencies and individuals who inquire about
the services provided by the licensee.
D. When changes and updates to the program statement and description are made, the
licensee shall provide a copy of the updated statement to the department.

Part V
Provider Homes
22VAC40-131-180. Home study requirement [ s ] .
A. The licensee shall require that all persons applying to be a resource, foster, adoptive,
treatment foster care, or short-term foster care family home provider submit to the licensee a
complete application containing elements required by this regulation and in accordance with
requirements prescribed by the department.
B. Upon receipt of a provider application, the licensee shall review the application for
completeness and notify the applicant of the status of the application.
C. Upon the licensee's determination that the provider application is complete, the licensee
shall begin the process of gathering and assessing information for use in the final decision
related to whether the applicant and home meets all required elements for approval.
D. The licensee shall conduct a minimum of three face-to-face interviews on three separate
days with each applicant.
E. At least one of the face-to-face interviews shall be conducted in the home of the applicant
and, if there are two applicants, at least one face-to-face interview shall be conducted with both
applicants present.
F. At least one face-to-face interview shall be conducted with all individuals who reside in
the home of the applicant.
G. The licensee shall obtain and document a minimum of three references on each
applicant from persons who have knowledge of the applicant's character, his applicable
experience with children, and his experience in caretaking of others. At least one reference shall
be from a nonrelative.
H. The licensee shall obtain from the applicant information regarding previous applications
submitted to another public or private child-placing agency and whether as a result of the
previous applications, he was approved by another public or private child-placing agency as a
provider.
I. The licensee shall obtain from the applicant a signed authorization allowing the previous
child-placing agency to release information to the licensee about previous applications, his
child-caring performance as an approved provider, and current status as a provider. The signed
authorization and information received shall be filed and maintained in the applicant's file.
J. The home study conducted by the licensee shall be documented in the file of the
applicant and shall include the following components:
1. All department-required information including:
a. Sworn disclosure statement or affirmation, results of background checks in
compliance with applicable state and federal laws;
b. Tuberculosis screenings in compliance with requirements of the Virginia
Department of Health for the applicant and all other household members who come
into contact with the children as described in 22VAC40-131-290 K; and
c. Driving records obtained from the Department of Motor Vehicles for the applicant
and all adults who are expected to transport children [ ;. ]
2. A combination of narrative documentation and other data collection formats, including:
a. Dated signatures of:
(1) The individual who completed the home study; and
(2) The licensee's executive director or his designee.
b. Demographic information including:

(1) Age of applicant;
(2) Marital history and status, including verifications of provider couple's marriages
and divorces; and
(3) Family composition and history.
c. Financial information [ including: listed in subdivisions (1), (2), and (3) of this
subdivision is required for all applicants except those individuals applying solely to
provide short-term foster care ]:
(1) Employment history of the applicant;
(2) Assets and resources of applicant; and
(3) Debts and obligations of applicant.
[ This financial information requirement shall not apply to individuals applying solely
to provide short-term foster care. ]
d. A list of the names and roles of each individual involved in completing the home
study.
e. Narrative documentation shall include dates and a summary of content information
from interviews, references, observations, and other available information. The
collective information shall be used to assess the applicant and document that the
applicant:
(1) Is knowledgeable about care necessary for children;
(2) Is physically and mentally capable of providing the necessary care for children
[ as described in 22VAC40-131-290.L through M ] ;
(3) Has an understanding of the importance of establishing and enforcing rules to
encourage desired behavior and discourage undesired behavior;

(4) Understands he is prohibited from using any form of corporal punishment on the
child and also prohibited from giving permission to others to use any form of corporal
punishment on the child;
(5) Is able to articulate a reasonable process for managing emergencies and
ensuring the adequate care, safety, and protection of children;
(6) Expresses attitudes that demonstrate the capacity to love and nurture a child or
youth born to someone else;
(7) Expresses appropriate motivation for reasons to foster or adopt;
(8) Shows stability in all household relationships;
(9) Has the financial resources to provide for current and on-going household needs
and maintenance of the family; and
(10) Has in-force vehicle liability insurance, if he will transport children.
f. Documentation that the home complies with the standards for the home as
required by 22VAC40-131-190.
g. A confidentiality statement signed and dated by the applicant.
K. The results of background checks received by the licensee shall be maintained in the
respective applicant's file.
L. The licensee shall not further disseminate results of background investigation information
unless permitted to do so in accordance with state and federal laws.
M. Prior to making a decision on the applicant, the licensee shall consider all information
received about an applicant.
N. The licensee shall document an addendum to the home study when any significant
change or circumstance impacts the conditions of the original approval. Unless such change or
circumstance affects the safety or well-being of the children placed in the home, the original
approval period for the provider shall remain in effect.
O. A home study conducted for the purpose of parental placement or placement of a child
by the licensee shall remain valid for a period of 36 months from the approval date of the study.
For adoption cases, before finalization of an adoption in which more than 18 months have
passed since the completion date of the study, the licensee may obtain additional state criminal
background checks on the applicants and all other adults living in the home of the applicant.
22VAC40-131-190. Home environment.
A. The home shall provide sufficient appropriate space and furnishings for each child
receiving care in the home including:
1. Storage space to keep clothing and other personal belongings;
2. Accessible basin and toilet facilities;
3. Bed furniture equipped with clean, safe, and comfortable sleeping furnishings;
4. Sleeping space on the first floor of the home for a child unable to use stairs
unassisted, other than a child who can be easily and safely carried; and
5. Space for recreational activities.
B. Fans or other cooling systems shall be used when the temperature of inside areas
occupied by children in care exceeds 80° F.
C. The temperature in all inside areas occupied by children in care shall be maintained no
lower that 65° F.
D. Rooms and study space used by children in care shall have adequate and sufficient
lighting for activities and safety.
E. The provider and children in care shall have access to a working telephone in the home.
F. Multiple children in care who share a bedroom shall have adequate space including
closet and storage space. Bedrooms shall have adequate square footage for each child in care
to have personal space.
G. Children in care over the age of two years shall not share a bed.
H. Children in care over the age of two shall not share a bedroom with an adult unless the
child's needs, disabilities, or other specified conditions warrant the sharing of bedroom space
and the licensee has approved a specific plan to allow the sharing of the bedroom with the
adult.
I. No child in care shall share a bed with an adult.
J. A child in care over the age of three years shall not sleep in the same bedroom with
children of the opposite gender.
K. Children in care under the age of seven or children in care with significant and
documented cognitive or physical disabilities shall not use the top bunk of bunk beds.
L. The bedrooms of children in care shall not be used as passageways and shall have doors
for privacy.
M. The home shall be clean, in good repair, and free of hazards to the health and safety of
children in care.
N. The grounds around the home shall be safe, properly maintained, free of litter and debris,
and present no hazard to the safety of children in care.
O. The provider shall have a written emergency preparedness and response plan developed
that addresses:
1. How to shelter in place, when the emergency situation requires for sheltering in place;
2. How to evacuate, if evacuation is necessary;

3. Prompt notification to the licensee of location and contact information when
evacuation becomes necessary;
4. Where the provider plans to relocate when the emergency warrants a large scale
community evacuation;
5. How the provider plans to maintain the safety and meet the needs of the child at all
times during an emergency;
6. Procedures to ensure that the plan is reviewed with each placed child; and
7. Plans to rehearse the plan with each child at least one time every six months.
P. Approved providers and independent living arrangement settings shall arrange for
responsible adults to be available to serve in the caretaker's role in case of emergencies. Any
substitute caretaker arrangements necessary for a planned or long-term absence of the provider
shall require the licensee's prior approval.
Q. All homes shall have at least one operable smoke detector.
R. Possession of any weapons, including firearms, in the home or independent living
arrangement shall comply with federal and state laws and local ordinances.
1. Any firearms and other weapons shall be unloaded and stored with the weapon's
safety mechanisms activated in a locked closet or cabinet.
2. Ammunition shall be stored in a locked location separate from the weapon.
3. The key or combination to the locked closet and cabinet shall at all times be
maintained out of reach of all children in the home.
S. The applicant shall maintain documentation that household pets receive tests,
inoculations, and licenses as required by law.

T. The applicant shall ensure that household pets are safe to be around children and that
the pets present no health hazard to children in the home.
U. The applicant shall keep cleaning supplies and other toxic substances stored away from
food and, as appropriate, out of reach of children and locked.
V. Except for medications that require refrigeration, all medications, prescription and
nonprescription, shall be stored separately from food in a locked area out of reach of children.
The applicant shall implement safety provisions for the storage of refrigerated medications.
W. The home shall have readily available basic first aid supplies for use in injuries and
accidents.
22VAC40-131-200. Initial approval or disapproval of home.
A. Prior to the placement of a child in a home [ or living arrangement, ] the licensee shall:
1. Document that the applicants are at least 18 years of age;
2. Complete and document all required components of the home study [ including the
completion of orientation training ] ;
3. Consider all information gathered when assessing the applicant's capabilities to care
for children;
4. Determine that the home and provider meet the requirements to be approved;
5. Ensure that approved providers have received necessary training for the types of
children they will receive; and
6. Make available to the provider information necessary for the provider to make an
informed decision as to whether a particular child is appropriate for them.
B. When the licensee determines that the prospective provider and the home meet the
requirements for approval, the licensee shall document the type of approval. Nothing in this
chapter shall prohibit the provider from being approved to serve multiple roles as a resource,
foster, adoptive, treatment foster, [ or ] short-term foster, [ or independent living arrangement ]
parent unless the provider desires not to serve as a resource parent. If the provider chooses,
the licensee shall allow the provider to be approved as a foster parent, adoptive parent, or short-
term foster parent. Providers approved as treatment foster care parents shall have successfully
completed specific and additional treatment foster care training as required by this chapter.
C. The licensee shall recommend approval or disapproval based on careful assessment of
the requirements for providers specified in this chapter including information received through
the home study process, the applicants' participation in the home study process, and in any
orientation and pre-service training.
D. The decision to approve or disapprove the applicant shall be made in consultation with
the child-placing supervisor, and the date of the decision shall be recorded in the applicants'
record.
E. Within seven business days of the decision of approval or disapproval of an applicant, the
license [ e ] shall notify the applicant in writing of the decision.
F. If home approval is recommended, the licensee shall document:
1. The age and gender of children who can be placed in the home; and
2. The basis for the approval recommendation.
G. Following approval of an applicant, the licensee shall issue a certificate of approval to the
provider and maintain a copy of the certificate in the provider's file. The certificate shall address
each of the following:
1. Type of family home approval (resource, foster, adoptive, treatment foster care, short-
term foster care, [ independent living arrangement, ] or a combination of types);

2. Issuance and expiration dates for the approval;
3. Gender, age, and number of children recommended for placement in the home; and
4. The signatures and titles of the individuals approving the home.
H. Following approval of an applicant, the licensee shall provide the following services and
requirements:
1. The licensee shall provide [ orientation and ] on-going training for each provider.
2. The licensee shall supply the provider with written procedures for handling
emergencies during and outside the child-placing agency's regular office hours.
22VAC40-131-210. Provider training and development.
A. The licensee shall ensure that pre-service training is provided for resource, foster,
treatment foster, [ short-term foster, ] and adoptive family home providers. This training shall
[ address but not be limited to be consistent with the licensee’s program statement and
description required by 22VAC40-131-170.A and include, as applicable, ] the following core
competencies:
1. Factors that contribute to neglect, emotional maltreatment, physical abuse, and sexual
abuse, and the effects thereof;
2. Conditions and experiences that may cause developmental delays and affect
attachment;
3. Stages of normal human growth and development;
4. Concept of permanence for children and selection of the permanency goal;
5. Reunification as the primary child welfare goal, and the process and experience of
reunification;
6. Importance of visits and other contacts in strengthening relationships between the
child and his birth family, including his siblings;
7. Legal and social processes and implications of adoption;
8. Support of older youth's transition to independent living;
9. The professional team's role in supporting the transition to permanency and
preventing unplanned placement disruptions;
10. Relationship between child welfare laws, the local department's mandates, and how
the local department carries out its mandates;
11. Purpose of service planning;
12. Impact of multiple placements on a child's development;
13. Types of and response to loss, and the factors that influence the experience of
separation, loss, and placement;
14. Cultural, spiritual, social, and economic similarities and differences between a child's
primary family and foster or adoptive family;
15. Preparing a child for family visits and helping him manage his feelings in response to
family contacts;
16. Developmentally appropriate, effective, and nonphysical disciplinary techniques;
17. Promoting a child's sense of identity, history, culture, and values;
18. Respecting a child's connection to his birth family, previous foster families or
adoptive families;
19. Being nonjudgmental in caring for the child, working with his family, and collaborating
with other members of the team;

20. Roles, rights, and responsibilities of foster parents and adoptive parents; [ and ]
21. Maintaining a home and community environment that promotes safety and well-
being [ . ; and ]
[ 22. Methods of less intrusive behavior support, crisis management techniques and
physical restraint methods approved by the licensee. ]
B. As a condition of initial approval and renewals of approvals the licensee shall require
each home provider to complete all required training. Training shall be relevant to the needs of
children and families.
C. Receipt of training shall be documented in the home provider's file.
D. Each home provider shall receive additional training annually and at other times if
determined to be necessary by the licensee.
E. The training shall be relevant to the needs of the children and families and may be
structured to include multiple types of training modalities.
F. The licensee shall explain confidentiality requirements to home providers.
G. The licensee shall require home providers to keep confidential all information regarding
the child, his family, and the circumstances that resulted in the child coming into care.
22VAC40-131-220.Training and development for providers of short-term foster care.
A. The licensee shall ensure that pre-service training is provided for short-term foster care
providers. This training shall address but not be limited to the following core competencies:
1. Factors that contribute to neglect, emotional maltreatment, physical abuse, and sexual
abuse, and the effects thereof;
2. Conditions and experiences that may cause developmental delays and affect
attachment;
3. Reunification as the primary child welfare goal, and the process and experience of
reunification;
4. Importance of visits and other contacts in strengthening relationships between the
child and his birth family, including his siblings;
5. The professional team's role in supporting the transition to permanency and
preventing unplanned placement disruptions;
6. Impact of multiple placements on a child's development;
7. Cultural, spiritual, social, and economic similarities and differences between a child's
primary family and foster or adoptive family;
8. Preparing a child for family visits and helping him manage his feelings in response to
family contacts;
9. Developmentally appropriate, effective, and nonphysical disciplinary techniques;
10. Maintaining a home and community environment that promotes safety and well-
being;
11. Promoting a child's sense of identity, history, culture, and values;
12. Respecting a child's connection to his birth family, previous foster families or
adoptive families; and
13. Being nonjudgmental in caring for the child, working with his family, and collaborating
with other members of the team.
B. As a condition of initial approval and continued approvals the licensee shall require each
home provider to complete all required training. Training shall be relevant to the needs of
children and families.
C. Receipt of training shall be documented in the home provider's file.

D. Each home provider shall receive additional training annually and at other times if
determined to be necessary by the licensee.
E. The licensee shall explain confidentiality requirements to home providers.
F. The licensee shall require home providers to keep confidential all information regarding
the child, his family, and the circumstances that resulted in the child coming into care.
22VAC40-131-230. Monitoring and re-evaluation of provider homes.
A. When the licensee has placed a child in the approved provider's home, the licensee's
representative shall visit the home as often as necessary but at least every 90 days to monitor
the performance of the provider. These visits may coincide with the monthly visits to the child.
B. When an approved provider's home does not have any children placed in the home the
licensee shall:
1. Monitor the home at least one time every 90 days by:
a. Visiting the approved provider in the home; or
b. Making direct telephone contact with the approved provider; and
2. If more than six months have elapsed since the last home visit date and the licensee
is considering placing a child in the home, the licensee shall prior to placement of a child
in the home make at least one monitoring home visit to evaluate and verify that the
home remains in compliance with the requirements of this chapter.
C. Prior to the end of each 36-month approval period, the licensee shall re-evaluate the
provider and assess all evaluation elements required for the initial home approval.
D. The licensee shall conduct the re-evaluation in the home of the approved provider with all
providers present for the re-evaluation.
E. The re-evaluation process for approving a home shall include:

1. Interviewing the provider in his home at least once;
2. Reviewing the information the licensee used to make the last approval decision;
3. Completing all required background checks in accordance with applicable federal and
state laws and regulations;
4. Obtaining the results of a new tuberculosis screening and documenting the absence
of tuberculosis in a communicable form for the applicant and other household members
who come in contact with children [ as described in 22VAC40-131-290.K ] ;
5. Obtaining new signed agreements from the provider covering elements required for
maintaining confidentiality of information and prohibition of the use of corporal
punishment, including the prohibition of allowing others to use corporal punishment;
6. Considering and reassessing all new information received since the last home
approval decision, including assessing in-service training completed by the provider;
7. Deciding the approval status of the provider; and
8. Providing an addendum to the home study to include any other information that has
changed since the prior approval and the decision related to whether the provider is re-
approved. The addendum shall contain all elements require [ ments d ] by this chapter,
be documented by a combination of narrative and other data collection formats, and
contain the dated signatures of the individual completing the addendum and the
licensee's director or his designee.
F. The licensee shall document the following for each re-evaluation conducted:
1. For each child placed since the last evaluation, a brief description of the child's
adjustment to the family and the home;
2. The results of an evaluation of the providers' performance to include his:

a. Ability to relate to children;
b. Ability to help children reach their goals;
c. Skills in working with particular types of problems;
d. Ability to establish and maintain a consistent and stable environment for each child
and including in this evaluation, the identification and resolution of problems or
significant changes that occurred in the family since the last evaluation; and
e. Ability to work with the licensee and birth parents in meeting the needs of the
child.
3. A description of the relationship between the child and each family member, including
the names of the family members and, if any foster child or youth has been removed
from the home, a description of the reasons the child was removed; and
4. The licensee's recommendations regarding continued use of the home, further training
needs of the home provider and the age, gender, and number of children that the home
can successfully handle.
G. Any approval, disapproval, suspension, or revocation of the provider shall be made in
consultation with the child-placing supervisor or in a staff meeting, and the date of the decision
shall be recorded in the provider's record.
H. For approved homes, the licensee shall document (i) the age and gender of children who
can be placed in the home and (ii) the basis for the approval recommendation, and issue an
approval certificate containing all elements required by this chapter.
I. If the re-evaluation process or home-monitoring activities result in the licensee's decision
to suspend approval of a provider, the licensee shall:
1. Immediately remove the children from the home;

2. Send written notification to the provider of such decision no later than one week
following the date the decision was made;
3. Place no children in the home until such time that the provider:
a. Resolves all issues that led to suspension; and
b. Demonstrates compliance with all requirements of this chapter.
4. Document in an addendum to the provider's home study:
a. Circumstances and issues that led to the suspension;
b. Actions taken by the licensee as a result [ of ] becoming aware of the
circumstances and issues;
c. Actions taken by the provider to address each circumstance and issue; and
d. The licensee's response and disposition of whether the home warranted removal
from suspension.
5. Reinstate, if warranted, and designate in writing the approval of the provider for the
remainder of the original 36-month approval time frame.
J. If the re-evaluation process or home-monitoring activities result in the licensee's decision
to revoke approval of a provider, the licensee shall:
1. Immediately remove placed children from the home and not place any children in the
home;
2. Send written notification to the provider of such decision no later than one week
following the date the decision was made; and
3. Document in the home provider's file:
a. The reasons for revoking the approval of the provider; and

b. Verification that actions required by 22VAC40-131-230 J 1, 2, and 3 were taken by
the licensee.
K. The licensee shall maintain documentation in the provider's file of:
1. Each visit and contact made with the provider;
2. Each visit made to the home of the provider;
3. All activities, decisions made, and correspondence sent or received regarding re-
evaluation process;
4. Home study addenda or updates;
5. The approval certificate issued to the approved provider; and
6. Documentation pertaining to suspension or revocation actions as required by this
chapter.
22VAC40-131-240. Capacity of provider home.
A. The number of children in an approved resource, foster, or short-term foster care home
shall not exceed eight. An exception to the eight capacity may be made only when an approved
home can accept the placement of a sibling group. The approved home shall have the
appropriate space and furnishings for each child in care as required by 22VAC40-131-190.
B. The number of children placed in an approved treatment foster care home shall not
exceed two without written justification approved by a child-placing supervisor. The justification
shall be written and approved prior to the placement of additional children and it shall (i) contain
the name of approving supervisor, his title, the date of approval; and (ii) address the impact that
the additional placement may have on the other children currently in the home.
C. The licensee shall consider the following elements when determining the capacity for a
provider home:
1. The physical accommodations of the home;
2. The capabilities and skills of the applicant to manage the number of children;
3. The needs and special requirements of the child;
4. Whether the child's best interest requires placement in a certain type of home;
5. Whether any individuals in the home, including the applicant's children, require special
attention or services of the applicant that interfere with the applicant's ability to ensure
the safety of all children in the home; and
6. Whether the foster care provider is also a day care provider.
Part VI
Children's Services
22VAC40-131-250. Intake, acceptance, and placement.
A. Prior to any placement of a child [ in foster care, short-term foster care, or treatment
foster care ] the licensee shall secure written authority to make the placement. The written
authority for placement shall be maintained in the child's file. The written authority to make
placements includes one of the following:
1. A court order, issued by any court of competent jurisdiction, that commits the child to
the care of the licensee;
2. A permanent entrustment by the parent or parents or other person having legal
custody of the child;
3. A temporary entrustment by the parent or parents or other person having legal
4. A placement agreement from a licensed or authorized child-placing agency having
legal custody of the child;

5. A placement agreement signed by the local department of social services having
jurisdiction when a noncustodial agreement has been signed between a parent or legal
guardian and the local department or another public agency; or
6. A parental agreement whereby for the purpose of placement in suitable family homes,
child-caring institutions, residential facilities, or independent living arrangements, the
child's parents or guardians have entrusted the child to the local [ social services
agency department ] .
[ C. B. ] Prior to any placement of a child in an independent living arrangement, the
licensee shall secure written authority to make the placement. The written authority to place
includes one of the following:
1. A court order, issued by any court of competent jurisdiction, that commits the child to
the care of the licensee;
2. A permanent entrustment by the parent or parents or other person having legal
3. A temporary entrustment by the parent or parents or other person having legal
4. A placement agreement from a [ n ] child-placing agency or person having legal
custody of the child; or
5. A placement agreement signed by the local department of social services having
jurisdiction when a noncustodial agreement has been signed between a parent or legal
guardian and the local department or another public agency.
[ D. C. ] Prior to the provision of independent living services to any person who was in
foster care on his 18th birthday and has not yet reached 21 years of age, the licensee shall
enter into a written contractual agreement with the person [ s ] 18 years of age to 21 years of
age and such contractual agreement shall specify the terms and conditions of the person's
receipt of independent living services.
[ E. D. ] Prior to placement of a child for adoption, the licensee shall secure written
authority to make the placement. The written authority shall be in the form of one of the
following:
1. An order issued by a court of competent jurisdiction documenting the termination of
parental rights and responsibilities of each parent;
2. A notarized entrustment agreement signed by [ both the parent or ] parents or other
person having legal custody of the child; or
3. An order issued by a court of competent jurisdiction approving the transfer of the
child's custody from one agency to another.
[ F. E. ] The licensee shall petition the court for approval of a temporary entrustment
agreement.
1. For a temporary entrustment written for less than 90 days, the licensee shall file the
petition with the court within a reasonable period of time and not to exceed 89 days after
the execution of the agreement if the child is not returned to his home within that 90-day
period.
2. For a temporary entrustment written for 90 days or longer or for an unspecified period
of time, the licensee shall file the petition with the court within a reasonable period of
time and not to exceed 30 days after execution of the agreement if the agreement does
not provide for termination of all parental rights with respect to the child.
[ G. F. ] A licensee certified by the Department of Education as a school for children with
disabilities shall for the purpose of placement of the child in its special education program enter
into a placement agreement, signed by the parent or other person having legal custody of the
child. The placement agreement shall meet the requirements of this section. The licensee is not
required to take custody of the child placed in its special education program.
[ H. G. ] Prior to accepting a child for placement in a foster care home, treatment foster
care home, short-term foster care home, or an independent living arrangement, the licensee
shall gather, review, and document the following information in the child's file:
1. The reason the placement is requested, and if the child coming into placement is less
than one year old, a brief report on his living situation unless this placement directly
follows his discharge from the hospital;
2. A list of services requested by the placing agency, parent, or other individual having
legal custody of the child;
3. Current information on the child's:
a. Health:
(1) For a newborn child coming into foster care directly following hospital discharge,
the discharge summary shall be accepted as the admission examination; or
(2) For a child under one year old, the admission examination shall consist of a
hospital summary and a physician-signed report of interim care no older than 30
days that documents the absence of abnormalities or if abnormalities are present,
the report shall contain an explanation of abnormalities observed;
b. Behavior in the home or other previous living situation;
c. Current school grade level, as appropriate;
d. Day care or nursery school, as appropriate;
e. Adjustment to school, day care, or nursery school;

f. Current medication, prescription and nonprescription, including the names,
dosages, and instructions for all medication being taken by the child, and reasons for
taking each medication;
g. Emotional and psychological needs and problems of the child, if any, including
information concerning professional treatment needed or received to meet the needs
or problems;
h. Strengths, skills, interests, and talents;
i. Permanency planning goal including the date of planned achievement; and
j. Emergency contact supports including the names, addresses, and telephone
numbers for designated emergency contacts, parents, if appropriate, or other person
having legal custody of the child, and the agency placing the child with the licensee.
4. For treatment foster care placements, a list of the strengths and needs of the child's
birth family;
5. The dates and names of persons involved in making preplacement visits;
6. The dates and names of persons involved in staffing the child's case;
7. The reason the child was accepted for placement; and
8. The date the acceptance decision was made.
[ I. H. ] The licensee shall review and consider all information collected on the child prior to
recommending the type of home best suited to the child. The recommendation and rationale
shall be documented in the child's file.
[ J. I. ] The licensee shall consider the following when making the decision whether to place
a child in a foster home, treatment foster care home, or short-term foster care home:
1. The prospective foster family's specific skills, abilities, and attitudes necessary to (i)
effectively work with the child; (ii) ensure implementation of the child's service plan; and
(iii) provide effective behavior support techniques, crisis intervention, crisis stabilization,
and supportive counseling;
2. The prospective foster family's ability to meet the needs and preferences of the child;
3. The prospective foster family's willingness to access resources required to meet the
needs of the child; and
4. The prospective foster family's willingness and ability to work with the child's family.
[ K. J. ] Prior to placement of a child in a family home, the licensee shall assist the
prospective foster family with making an informed decision as to whether that particular child is
appropriate for them.
[ L. K. ] The licensee shall document in the child's file the reasons a particular home was
selected for the child, including the matching factors considered for the selection decision.
[ M. L. ] Except when the placement of the child is an emergency placement, the licensee
shall interview the child and his parent or legal guardian prior to the child's placement. If, for
valid reasons, the interview was not completed prior to placement, the licensee shall document
in the child's file the reasons why the interview was not completed within the required time
frame.
[ N. M. ] Except when the placement of the child is an emergency placement, the licensee
shall prepare the child for placement and arrange a preplacement visit for the child in the
prospective home. If a preplacement visit did not take place prior to the child's placement, the
reasons why it did not occur shall be documented in the child's file.
[ O. N. ] A summary of the preplacement interview and results of the preplacement visit
shall be documented in the child's file.

[ P. O. ] Within 30 days of the placement of the child in a foster care home, treatment foster
care home, short-term foster care home, or an independent living arrangement, or prior to the
completion of the adoptive placement agreement, the licensee shall place in the file of the child
a written assessment that contains all required elements specified in 22VAC40-131-250 [ H.
G. ]
[ Q. P. ] The licensee shall place siblings together in the same foster home whenever
possible unless placement together is clearly not in the best interest of each child.
[ R. Q. ] When the licensee accepts a child for placement from another child-placing
agency that retains custody of the child, the licensee shall, before placing the child:
1. Sign the placement agreement as the recipient of the child; and
2. Ensure that the placement agreement has been signed by the representatives
from each child-placing agency who has the authority to commit the child-placing
agency to the provisions contained in the agreement.
[ S. R. ] When the licensee accepts a child for placement from a parent or other individual
having legal custody of the child, the licensee shall:
1. Obtain an entrustment agreement and follow the requirements as set forth in §§ 63.2-
903 and 63.2-1817 of the Code of Virginia;
2. Explain the licensee's foster care program;
3. Collect information for the intake [ assessment ] and social history and document the
information obtained under each respective heading;
4. Provide the parent or other individual having legal custody of the child or youth with
information about the licensee's services;

5. Provide an explanation of the service planning process and the licensee's case work
responsibilities;
6. Discuss with the parent or other individual having legal custody of the child:
a. Long-term and short [ - ] term goals for the child, including estimated dates of
accomplishment for each goal;
b. Objectives for each goal;
c. Responsibilities of all parties for accomplishing the goals and objectives for the
child;
d. Involvement in service planning for the child;
e. Plans for visitation with the child; and
f. Plans for financial support for the child; and
7. Document in the child's file the reactions of the parents or other persons to each topic
discussed with them.
[ T. S. ] The licensee shall cooperate with the placing agency and custodian to ensure that
the placing agency and custodian have access to the child at all times.
[ U. T. ] The licensee shall develop a system of support for foster parents and assign
designated staff to be on call to foster parents on a 24-hour, seven day a week basis.
22VAC40-131-260. Social history.
A. The licensee shall complete a social history on each child within 45 days of the date of
the child's placement except:
1. When the child is placed in a short-term foster care placement, the initial social history
shall be completed within 30 days of the date of the child's placement and if subsequent
short [ - ] term placements of the child are made, the licensee shall review and update
the initial social history; and
2. For adoption, the licensee shall complete the social history prior to the signing of the
adoptive placement agreement.
B. The social history shall be documented in the record of each child and shall include the
following:
1. Date the history was completed;
2. Reasons for the placement and the permanency planning goal of the child's
placement;
3. For foster care, treatment foster care, and independent living placements, identify the
services needed to reach the child's permanency goal;
4. Information on the child's family's structure, relationships, and involvement with the
child;
5. Child's previous placement history, including dates and names of previous caretakers,
if any;
6. Child's developmental, educational, and medical history. The information, if available,
shall include names and addresses of providers of medical treatment and copies of
available reports or documentation of the licensee's attempts to obtain the information;
7. Child's history as a victim of abuse and neglect, including history of prenatal neglect or
substance abuse by mother, if applicable;
8. Education and occupation of the child's parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and
grandparents;
9. Medical and psychiatric history of the child's parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and
grandparents as it relates to the suitability of the child for placement;
10. Emotional or psychological problems the child has experienced within the last 13
months, including strengths and needs of the child, assessments, and professional
treatment received, if applicable;
11. Background information from other sources such as court reports and previous
social histories, if any; and
12. For treatment foster care, current service or treatment plan from other treatment
providers and discharge summaries from previous placements, if any.
C. For a child less than one year of age placed in foster care prior to adoption, the licensee
shall in addition to the elements specified in subsection B of this section include the following in
the child's social history:
1. Physical appearance of the child and of both parents if available;
2. Child's parent [ ' ] s nationality, race, and religion;
3. Description of the child's birth parents personality, lifestyle, and childhood;
4. Identification of individuals in the family who know about the birth parents' plan;
5. Identification of the relatives who have been contacted for possible foster care
placement;
6. Description of the type of adoptive family with whom the birth parents would like to
have their child placed;
7. Expected length of the child's placement in a foster care home; and
8. Description of the recommendation of adoptive home that best meets the needs of the
child or an explanation as to why the licensee has not yet made that determination.
D. If information on any item required by this section was not completed or obtained, the
reason shall be documented under the appropriate section of the child's social history.
E. For a child less than one year of age placed in foster care prior to adoption, the licensee
shall review the child's social history with the selected adoptive parents.
22VAC40-131-270. Interstate placements.
A. The licensee shall comply with the provisions of the Virginia Interstate Compact on the
Placement of Children (Chapters 10 (§ 63.2-1000 et seq.) and 11 (§ 63.2-1100 et seq.) of Title
63.2 of the Code of Virginia) for all children who will cross state lines, either out of Virginia to
another state or from another state into Virginia, for placement in resource, foster care,
adoptive, treatment foster care, and independent living arrangements.
B. Before a Virginia resident child is placed outside Virginia, the licensee shall obtain
[ written ] prior approval of the administrator of the Virginia Interstate Compact on the
Placement of Children, Virginia Department of Social Services. [ Written A approval ] shall be
maintained in the child's file.
C. Before a child who is not a Virginia resident is placed in Virginia, the licensee receiving
the child shall obtain [ written ] prior approval of the administrator of the Virginia Interstate
Compact on the Placement of Children, Virginia Department of Social Services. [ Written A
approval ] shall be maintained in the child's file.
D. Prior to the licensee supervising the placement of an out-of-state child, the licensee shall
obtain from the placing agency documentation that the administrator of the Virginia Interstate
Compact on the Placement of Children, Virginia Department of Social Services approved the
placement of the child. The documentation shall be maintained the child's file.
E. A licensee who conducts an adoptive home study before any particular child is identified
for placement shall:

1. Inform the potential adoptive parents that prior to any out-of-state child being placed in
Virginia, the provisions of the Virginia Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children
(Chapters 10 (§ 63.2-1000 et seq.) and 11 (§ 63.2-1100 et seq.) of Title 63.2 of the Code
of Virginia) shall be followed; and
2. Document in the home study that the potential parents were so informed of the
requirements of the Virginia Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (Chapters
10 (§ 63.2-1000 et seq.) and 11 (§ 63.2-1100 et seq.) of Title 63.2 of the Code of
Virginia).
F. The licensee shall maintain in the child's file documentation that copies of all serious
incident reports regarding any child placed through interstate compact were sent to the
administrator of the Virginia Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children.
G. When the licensee is working with another child-placing agency in placing a child, the
licensee shall enter into a written interagency agreement with the other child-placing agency
that identifies the period of supervision to be provided to the child and delineates the
responsibilities of both agencies until the adoption is finalized or the placement is terminated. A
copy of the agreement shall be maintained in the child's file.
H. The licensee that provides supervision for the placement of a child in the custody of an
out-of-state agency shall conduct visits in accordance with Virginia law and as specified in the
written interagency agreement. All supervision activities shall be documented in the child's file.
I. The licensee shall send a copy of each report of supervision to the office of the
administrator of the Virginia Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children and to the agency
that sent the child.
J. The licensee shall complete home studies in accordance with home study requirements
specified in this regulation.

K. The licensee shall complete updated home study information in accordance with
requirements of Virginia Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (§ 63.2-1000 of the
Code of Virginia) when the licensee accepts a case of a child who has moved into Virginia from
another state or United States territory.
L. The licensee shall provide a copy of the updated home study information to the office of
the administrator of the Virginia Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children office.
22VAC40-131-280. Foster home agreements.
A. The licensee shall have a written foster home agreement with the family for each child in
foster care, treatment foster care, and short-term foster care.
B. The foster home agreement shall be signed by all necessary parties on or before the date
the child is placed in the home.
C. The foster home agreement shall include the following elements:
1. The code of ethics and mutual responsibilities for all parties to the agreement in
language and format approved by the State Board;
2. Financial responsibilities of each party, including payment for foster care and payment
for other expenses;
3. Services each party agrees to provide for the child, the child's family, and foster
family;
4. Provisions for receiving consent for routine and emergency medical, mental health,
and dental care for the child;
5. Arrangements for the provision of medical, mental health, and dental care;
6. Provisions for handling emergencies during and outside the licensee's regular office
hours;
7. Arrangements for the provision of clothing for the child;
8. Arrangements for visits by parents;
9. A statement of agreement that corporal punishment is prohibited. The agreement shall
also prohibit the family from granting permission for others to use corporal punishment
on the child;
10. Permission for out-of-state travel;
11. Permission, if necessary, for the child to participate in any fund-raising activities;
12. A statement of understanding that the licensee maintains responsibility to protect the
best interests of the child and that the licensee has the right to remove the child from the
family home when removal is determined to be in the best interests of the child; and
13. A statement that the approved provider agrees:
a. To provide meals and snacks appropriate to the child's daily nutritional needs
including a special diet if prescribed by a licensed health care provider or in
accordance with religions or ethnic requirements or other special needs;
b. That if he provides transportation to the child he shall, on the vehicle used for
transportation of the child, maintain:
(1) A valid license to drive in Virginia;
(2) Automobile liability insurance as required by Virginia law;
(3) Valid vehicle registration; and
(4) Valid Virginia-required inspection sticker;
c. To transport the child in accordance with Virginia laws for safe transport, including
use of functioning child restraint devices in accordance with requirements of Virginia
law;
d. As necessary, to seek and secure services from licensed professionals to meet
the medical, dental, and mental health needs of the child; and
e. That he understands he has the right, at all times, to receive support and
assistance of the licensee in relation to the child's care in the home.
D. The licensee shall ensure any changes made in the terms of the agreement are amended
in the agreement, dated, signed, or initialed by all parties to the agreement.
22VAC40-131-290. Medical, dental, and psychiatric examinations and care.
A. Each child shall have a medical examination conducted by or under the direction of a
licensed physician no earlier than 90 days prior to placement, except in the following situations:
1. An emergency-placed child shall have up to 60 days following placement to receive a
medical examination if a written medical examination report providing evidence that he
received a medical examination no earlier than 90 days prior to placement is not
available;
2. The child is a newborn then the hospital discharge summary shall serve as the
medical examination; or
3. The child has been in continuous placement of a public or private child-placing agency
and the licensee has obtained copies of (i) a medical examination report that is no more
than 13 months old and (ii) a report of all medical treatment provided to the child from
the date of the medical examination to the date of admission of the child to the licensee's
program.
B. The licensee shall follow the examining physician's recommendations regarding the
frequency and type of medical examinations or treatment; however, there shall be no more than
13 months between medical examinations received by the child.

C. The medical examination report on each child shall include the following:
1. Date of examination;
2. Signature and title of examiner;
3. Current physical condition;
4. Growth and development;
5. Visual acuity;
6. Auditory acuity;
7. Nutritional status;
8. Evidence of freedom from communicable disease, including tuberculosis;
9. Allergies, including food and medication allergies;
10. Chronic conditions;
11. [ Handicapping conditions or ] [ d D ] isabilities; and
12. A copy of the record of immunizations the child has received since his last
examination.
D. The licensee shall file a copy of the medical examination report in the child's file.
E. Each child over three years of age shall have a dental examination.
1. The dental examination shall have been completed within 13 months prior to the time
of placement or if no previous dental examination has been conducted, the child shall
have an exam within 60 days following the date of placement.
2. The written report of examination shall contain the signature of a licensed dentist or
his designee.
3. The licensee shall file a copy of the dental examination report in the child's file.
F. The licensee shall arrange for the child to receive any routine and recommended medical,
dental, mental health, psychological, and psychiatric follow-up care and treatment.
Documentation regarding the arrangements for and child's receipt of care shall be maintained in
the child's file.
G. The licensee shall arrange for the child to receive necessary medical, dental, mental
health, psychological, and psychiatric care and treatment resulting from injuries, illness,
emergencies, or other conditions that occur in between examinations or appointments.
Documentation regarding the arrangements for and child's receipt of care shall be maintained in
the child's file.
H. If the licensee serves as legal custodian for the child and in that capacity decides not to
follow the physician's recommendation for medical, dental, or psychiatric care or treatment, the
licensee shall document in the child's file the rationale upon which the decision was made,
including a detailed description of how the licensee considered the best interests of the child in
making the decision.
I. The licensee shall document in the file of each child a listing of all medication prescribed
for the child.
J. The licensee shall document in the file of each child the medication intended effects and
adverse reactions the child or youth has experienced. The licensee shall ensure that the
intended effects and adverse reactions experienced by the child or youth are reported to the
prescribing physician.
K. The provider applicant and all other household members who come into contact with
children shall submit to tuberculosis screening or tests and provide documentation on the
appropriate report of tuberculosis form published by the Virginia Department of Health (Report
of Tuberculosis Screening Clearance Letter for Negative Screen (Form 1), Report of
Tuberculosis Screening Report of TST/X-ray Results (Form 2), or TB Risk Assessment (TB
512)) or a form consistent with it.
1. The screening or test results shall include a statement that the individual is free from
communicable tuberculosis and including the type of screening administered, date of
screening, and results of the screening. If any screening or test shows positive results
for communicable tuberculosis or if no screening or test has been completed on the
individual, a written explanation shall be obtained from the physician, his designee, or
representative of the local health department.
2. The screening or test results shall contain the screening or test date and the results
shall be no older than 13 months at the time of home approval by the licensee.
3. If an individual comes in contact with a known case of tuberculosis or develops
chronic respiratory symptoms of three weeks or more duration, he shall obtain
tuberculosis screening and follow the recommendations of the physician, his designee,
or representative of the local health department. The licensee shall require the individual
to submit documentation regarding communicable status.
L. The provider applicant and each resident of the household who will be in a caretaking role
for children placed in the home shall submit the results of a medical examination administered
and signed by a licensed physician, his designee, or an official of a local health department.
1. The examination results shall include written examiner comments that address the
applicant's or caretaker's mental and physical condition in relation to his ability to take
care of a child. If concerns are noted, additional reports from specialists shall be
obtained.
2. The examination results shall contain a date of examination and be no older than 13
months at the time of home approval by the licensee.

M. The medical examination shall be updated if the licensee or department has concerns
about the physical or mental health of any member of the placement family. If the examination
reveals that the child's safety or health is in jeopardy, the licensee shall plan for the immediate
removal of any children or youth placed in the home.
22VAC40-131-300. School enrollment.
A. For each school-aged child in its custody, the licensee shall be responsible for ensuring
that the child is enrolled in school. Within 72 hours of the date of the child's foster care
placement, the licensee shall notify the relevant school division's principal and superintendent,
or designee, of the child's placement and status of the parental rights of the child [ 's ] .
B. The child's file maintained by the licensee shall contain documentation of the licensee's
contact with school authorities.
[ C. For school-aged children in foster care, the licensee shall collaborate and work
cooperatively with the local department and the local education authority to maintain educational
stability for each child. Cooperative efforts shall be documented in the child’s file. ]
22VAC40-131-310. Clothing and spending money for children.
A. The licensee shall ensure that each child in care has his own supply of season-suitable
clothing in good condition for indoor and outdoor wear.
B. The licensee shall ensure that each school-age child has a spending money allowance.
22VAC40-131-320. Reports and policies to protect children.
A. The licensee shall keep records and make reports as required by the department.
B. The licensee shall take the following actions in cases of suspected child abuse and
neglect:
1. Immediately notify:
a. The child protective services unit of the appropriate local department of social
services or the department's 24-hour child abuse and neglect hotline;
b. The custodial agency worker or supervisor; and
c. The department's licensing representative;
2. Cooperate with the local department during its investigation of the complaint;
3. Review each complaint to determine if the licensee's policies and procedures were
followed by the licensee's staff and approved provider;
4. Within 90 days of the licensee's receipt of the complaint, make a report to the
department's licensing representative addressing the following:
a. Internal policy review findings and actions taken as a result of findings; and
b. The child protective services disposition, if child protective services accepted the
case for investigation, and a report of actions taken as a result of child protective
services investigation findings; and
5. Maintain an accessible copy of the internal policy review report.
C. The licensee shall submit a written report of circumstances pertaining to the death of a
child to the department's licensing representative within seven days of the child's death.
D. The licensee shall make the following notifications pertaining to the death of a child in
care:
1. Immediately notify the child's parents or legal guardian of the incident and document
such notification in the file of the child; and
2. Notify the department's office of licensing of the child's death immediately but no later
than the end of the next business day following the child's death.
E. The licensee shall report any serious incident, accident, or injury to the child to the
placing agency, parent, or legal guardian, and to the department's licensing representative
within 24 hours following the incident, accident, or injury.
F. For each serious incident, accident, or injury to the child, the licensee shall place a written
report in the child's file to document:
1. The date and time the incident, accident, or injury occurred;
2. A brief description of the incident, accident, or injury;
3. Action taken as a result of the incident, accident, or injury;
4. The name of the licensee's staff person who completed the written report;
5. The name of the licensee's staff person who notified (i) the placing agency and (ii)
parent or legal guardian of the incident, accident, or injury;
6. The time each notification was made; and
7. The name of the person the staff person contacted and made the notification to.
22VAC40-131-330. Visitation and continuing contact with children.
A. In accordance with instructions from the court and placing agency, the licensee shall
arrange for and encourage contact and visitation between the foster child, his family, and others
specified in the child's individualized service plan and, as applicable, the child's treatment plan.
B. The licensee shall develop and implement a plan to address visitation or communication
between siblings when siblings entrusted to the care of the licensee are placed in separate
foster homes. The plan shall:
1. Address the wishes of the child;
2. Specify the frequency of visits or communication;

3. Identify the party responsible for encouraging visits or communication; and
4. Specify any other requirement or restriction the licensee will impose for visits or
communication, including restrictions necessary to ensure that the child's best interests
are represented.
C. For individuals who are 18 years of age and older and still receiving foster care services,
the licensee shall make monthly contact with the individual and make at least one face-to-face
contact every 90 days.
D. The licensee shall be responsible for ensuring that required contacts have been made
with children whom the licensee has placed outside of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Any
documentation provided regarding monitoring visits made by an out-of-state child placing
agency shall be maintained in the child's file.
E. The licensee shall have at least one face-to-face contact with the foster child every 30
days.
F. [ More than one half of the contacts the licensee makes with a child in any calendar year
shall be conducted in the child's placement setting. The licensee shall have at least one face-to-
face contact with the child in the placement setting every 60 days. ]
G. The licensee shall contact the child placed in treatment foster care as follows:
1. A face-to-face contact with the child no less than twice each month. There shall be at
least seven days between face-to-face contacts unless contraindicated by the child's
service or treatment plan [ . ; ]
2. The frequency for determining additional contacts with the child shall be based on his
treatment and service plan and occur as often as necessary to ensure the child is
receiving safe and effective services;

3. At least one of the face-to-face contacts made during a calendar month shall take
place in the foster home to assess the relationship between the child and the foster
parents and the contact shall include the child and at least one treatment foster parent;
4. The contacts shall assess the child's progress, provide training and guidance to the
foster parents, monitor service delivery, and allow the child to communicate concerns;
and
5. Children who are capable of participating in an interview shall be interviewed privately
at least one time each month.
H. Unless specifically prohibited by a court of competent jurisdiction or the agency holding
legal custody of the child, the licensee shall:
1. Allow the child to have regular contact with his family as specified in the child's
treatment and service plan;
2. Work to support and enhance child-family relationships; and
3. Work directly with families toward reunification as specified in the child's treatment
and service plan.
I. The licensee shall ensure that each child is provided treatment, services, and care in a
nurturing home setting with attention given to health, safety, and welfare of the child.
J. The licensee shall document a written description of each contact made with the child and
the documentation shall be signed by the staff person who made the contact, dated, and
K. If the licensee determines a [ permanent ] move from one foster home to another is
warranted, the licensee shall:

1. Consult with the placing agency and, if applicable, the child's legal guardian prior to
the child's move, unless the move is due to an emergency situation or issues pertaining
to child abuse or neglect; and
2. Ensure that the move is in the best interests of the child.
L. If the licensee is unable to consult with the placing agency prior to the child's move from
one foster home to another, the licensee shall document all attempts made to make the required
contact. The licensee shall ensure that contact is made as soon as possible and no later than
72 hours following the move when the move took place on a weekend or holiday.
22VAC40-131-340. Service plans.
A. The licensee shall develop and implement an individualized service plan for every child
accepted for care and service.
B. For children in treatment foster care, the licensee shall:
1. Within 14 days of a child's placement, develop and implement individualized,
measurable objectives and strategies describing services to be provided to the child, his
placement family, and his birth family during the first 45 days of placement; and
2. Within 45 days of a child's placement, develop and implement an individualized
service plan and [ an individualized comprehensive ] treatment plan.
C. In the case of a short-term foster care placement of a child, the licensee shall develop
and implement the service plan within 72 hours of the child's placement and the short-term
placement plan shall include a description of the child's needs and services to be provided to
the child during the duration of his short term placement.
D. When the licensee has received legal custody of the child, the licensee shall within 60
days of receipt of such custody file a copy of the service plan with the appropriate court unless:
1. The court grants an extension of time not to exceed 60 days;
2. The court designates another agency to file the service plan; or
3. The child is returned to his prior family or placed in an adoptive home.
E. The licensee shall include the following elements in the child's individualized service plan:
1. A comprehensive assessment of the child's emotional, social, behavioral, educational,
nutritional, developmental, medical, psychiatric, and dental needs;
2. The nature of the placement to be provided to the child;
3. Goals and objectives to meet the child's needs that include:
a. For children or youth 14 years of age and older, specific independent living
services to be provided to assist the child in meeting his goals; and
b. For children in treatment foster care, goals and objectives to address specific
problem behaviors, skills to be addressed, and criteria for achievement;
4. Anticipated target dates, including month, day, and year, for accomplishment of each
identified goal and objective, and for treatment foster care the target date for the child's
discharge from the program;
5. Strategies, services, and activities designed to meet the goals and objectives,
including:
a. A description of how the licensee plans to work with related community resources,
including the child's primary care physician, to provide continuity of care to the child;
b. The services and other supports to be offered to the child's parents and other prior
custodians;
c. A description of the participation and conduct sought from the parent and prior
custodians;
d. Visitation between the child, his parents, prior custodians, and siblings;
e. For children 14 years of age and older, specific independent living services to be
provided to assist the child in meeting his goals; and
f. For treatment foster care, methods of intervention and therapies designed to meet
the child's goals and objectives;
6. Discharge goals, objectives, and services to be provided for their achievement and
where appropriate, plans for reunification of the child with his family; and
7. As appropriate for youth 16 years of age and older, a description of programs and
services to assist the youth in his transition from foster care to independent living.
F. The child's record shall contain documentation showing the involvement of the following
parties, unless clearly inappropriate, in developing the child's individualized service plan, child's
treatment plan as appropriate, and quarterly progress reports; and in updating the service plan
and treatment plan as necessary:
1. The birth parents of the child unless parental rights have been terminated; or unless
the birth parents who maintain parental rights of the child have not been located;
2. Custodial agency;
3. Foster parents or treatment foster parents where appropriate;
4. The child, if the involvement is consistent with the best interests of the child; and
5. Licensee staff.
G. The licensee shall document in the file of the child the reasons why each party was not
involved if any of the parties do not participate in the development of the child's individualized
service plan, treatment plan as appropriate, or quarterly progress reviews and updating the
service plan and treatment plan.

H. For service plans, court reviews, dispositional hearings, and permanency planning, the
licensee who has custody shall follow the requirements set forth in §§ 63.2-906 B, 16.1-281,
16.1-282, and 16.1-282.1 of the Code of Virginia, the Board of Social Services-approved
policies and promulgated regulations, and guidance documents issued by the department.
I. Each service plan shall contain the date the plan was written; the signature of the
individual who developed the plan; and, for treatment foster care treatment plans, the identity of
all treatment team members who participated in the development of the plan.
J. The licensee shall provide training, support, and guidance to families in implementing the
service plan for the child.
K. The licensee shall provide a copy of the child's service plan and any updates, treatment
plan and updates as appropriate, and quarterly progress reports to the custodial placing agency
and, as applicable, to the birth parents, foster parents, and treatment foster parents as long as
confidential identifying information about the parents is not disclosed.
L. Obtain from the custodial child-placing agency a copy of the child's service plan sent to
the court. The service plan shall be placed in the child's file. In the event the licensee is not able
to obtain the plan, the licensee shall document in the child's file the efforts made to obtain the
plan.
M. The service plans developed by the licensee shall be compatible with the goals in the
plan sent to the court.
22VAC40-131-350. Quarterly progress summaries.
A. The licensee shall review the progress of each child in care. The first review of progress
and report shall occur no later than 90 days from the date of the child's placement and
subsequent progress reviews shall be conducted every 90 days thereafter.

B. The licensee shall document the progress review in a written summary report that
addresses the following elements:
1. Progress the child has made toward reaching each goal and objective on his service
plan and documenting progress the child has made in alleviating his specific problem
behaviors, if any;
2. Description of goals and objectives the child has met during the evaluation quarter,
goals and objectives that continue to be worked on in the next quarter, and new goals
and objectives to be added for next quarter;
3. Description of criteria for achievement and target dates for each goal and objective;
4. Description of any changes that need to be made in the service and treatment plans,
including changes in methods of intervention and strategies designed to help the child
meet his goals;
5. Decision as to whether each projected date of accomplishment continues to be
realistic or needs to change;
6. Description of services, therapies, and activities provided to and secured for the child
during the quarter, including services provided towards the discharge goals;
7. Description of any new needs of the child; services, activities, or therapies identified to
meet the child's needs and address behaviors; addition of new goals and objectives; and
target dates for accomplishment;
8. Summary of contacts made between the child and his family, where appropriate;
9. Participation of the birth and foster parents in the services offered to them and the
child;
10. The child's assessment of his progress and description of services needed, where
appropriate;
11. List of medications used by the child;
12. List of the child's medical needs during this review period, any medical treatment the
child received during this period, any recommendations for further medical treatment,
and scheduled appointments;
13. Recommendations for any modifications to the current service plan, including
changes in methods of intervention and strategies;
14. Dates of progress covered during this review;
15. A review of the discharge plan, projected discharge date, and, as necessary,
updating the information; and
16. Date the progress summary report was written; and the signature and title of the
individual who wrote the report.
C. The progress summary reports shall be in the child's file.
D. The licensee shall update service plans as necessary to include modifications made,
identification of new needs, and services to meet the new needs.
E. As required in 22VAC40-131-340 F, the licensee shall document the participation of
required parties in each review of progress.
F. On the fourth quarter summary report, the licensee shall in addition to the requirements
specified in subsection B of this section, evaluate and update the comprehensive treatment and
service plan for the upcoming year.

22VAC40-131-360. Discharge from care.
A. Prior to the child's discharge from care, the licensee shall formulate and document
recommendations for aftercare services for the child and share those recommendations with the
placing agency and parents, where appropriate. If recommendations were not shared with the
child's parents, the licensee shall document the reasons in the child's file.
B. Prior to the planned discharge date, each child's file shall contain documentation that the
child's discharge was planned and discussed with the placing agency, the child, the child's
parents or guardian, and the members of the child's treatment team, if applicable.
C. Children in the legal custody of the local department of social services or private child-
placing agency shall not be discharged by the licensee until the licensee has consulted with and
notified the legal custodians of the plans for discharge. The licensee shall document in the
child's file the names of the persons consulted and to whom notifications were provided, each
date of occurrence, and a summary of each discussion.
D. Children shall be discharged only to the agency, parent, or guardian holding legal
custody of the child. Youth 18 years of age and older shall be discharged to their own
responsibility unless a court of competent jurisdiction has appointed a legal guardian to
represent the youth.
E. No later than 30 days after the date of discharge, the licensee shall develop and place a
comprehensive discharge summary in the child's file. The summary shall address:
1. Date of discharge;
2. Reason or reasons for discharge;
3. Name of the individual with whom the child was placed or to whom he was
discharged;
4. Description of services provided to the child;
5. Summary of the child's progress toward meeting his goals and objectives, and as
applicable for youth placed in independent living arrangements, the progress toward
achieving life skills goals; and
6. Written recommendations for aftercare services including the nature, recommended
frequency, and duration of services to be provided to the child and the child's family.
F. Upon the child's discharge from care, the licensee who holds custody of the child shall
ensure that the parents or child-placing agency receiving the child for placement are provided
with a copy of the child's birth certificate, medical records, and school records.
22VAC40-131-370. Case record requirements.
A. The licensee shall maintain a separate organized case file for each child, the child's birth
parents, and each approved home provider and in addition for adoption cases, a separate
organized file for the adoptive family. The case file may be electronic.
B. Each use of electronic records, files, or signatures shall comply with the provisions of the
Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, §§ 59.1-479 through 59.1-497 of the Code of Virginia.
C. In addition to the requirements in the Uniform Electronic Transaction Act, the use of
electronic signatures shall be deemed to constitute a signature and have the same effect as a
written signature on a document as long as the licensee:
1. Develops, implements, and maintains specific policies and procedures for the use of
electronic signatures;
2. Ensures that each electronic signature identifies the individual signing the document
by name and title;
3. Assures that the documentation cannot be altered after signature has been affixed;
4. Assures that access to the code or key sequence is limited;
5. Assures that all users have signed statements that they alone have access to and use
the key or computer password for their signature and will not share their key or
password with others; and
6. Provides for nonrepudiation that is strong and substantial to make it difficult for either
party to claim that the electronic representation is not valid.
D. All entries in each case file shall be legibly written in ink, contain the signature of the
individual performing the service, the date the entry was made and, if the licensee operates
more than one office in Virginia, the entry shall identify the office that provided the service.
Unless otherwise specified in state or federal law, multiple dated entries made on the same
page by the same author may be authenticated by the author's initials behind each entry as long
as the author signs his name at the bottom of the page of entries.
E. All correspondence and information received by or produced by the licensee shall be
treated as confidential information and shall be maintained as part of the case file.
F. Each case file shall be kept up to date and in a uniform organized manner.
G. All services and treatments provided to the child or his family shall be documented
chronologically in the respective file.
H. When not in use, active and closed files shall be maintained in:
1. A location that allows the department's licensing representative complete access to
the files within a reasonable and short period of time following the representative's
request to review files;
2. An area accessible to staff;

3. An area protected from unauthorized access, fire, flood, and uncontrolled climate
control; [ or and ]
4. A locked, metal file cabinet or other metal compartment if the files are stored on site at
the licensee's licensed location.
I. Whether stored on site or off site, the licensee shall demonstrate that the file storage
system has the protections in place required by subdivisions H 3 and 4 of this section for
unauthorized access, fire, flood, and climate control.
J. The case files shall be retained as follows:
1. Upon entry of a final order of adoption or other final disposition of a matter involving
the placement of a child for adoption, the licensee shall forward all reports and collateral
information in connection with the case to the commissioner;
2. The licensee who holds custody of the child shall retain a copy of the child's subsidy
record as long as the child receives a subsidy;
3. If a minor child has been reunited with his birth family, case files shall be retained until
one year after his 21st birthday;
4. When the foster care case is closed for services, the case file, whether written or
electronic, shall be maintained in accordance with the Library of Virginia's Record
Retention and Disposition Schedule General Schedule No. 15 - County and Municipal
Governments Social Services Records (May 2010); and
5. When the licensee ceases operations, it shall immediately submit written information
to the department about the location for retention of all files.
K. A person 18 years of age and older who was not adopted and was a child for whom all
parental rights and responsibilities were terminated shall not have access to any information
from the licensee with respect to the identity of the birth family unless all requirements
established in § 63.2-105 B of the Code of Virginia have been met.
L. The licensee shall follow all provisions of §§ 63.2-1246 and 63.2-1247 of the Code of
Virginia in regard to disclosure of information pertaining to finalized adoptions.
M. The licensee shall maintain documentation in the file of the home provider for all initial
approvals and subsequent approvals. Each file shall include:
1. [ An A application in a format required by the department ] ;
2. Documentation of the approval process;
3. Completed home study and supporting documentation, including approval decision;
4. Required reference letters received by the licensee;
5. Driving record checks;
6. Dates of receipt of background checks and driving record checks;
7. Summary of results of background checks;
8. Copy of the approval certificate issued to the provider;
9. Documentation of completed orientation and training received by the approved
provider;
10. Required medical information, including results of tuberculosis screening;
11. Results of observations and findings from monitoring visits to the home;
12. A face sheet listing the names and dates of birth of all members of the household
and the relationship of each member to the provider;
13. A narrative account of the preparation of the family for each child placed in the
home;
14. A list of children's names, birth dates, dates of placement in the home and, if
applicable, removal dates and reasons for removal;
15. Copies of all signed agreements;
16. When applicable, the date and reason for home closure;
17. Copy of the signed prohibition on corporal punishment;
18. Written updates and addenda to the home study and re-evaluations of the home
provider and home; and
19. Any other correspondence or information pertaining to the home including a narrative
of any concerns the licensee has about the status of the home; record of all complaints
involving the foster parents; the licensee's investigation report and findings; and, if
appropriate, the findings of child protective services and law enforcement.
N. The licensee shall maintain documentation in each child's file. Each file shall include:
1. A face sheet completed within five working days of the date of the child's placement.
The face sheet shall address the child's name, date of birth, place of birth, gender, race,
social security number, and Medicaid number, if known; and for adoption cases, the face
sheet shall also contain the child's height, weight, hair color, eye color, and identifying
marks;
2. Names, addresses, telephone numbers, and marital status of the child's birth parents;
3. Names and addresses of the child's siblings, if available;
4. Names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the person or agency holding legal
5. Names, addresses, and telephone numbers of persons to be contacted in an
emergency;
6. Services provided to the child;
7. A copy of the entrustment agreement or the placement agreement between the
placing agency and the licensee;
8. Other information pertaining to a child in foster care, treatment foster care, short-term
foster care, and independent living arrangements as required by this chapter;
9. For adoption cases, the child's file shall also contain:
a. The legal documents required for adoption if the licensee holds custody of the
child;
b. A record in the narrative dictation of the child's and family's preparation for the
placement; and
c. Other information required by this chapter; and
10. An original birth certificate for the child whenever possible and when the licensee
holds custody of the child.
O. If services are provided to the child's birth family, the licensee shall maintain a file on
each child's birth parents. The file may be separate from the child's file or combined and
maintained in the child's file. The file shall include:
1. An up-to-date face sheet documenting:
a. Names, addresses, telephone numbers, and marital status of each parent;
b. Names of known members of the birth family;
c. Current whereabouts, addresses, and telephone numbers, when available, of each
known member of the birth family; and
d. A cross reference to the file of the child unless the birth family's information is

2. A chronological narrative or summary of contacts the licensee has made with the
family. This information shall include visits of the parents with the child and the child's
visits, or attempts to visit, with the parents;
3. A summary of services provided to the family; and
4. Other information relating to the birth parents as required by this chapter.
P. The licensee shall maintain a file on each adoptive family. The file shall include:
1. The completed application;
2. A copy of any written information given to the adoptive parents concerning the child,
including the agreed upon plan of discipline;
3. Summaries of supervisory visits and closing summary;
4. The home study and related documents;
5. Documentation of orientation and training completed;
6. Narrative account of the child-placing agency's preparation of the family for the
placement of the child;
7. Fees charged and agreement between the licensee and the applicant;
8. Documentation of any complaints or investigations conducted by child protective
services; and
9. Other information relating to adoptive parents as required by this chapter.
Q. Narrative case notes shall be current within 30 days, documented in the file of the child or
youth in chronological order, signed and dated by the individual making the entry, and address
elements required by this chapter including:
1. Treatment and services provided;

2. All contacts related to the child;
3. Visitation between the child and his family;
4. Other significant events, if any; and
5. Other documentation required by this chapter.
R. The licensee shall maintain documentation in provider and child files as required by this
chapter and including:
1. Completing documentation within specified time frames; and
2. Placing documentation in the appropriate file within 30 days unless otherwise
specified by this chapter.
22VAC40-131-380. Behavior support and crisis intervention.
A. Licensees shall train and encourage foster parents to use positive behavioral support
techniques that emphasize principals and methods to help a child achieve desired behavior and
correct inappropriate behavior in a constructive and safe manner.
B. Licensees that prohibit the use of physical restraint shall develop a written policy
prohibiting the use. The licensee shall document that foster care parents have been informed of
the prohibition.
C. Licensees that permit the use of physical restraint shall require that:
1. Other methods of crisis intervention and behavior support are used prior to the use of
physical restraint;
2. Physical restraint is limited to that which is minimally necessary to protect the child or
others from injury;
3. The use of physical restraint is used as a part of a planned therapeutic intervention
defined in the child's service or treatment plan or both;

4. Only designated professional staff and foster parents trained in licensee-approved
less intrusive interventions and physical restraint techniques implement the interventions
and techniques; and
5. Foster care parents complete and submit a report to the licensee documenting each
use of physical restraint implemented with a child. Each report shall be made within a
timeframe established by the licensee, documented on a format required by the
licensee, and address the following elements:
a. The reason for the restraint;
b. A description of all other behavior support techniques attempted prior to the use of
[ psychical physical ] restraint;
c. A description of the physical hold used during the restraint;
d. The duration of the physical restraint;
e. The outcome or child's response to the physical restraint; and
f. Any known injuries occurring as a result of the restraint including any injuries
reported by the child.
Part VII
Additional Requirements for Specific Programs
Article I
Permanent Foster Care
22VAC40-131-390. Applicability.
In addition to applicability requirements specified by 22VAC40-131-20, programs licensed to
provide permanent foster care services shall also comply with the requirements of this article.
22VAC40-131-400. Childen placed in permanent foster care.
A. For a child placed in a permanent foster care placement, the licensee shall comply with
the provisions of § 63.2-908 of the Code of Virginia.
B. The licensee shall have the authority to place a child in a permanent foster care
placement under the following conditions:
1. Pursuant to a court order;
2. Legal custody of the child is retained by the licensee;
3. The placement is appropriate to meet the needs of the child; and
4. A written permanent foster care agreement signed by the licensee and the foster care
parent documents the understanding and expectation the child will remain in the
placement:
a. Until he reaches 18 years of age unless the court modifies the order or the child is
removed from the foster home pursuant to §§ 16.1-251 or 63.2-1517 of the Code of
Virginia; or
b. If he is between the ages of 18 and 21; participates in an educational, treatment or
training program approved pursuant to regulations of the State Board; and his
permanent foster care placement is a requisite to funds being provided for his care.
C. The child placed in a permanent foster care placement shall have available to him and
receive, as needed, the same services as a child who is not placed in permanent foster care
would receive.
D. The licensee shall follow the standards of this chapter for approving, monitoring, and re-
evaluating foster care homes.

Article 2
Short-term Foster Care
provide short-term foster care services shall also comply with the requirements of this article.
22VAC40-131-420. Children placed in short-term foster care.
A. The licensee shall allow foster parents access to alternate planned and crisis foster care
for their foster children.
B. Foster children in need of alternate planned or crisis foster care services shall only be
placed in a home that has:
1. Been approved by a Virginia child-placing agency as a provider for the receiving of
placed children; and
2. Received training as required by this chapter.
C. The licensee shall inform the provider of the child's treatment and service plan at the time
of placement of the child.
D. The licensee shall oversee and provide support and supervision as necessary to the
provider in the home provider's implementation of the child's treatment and service plan.
Article 3
Independent Living Arrangements
provide independent living arrangements shall also comply with the requirements of this article.
22VAC40-131-440. Youth placed in independent living arrangements.
A. The licensee shall meet all requirements and follow procedures as set forth in this
chapter and in the Code of Virginia related to the placement of children, including all applicable
interstate compacts.
B. The licensee shall develop and implement written policies and procedures that address
the independent living arrangement program to include a description of:
1. Criteria for evaluating potential independent living arrangement settings and on-going
evaluation of approved settings;
2. Protocols for approving an independent living arrangement setting and identifying the
types of settings the licensee will approve;
3. Criteria for admission;
4. Procedures for intake and admission;
5. Criteria for successful discharge from the program including procedures to ensure the
youth will be discharged to his legal guardian if he is under 18 years of age at the time of
discharge;
6. Conditions under which a youth may be discharged before completing the program,
including criteria and protocols for implementing emergency discharge of the youth from
the independent living arrangement program;
7. Criteria and protocols to terminate approval as necessary in an independent living
arrangement setting;
8. The licensee's detailed plan for determining and maintaining the supervision and
visitation plan for youths placed in independent living arrangement settings;

9. Types of services the licensee will provide and secure to meet the needs of the youth
during his placement;
10. The licensee's role in:
a. Ensuring that each youth is enrolled in educational, vocational education and
training, or career and technical education services appropriate to meet his needs [ .
;]
b. Monitoring each youth's educational progress as often as necessary;
c. Assisting the youth in obtaining routine and emergency medical and dental care;
d. Evaluating the youth's need for financial assistance, initially during intake then one
time monthly and as needed by the youth;
e [ . ] Providing the resources to meet the youth's basic needs for shelter, food, and
clothing;
f. Providing assistance to the youth in locating, securing, and maintaining
employment;
g. Providing life skill training to meet the needs of the youth; and
h. Providing or securing a crisis response system accessible to the youth 24 hours a
day and providing training to the youth on accessing and using of the system; and
11. Orientation and training provided for each youth admitted to the independent living
arrangement program. The procedures shall define the licensee's program to teach the
youth to:
a. Identify potential hazards in his living, school, work, and play communities; and
b. Develop and implement an emergency preparedness and response plan that
promotes safety in his environments.

C. Prior to accepting a youth for an independent living arrangement and prior to making an
arrangement for the youth, the licensee shall meet face to face with the youth at least one time
and as often as necessary to evaluate the youth's readiness for such an arrangement. Elements
to be considered in the evaluation shall include:
1. Age of the youth;
2. Youth's readiness for placement in an independent living arrangement setting without
daily substitute parental supervision;
3. Youth's demonstration of maturity and emotional stability in his current placement or
living environment to include that he:
a. Consistently maintains behavioral stability conforming to acceptable societal
norms and he does not demonstrate behaviors dangerous to himself or other
persons;
b. Is not involved in high risk behaviors such as delinquent or criminal activities or
substance use and abuse;
c. Has participated in designing service plan goals and objectives; and
d. Has participated in meeting service plan goals and objectives including those for
transition and self-sufficiency;
4. Results of the life skills assessment completed within the last 90 days and whether
those results indicate the youth would benefit from placement in an independent living
arrangement setting;
5. The youth's current enrollment or immediate plans to enroll in an educational or career
or technical educational program; and
6. The youth's current employment situation.

D. At the time of admission, the licensee shall provide to each youth and, as applicable, his
guardian, an orientation to the independent living arrangement program. The orientation shall
address the following:
1. Goals and objectives of the independent living arrangement;
2. Information about the programs and services provided by the licensee or through the
independent living arrangement program;
3. Responsibilities and expectations of all parties designated in the agreement between
the youth and the child-placing agency;
4. Emergency preparedness as required by subdivision B 11 a and b of this section;
5. Transition planning;
6. Elements for successful discharge;
7. Reasons early discharge may occur; and
8. Tour of the independent living arrangement setting selected for the youth if the
environment is selected at the time of admission. If selected after admission, a tour shall
be provided prior to placement of the youth.
E. At the time of admission to the independent living arrangement, the licensee shall discuss
the elements of the written agreement for participation in the arrangement with the youth, his
guardian, and as appropriate, his family. The written agreement shall contain the following:
1. Purpose of his independent living arrangement, with timeframe for completing the
program;
2. A list and description of the licensee's activities to support achievement of the
identified purpose of the independent living arrangement;

3. A description of the frequency of supervision provided by the licensee, including the
conditions under which responsibility for supervision will be retained by the licensee and
the youth's responsibility to accept the level of supervision provided;
4. A list and description of the youth's activities to attain achievement of the identified
purpose of the independent living arrangement;
5. Responsibility for financial payments, including method of payment, frequency of
payment, and amount of payment;
6. Information pertaining to the physical setting arrangements and requirements that all
arrangements must be approved by the licensee unless those arrangements are exempt
from licensee approval;
7. Information pertaining to the youth's responsibility to inform the licensee within a
specified time frame, but no later than 72 hours, of any major changes in his situation
and serious injuries, illness, or need for surgery;
8. A plan to seek emergency assistance from medical professionals and emergency
responders; and
9. Conditions under which the youth may be discharged from the program prior to
completion of the program.
F. The written participation agreement shall be signed by a representative of the licensee,
the youth, and, as appropriate, the legal guardian. The signed agreement shall be maintained in
the youth's file and a copy of the agreement provided to the youth, and, as appropriate, to his
legal guardian.
G. Prior to making a placement in or arranging for the placement of a youth in an
independent living arrangement, the licensee shall determine the suitability of the setting for use
as an independent living arrangement by:

1. Conducting an onsite visit of the independent living setting to determine if the setting
meets the requirements necessary to protect the interests of each youth; and
2. Determining whether community resources are available and accessible to meet the
specified needs of the youth and to assist him in his efforts to achieve self-sufficiency.
H. Within 30 days of the date of admission to the independent living arrangement program,
the licensee shall develop an individual service plan for each youth.
I. The individualized service plan for each youth shall describe in measurable terms the:
1. Strengths and needs of the youth identified in the completed life skill assessment;
2. Goals, objectives, and strategies identified by the youth, his guardian, and, if
applicable, his parents;
3. Projected involvement of the youth, his guardian, and, if applicable, his parents;
4. Dates of planned accomplishment for each objective;
5. Target date for discharge; and
6. Involvement of the youth, his guardian, and, if applicable, his parents in discharge
planning.
J. The individualized service plan shall address:
1. Counseling needs;
2. Education needs;
3. Employment needs;
4. Money management skills development;
5. Specific independent living services to be provided to the youth to assist him in
meeting his needs and accomplishing his goals;

6. Social and interpersonal skill development; and
7. A plan for transition from foster care to independent living that includes:
a. A description of the specific life skills to be achieved by the youth, the youth's
responsibilities, time frames for achievement of each identified life skill, and a
description of the parents' or guardians' responsibilities in assisting the youth, if
appropriate, in achieving the identified life skills. If the parents or guardians will not
have responsibilities to assist the youth, the reasons shall be stated in the plan;
b. A description of the services and training offered by the licensee to help the youth
achieve the identified life skills and a statement of the type and frequency of
supervision provided by the licensee; and
c. A description of results of the assessment conducted on the youth's physical and
mental health, including medical or dental care received by the youth.
K. The licensee shall conduct a review of each individualized service plan and the progress
of each youth toward meeting the goals and objectives of the plan. The review shall take place
within 90 days of the admission date and within each 90-day period thereafter and the plan shall
be revised and updated as necessary.
L. The child-placing agency shall maintain a written report of each 90-day review that
addresses:
1. Youth's progress in the living arrangement and toward meeting the goals and
objectives established in his individualized service plan;
2. Involvement of the youth's parents or guardian in assisting him to meet his goals and
objectives;
3. Continuing needs of the youth;

4. Youth's progress toward meeting his transition plan;
5. The beginning and ending dates of the review period; and
6. Youth's anticipated discharge date.
M. After placement, the licensee shall maintain supervision over the independent living
arrangement by:
1. Conducting a face-to-face visit with the youth at least one time each month and as
often as necessary to protect his interests; or
2. Conducting a face-to-face visit with the youth at least one time every 90 days and as
often as necessary to protect his interests when the youth resides in a dormitory setting
approved by a college or other educational or vocational provider; and
3. Ensuring that over 50% of these face-to-face visits occur in the youth's place of
residence within a calendar year.
N. Except housing approved by a college or other educational or vocational providers, the
child-placing agency shall visit the independent living arrangement setting annually for the
purpose of determining whether the setting should remain an approved setting for the youth.
Documentation of the results of the visit and decision regarding approval shall be maintained in
the file of the youth.
O. The licensee shall have an appointed case worker on call and available as necessary to
make face-to-face contact with the youth and provide services to the youth 24 hours per day,
seven days per week.

Article 4
Treatment Foster Care
provide treatment foster care services shall also comply with the requirements of this article.
22VAC40-131-460. Children placed in treatment foster care.
A. In order to be licensed or certified as a child-placing agency providing treatment foster
care services in Virginia, the licensee shall meet the requirements of this chapter.
B. In addition to the program description requirements specified in 22VAC40-131-170, the
licensee shall provide a comprehensive description of:
1. The treatment philosophy of the licensee;
2. Specific treatment techniques the licensee plans to use with children and families;
3. Specific behavior management strategies the licensee will allow foster parents to use
with placed children; and
4. The staffing pattern that:
a. Provides for the intensity of services required in treatment foster care;
b. Describes the treatment team, treatment plans, and credentials of professional
staff responsible for treatment services;
c. Provides for at least one full-time professional staff [ and or ] part-time staff
whose hours are equivalent to a full-time position; and
d. Designates a qualified individual responsible for overseeing the program.

[ D. C. ] The licensee shall have a written plan for back-up emergency care in the event
that a child's placement in a family disrupts.
[ E. D. ] The licensee shall provide training, support, and guidance to foster families in
implementing the treatment and service plan for the child.
[ F. E. ] In consultation with the custodial agency, the licensee shall provide or arrange for
the child to receive recommended or identified clinical services including, but not limited to,
psychiatric, psychological, and medication management services.
[ G. F. ] The licensee shall assure that a professional qualified staff person provides
leadership to the treatment team that includes:
1. Managing team decision-making regarding the care and treatment of the child or
youth and services to the child's family;
2. Providing information and training as needed to treatment team members; and
3. Involving the child, the child's foster family, and the placing agency in treatment team
meetings, plans and decisions, and keeping them informed of the child's progress,
whenever possible.
[ H. G. ] Treatment team members shall consult with each other on cases at least every 90
days and as often as necessary.
Article 5
Adoption
provide adoption services shall also comply with the requirements of this article.
22VAC40-131-480. Fees for adoption applications and services.
A. Prior to initiating the home study, the licensee shall make full disclosure of fee charges to
adoptive home applicants.
B. Each applicant shall be given a written fee explanation that addresses the following:
1. The amount the applicant must pay and when and how the payments are to be made;
2. How the amount is determined and what services the fees cover; and
3. The refund policy of the licensee.
C. The licensee shall develop a mutually-acceptable written agreement with the adoptive
applicants regarding the fees to be paid and the services to be provided.
22VAC40-131-490. Adoption counseling and services for birth parents.
A. Except in the case of intercountry adoption, the licensee who holds custody of a child
shall offer counseling services to the birth mother, or if reasonably available, to both birth
parents contemplating the placement of their child for adoption. The counseling services shall
include a discussion about:
1. The parent's decision to place the child was not made under duress and to ensure the
decision to place the child is a firm decision;
2. The impact of such a decision;
3. The reasons for contemplating the decision to place the child for adoption; and
4. Alternatives to adoption including:
a. Services available to assist the family in staying together, if staying together is in
the best interests of both the child and family;
b. Foster care for the child; and

c. The child's placement with relatives.
B. Except in the case of intercountry adoption, the licensee shall offer additional counseling
sessions as needed by the birth parents.
C. Except in the case of intercountry adoption and prior to accepting a child for adoption
placement, the licensee shall provide the birth parents with an explanation of:
1. Adoption services provided;
2. Adoption policies and procedures, including the adoption process; and
3. The rights and responsibilities of all parties in the adoption process.
D. The licensee shall document in the record of the birth mother or child to whom the
counseling services were provided if:
1. The licensee did not provide counseling services as required, the reason shall be
documented.
2. Counseling was provided to the birth father, such counseling services shall be
documented.
[ E. If the birth mother or both birth parents choose to place the child with the licensee for
adoption, the licensee shall secure a termination of parental rights in accordance with §§ 16.1-
277.01 and 16.1-278.3 and other relevant sections of the Code of Virginia related to termination
of parental rights. ]
[ F. E. ] When a child's birth parents and the prospective adoptive parents have entered
into a written post-adoption contact and communication agreement, the licensee sponsoring the
adoption shall:
1. Review the written post-adoption contact and communication agreement; and
2. Provide to the court the licensee's written recommendation indicating whether:

a. The post-adoption contact and communication agreement represents the best
interests of the child; and
b. The licensee recommends approval of the agreement.
22VAC40-131-500. Involuntary termination of parental rights.
When it is necessary to petition the court to terminate parental rights, the licensee shall
follow the requirements of § 16.1-283 of the Code of Virginia and [ policy approved by the state
board any other necessary legal requirements to achieve the involuntary termination of parental
rights ].
22VAC40-131-510. Provisions for adopting children with special needs.
A. The licensee shall [ collaborate and work cooperatively with the local department to ]
ensure that children with special needs, as defined by § 63.2-1300 of the Code of Virginia, who
are legally free for adoption are registered with the Adoption Resource Exchange of Virginia
within 30 days of termination of parental rights unless an adoptive [ family has been identified
placement agreement has been signed. The licensee holding custody shall ensure that the child
is registered ].
B. The licensee shall ensure that prospective adoptive families who will accept children with
special needs are registered with the Adoption Resource Exchange of Virginia within 30 days of
approval unless [ a child has been identified for placement with the family an adoptive
placement agreement has been signed ].
C. The licensee shall assist and work with the appropriate local department of social
services to gather documentation and complete necessary applications for securing adoption
[ subsidy assistance ] payments for the child.

D. The licensee shall ensure that necessary and appropriate services and treatment are
provided to children with special needs, [ including arranging for necessary services after the
final order pursuant to Title 63.2, Chapter 13 of the Code of Virginia ].
22VAC40-131-520. Selecting an adoptive home.
A. Siblings shall be placed together unless it clearly is not in the best interests of the
children. If siblings are not placed together, the reasons for separation shall be documented in
the file of each sibling.
B. Relatives and foster parents shall be considered primary adoptive resources when
adoption is considered to be in the best interests of the child.
C. The licensee shall consider the following when selecting an adoptive home for a child:
1. The child's concerns about adoption, for children over one year of age;
2. The ages of the adoptive parents in relation to the age of the child; and
3. The child's best interests.
D. When the licensee accepts custody of a child for the purpose of adoption, the licensee
shall consider recommendations made by the birth parents, a physician or attorney licensed in
the Commonwealth of Virginia, or a clergyman who is familiar with the situation of the proposed
adoptive parents or the child. The licensee shall document recommendations made in the file of
the child.
E. The licensee shall make selection of a particular prospective adoptive family for a child in
accordance with the best interests of the child. The reasons for selecting the specific home for
the child shall be documented in the child's file.
F. The licensee shall provide the adoptive parents full known factual information about the
child and, excluding identifying information where required by law, known factual information
about the child's birth family. The licensee shall provide to the adoptive parents written
information about:
1. The child's history, including information about the child's birth, social, cultural,
medical, [ educational, ] developmental, psychological, and mental health; and
2. Relevant known physical and mental history of the birth parents.
G. The licensee who holds the child's custody shall require the prospective adoptive parents
sign and date a written acknowledgement that they have received the full factual information as
described in subsection F 1 and 2 of this section. The written signed acknowledgement shall be
placed in the adoptive home file.
H. The licensee shall permit the prospective adoptive parents to decide whether they will
accept the child.
I. The licensee shall not use the prospective adoptive parent's decision to refuse to take one
child into their home as the sole basis for excluding the prospective adoptive parents from
consideration for future placement of other children.
22VAC40-131-530. Adoption placement agreement.
A. The licensee who holds custody of a child shall at the time of placement of the child enter
into a written agreement for placement with the prospective adoptive family.
B. The placement agreement shall remain in effect until final order of adoption is entered by
the court or until the placement ends or disrupts.
C. The adoption placement agreement shall include:
1. The requirements of the foster care agreement specified in 22VAC40-131-280 B and
C;
2. A statement that the licensee maintains the legal responsibility to protect the best
interests of the child and that the licensee may, with the sanction of the court, remove
the child from the prospective adoptive home when removal is determined to be in the
best interests of the child;
3. A listing of licensee's responsibilities until the final order of adoption is entered by the
court;
4. A listing of the prospective adoptive family's responsibilities the adoptive family will
maintain until the final order of adoption is entered by the court; and
5. A statement of services the licensee will provide to the family after the final order is
entered, if any services have been agreed upon.
22VAC40-131-540. Placements requiring legal risk agreement.
A. The licensee shall require the prospective adoptive parents to sign and date a written
statement acknowledging awareness that the valid entrustment agreement may be revoked by
either birth parent until:
1. The placed child has reached the age specified in § 63.2-1223 of the Code of Virginia;
and
2. The number of days specified in § 63.2-1223 of the Code of Virginia have elapsed
since the execution of the valid entrustment agreement.
B. The written acknowledgement statement signed by the prospective adoptive parents shall
be maintained in the child's file.
C. Such a direct placement shall be recognized as a foster home placement and a foster
home agreement required by this chapter shall be signed by the licensee and the foster parents.
D. The adoptive placement agreement required by this chapter shall not be signed until the
child is legally free for adoption.
22VAC40-131-550. Adoptive placement of children over one year of age; additional
provisions.
A. Except in intercountry adoptions, the licensee shall prepare a child for adoptive
placement by involving him in adoption planning, considering his individual needs and concerns,
and providing information in a manner the child can understand.
B. The licensee shall document in the child's file the services and contacts provided to the
child for adoption preparation including:
1. Discussion about the child's feelings about adoption and identification of indicators
that he is ready for the adoptive placement;
2. Discussion regarding the reason he cannot be returned to his birth parents;
3. Discussion about relationships with his social worker, foster family, and prospective
adoptive parents;
4. Preplacement visits in his prospective adoptive home. The number of visits shall be
determined by the needs of the child and the adoptive family;
5. Efforts to obtain photographs of the child from birth through his current age;
6. The licensee's preparation of a life book for the child;
7. Assessment and services related to the child's attachment and issues of attachment;
8. Assessment of the child's needs for contacts with prior caretakers and birth relatives,
including siblings; and
9. Preparation of the adoptive family to receive the child, including expected behaviors
and the life-long impact of the child's history.

C. If services to prepare the child for placement were not provided, the licensee shall
document the reason the child was not prepared in the child's file.
22VAC40-131-560. Parental placement adoption services.
A. Licensees who provide parental placement services shall follow the provisions of §§ 63.2-
1230 through 63.2-1240 of the Code of Virginia and policy approved by the state board.
B. In conducting the home study of the prospective adoptive parents, the licensee shall
comply with 22VAC40-131-180 and any other requirements specified by the court. The home
study shall contain the licensee's recommendation regarding the suitability of the placement.
C. During the home study process, the licensee shall meet at least one time with the birth
parents and at least one time with the prospective adoptive parents. The licensee shall obtain
the agreement of both parties prior to holding simultaneous meetings.
D. The licensee shall ensure that the birth parents and prospective adoptive parents have
exchanged identifying information including full names; addresses; physical, mental, social, and
psychological information; and any other information useful in promoting the welfare of the child,
unless both parties have agreed in writing to waive the disclosure of full names and addresses.
E. During the meeting with the birth parents, the licensee shall determine that the consent
for adoption is informed and not coerced.
F. The licensee shall document in the file that the birth parents are aware of:
1. Alternatives to adoption;
2. Adoption procedures; and
3. Opportunities for placement with other adoptive families.

COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA
Office of the Attorney General
Kenneth T. Cuccinelli, II 900 East Main Street

Attorney General Richmond, Virginia 23219
804-786-2071
FAX 804-786-1991
Virginia Relay Services
800-828-1120
7-1-1
MEMORANDUM
TO: KARIN CLARK

Virginia Department of Social Services
FROM: ALLEN T. WILSON

Senior Assistant Attorney General
DATE: April 15, 2011
SUBJECT: Final Regulation 22 VAC 40-131-10 et seq.

Standards for Licensed Child-Placing Agencies
I have reviewed the attached final regulation to determine if the State Board of Social Services (“State
Board”) has the statutory authority to promulgate the final regulation and if the final regulation comports with
applicable state law. This regulatory action also was reviewed to determine if the State Board has the statutory
authority to repeal 22 VAC-40-130 Minimum Standards for Licensed Child-Placing Agencies. The repealed
regulation will be replaced by the final regulation.
As noted in my memoranda dated December 14, 2009 and April 12, 2011, it is this Office’s view that
the State Board has the authority to repeal the existing regulation and promulgate the final replacement
regulation in its current form, subject to compliance with the provisions of Article 2 of the Administrative
Process Act and Executive Order 14 (2010), and has not exceeded that authority.
It appears that several changes to the final regulation are not changes with "substantial impact," and,
therefore do not necessitate an additional comment period. Those changes are merely technical in nature or
clarify the language in the regulation. It also appears that there are several changes to the proposed regulation
that may constitute changes with “substantial impact,” and could necessitate an additional comment period.
Please note that Va. Code § 2.2-4013(B) requires that all changes to the proposed regulation be
highlighted in the final regulations, and it appears that this requirement has been fulfilled. Also, pursuant to
§ 2.2-4013(C), if the Governor finds that one or more changes with substantial impact have been made to the
proposed regulation, he may (but is not required to) direct DSS to provide an additional thirty days to solicit
additional public comment on the changes. In addition, Va. Code § 2.2-4007.06 requires the agency to solicit
additional public comment, if it receives requests from at least twenty-five persons for an opportunity to submit
oral and written comments on the changes to the regulation and if one or more changes with substantial impact
were made to the proposed regulation.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at 786-0095.

G. During the meeting with the prospective adoptive parents, the licensee shall determine
that the parents' decision to adopt is informed and not coerced and that they intend to file an
adoption petition and proceed toward a final order of adoption.
H. The licensee shall document that the prospective adoptive parents have been counseled
by a duly authorized child-placing agency about:
1. Alternatives to adoption;
2. Adoption procedures, including the need to address the parental rights of birth
parents, the procedures for terminating such rights; and
3. Opportunities for adoption of other children.
22VAC40-131-570. Parent-recommended homes for adoptive placements.
When the licensee accepts custody of a child for the purpose of placing the child with
adoptive parents recommended by the birth parents or a person other than a licensed child-
placing agency or local board, the licensee shall:
1. Provide to the birth parents information about the provisions of parental placement
adoption and child-placing agency adoption placements;
2. Allow the informed birth parents to elect which placement provision described in
subdivision 1 of this section they desire to apply to their case;
3. Provide the birth parents the opportunity to be represented by independent legal
counsel; and
4. Provide the birth parents the opportunity for counseling with a social worker.
22VAC40-131-580. Post-placement responsibility for adoptive home placements.
A. The licensee shall ensure that supervisory visits with the child are made in compliance
with § 63.2-1212 of the Code of Virginia and, for children in foster care, in compliance with the
requirements of policy approved by the Board of Social Services.
1. If the circuit court has not omitted the probationary period, interlocutory order of
adoption, or three-visit requirement pursuant to § 63.2-1210 of the Code of Virginia, the
licensee shall visit the child at least three times within a period of six months.
2. At least one visit shall be conducted in the home of the petitioners in the presence of
the child and both petitioners unless the petition was filed by a single parent or one of
the petitioners no longer resides in the home. If one petitioner no longer resides in the
home, the licensee shall contact the absent petitioner to determine his interest in
remaining involved in the proceedings.
3. The licensee shall ensure that no less than 90 days elapse between the first and last
supervisory visits.
4. In accordance with the provisions of § 63.2-1212 of the Code of Virginia, the licensee
shall:
a. Document the findings of supervisory visits and after the last supervisory visit
formulate a formal written report that includes:
(1) Health and development of the child, including medical and dental care;
(2) The child's adjustment to the family and the relationship of the child to the parents
and siblings;
(3) The child's adjustment to day care or school, the child's behavior and special
needs, and resources available to meet those needs;

(4) Impact of adoption on the family functioning and the marriage, including
discussion of any stress revealed and changes in work and financial status;
(5) Motivation of the petitioners to proceed with the adoption;
(6) The family's readiness to finalize the adoption;
(7) Documentation that the licensee discussed the procedures for finalization of
adoption along with information on obtaining a birth certificate and, if appropriate,
information on obtaining naturalization; and
(8) Documentation that the licensee offered to provide or refer the child and family to
available resources for services after issuance of the final order of adoption. For
children with long-standing mental or physical problems, the licensee shall assist in
making arrangements for services after the final order;
b. Submit the written report as required to the circuit court, the counsel of record for
the parties, and the commissioner; and
c. Document on the court's copy of the report that the copies were served as
specified in subdivision 4 b of this subsection, including the date of delivery or
mailing.
B. The licensee retains responsibility for protecting the best interests of the child.
1. The licensee shall maintain contact with the child and prospective adoptive family until
the final order of adoption is entered.
2. In addition to the visitations required by § 63.2-1212 of the Code of Virginia, the
licensee shall visit the child as often as necessary to meet the needs of the child and
family.
3. If conditions warrant, the licensee shall proceed to remove the child in accordance
with the provisions of § 63.2-904 C of the Code of Virginia.
4. In addition to the legal responsibilities specified in subdivisions 1, 2, and 3 of this
subsection, licensees who hold custody of a child shall maintain legal responsibility for
the child until the final order of adoption is entered.
C. Except when the adoption has been finalized in another country, the licensee shall
document efforts to ensure that the adoption petition is filed. When there is a delay in filing the
petition, the licensee shall make an assessment of the situation and conduct visits with the child
and family as often as necessary and at least one time quarterly unless the child is in foster
care, then the licensee shall conduct monthly face-to-face contacts as required by this chapter.
22VAC40-131-590. Intercountry placement adoptions.
A. A licensee who provides assistance to families in arranging placements of children from
foreign countries and who works directly with agencies or resources in other countries shall
comply with the provisions of this section.
B. The licensee shall make available to its staff and to applicants written information about
Virginia's pre-adoptive requirements for intercountry placements and assist the family in
determining when these requirements are applicable.
C. The licensee shall make available to its staff and to applicants written information about
the requirements of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.
D. The licensee shall share directly with the adoptive applicants all available medical,
developmental, and social history about the child, the birth family, and extended family,
including the child's placement history.
E. The licensee shall request that the adoptive applicants share available information about
the child with the licensee when the applicants directly receive medical, developmental, social
history, and other information learned about the child, the birth family, and extended family,
including the child's placement history. The licensee shall document in the child's file that this
request was made.
F. Documentation required by this section shall be filed as follows:
1. In the child's file when the licensee has received custody; or
2. In a separate section of the adoptive applicant's file when the adoptive applicants
have received guardianship; and
3. In the adoptive applicant's file when a final decree of adoption has been issued.
G. During the home study process, the licensee shall discuss the following items with the
applicants:
1. The risks of adopting a child from another country, including coping with changes in
laws in the other country, or changes in fees; issues regarding the legal availability of the
child; risks involved with lack of medical, developmental, and other background
information on the child; and the placement of another child if the child originally
described is no longer available;
2. The time frame for referrals of children and fees specific to adopting a child from
another country and the children or youth available from specific countries;
3. The applicant's ability to assume responsibility for and meet the care, guidance, and
protection needs of a child from a different race or ethnic background;
4. The applicant's feelings and attitude toward sharing facts about the adoption with the
child, including how the applicants plan to provide the child with information about his
native country and teach the child about the customs of his native country;
5. The applicant's expectations for children whose living circumstances prior to
placement included living in an orphanage or institution, to include the expected
behaviors of the child, attachment and bonding issues, and the life-long impact of the
child's history on his behaviors;
6. The applicant's [ ' ] ability to provide care for and cope with any issues that may occur
related to the child's previous living circumstances;
7. The applicant's understanding of the requirements for post-placement supervision, the
importance of supervision in the resolution of any adoption related issues and the
applicant's availability to participate in supervision sessions; and
8. The applicant's responsibility for a child when receiving custody or guardianship of a
child under the laws of the child's country.
H. If, after completion of the home study for an intercountry adoption, the family decides to
pursue an intercountry placement without the assistance of the licensee, the licensee shall
document in the applicant's record that the family withdrew from the intercountry program. The
licensee shall have no further responsibility to provide services to the applicant and may close
the applicant's record.
I. In completing a home study for an intercountry adoption, the licensee shall offer to provide
or refer the family for supervision and adoptive family support and preservation services.
J. Prior to any post-placement supervisory visits, the licensee shall make every effort to
obtain documentation of a child's legal adoption status, all available medical, developmental,
and social history on the child's birth family including the child's placement history. The licensee
shall document its efforts to obtain the information in the adoptive parents' file.
K. The licensee shall document in the adoptive parents file that the adoptive parents were:
1. Informed of any known information about the child's legal availability;

2. Encouraged to file an adoption petition;
3. Informed of the need for the adoptive parents to complete the process of the child's
naturalization and citizen status through the United States Citizenship and Immigration
Service; and
4. Asked to contact the licensee to provide:
a. The date they returned home with the child; and
b. The date the adoption was final in the other country.
L. A licensee that provides adoption services in Hague Adoption Convention cases shall
comply with all federal laws regarding convention adoptions, including, the Hague Adoption
Convention, the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000 (Pub. L. No. 106-279 (2000), and the
Department of State regulations on intercountry adoption at 22 CFR Part 96.
M. The licensee shall notify the department when the licensee:
1. Obtains accreditation, temporary accreditation or approval under 22 CFR Part 96;
2. Is denied accreditation, temporary accreditation, or approval under 22 CFR Part 96.
The licensee shall make available to the department all documents and materials related
to the denial; and
3. After being accredited or temporarily accredited or approved, has had the Department
of State or any of its designated accrediting entities take an adverse action against the
licensee. The licensee shall make available to the department all documents and
materials related to the imposed adverse action.
22VAC40-131-600. Interlocutory orders of adoption.
A. If the licensee holds legal custody of the child, the licensee shall file with the court its
written consent to an interlocutory order for the proposed adoption.

1. The written consent shall be filed with the petition to the court; and
2. The consent shall be signed under oath and acknowledged before an officer by law to
take acknowledgements.
B. Prior to certifying the report of investigation, the licensee shall determine that the
requirements set forth in § 63.2-1208 of the Code of Virginia have been met. The licensee shall
address each requirement in the investigation report.
C. A notarized statement shall accompany the order stating that the licensee will assume
legal responsibility for the child should the placement disrupt prior to the issuance of the final
order of adoption.
22VAC40-131-610. Subsequent adoptive placements.
A. When home providers who were approved for adoptive placements request additional
adoptive placements, the licensee shall evaluate the home based on the initial home study
requirements as specified by 22VAC40-131-180.
B. If the licensee conducted the original home study, the licensee shall conduct two
additional visits, one face-to-face interview in the home or office and one face-to-face interview
in the home with all current household members living in the home present at the time of the
interview.
C. If the original home study was conducted by another child-placing agency:
1. The adoptive applicants shall complete the orientation and training required by
22VAC40-131-210;
2. If the licensee has a copy of the original home study for the applicants, two face-to-
face interviews shall be made. If the original home study is not available, a minimum of
three face-to-face interviews are required; and

3. The home study shall comply with the requirements this chapter for the initial adoptive
home study.
FORMS (22VAC40-131)
Record Retention and Disposition Schedule General Schedule No. 15 - County and
Municipal Governments Social Services Records, Library of Virginia (eff. 5/10).
Report of Tuberculosis Screening (Clearance Letter for Negative Screen), Virginia
Department of Health, Form 1.
Report of Tuberculosis Screening (Report of TST/X-ray Results), Virginia Department of
Health, Form 2.
TB Risk Assessment, Virginia Department of Health, Form TB 512 (eff. 2/05).
Certification Statement:
I certify that this regulation is full, true, and correctly dated.
__________________________________ (Signature of certifying official)
Name and title of certifying official:________________________________
Name of agency:______________________________________________
Date:______________________________
COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA
Office of the Attorney General
Kenneth T. Cuccinelli, II 900 East Main Street

Attorney General Richmond, Virginia 23219
804-786-2071
FAX 804-786-1991
Virginia Relay Services
800-828-1120
7-1-1
MEMORANDUM
TO: KARIN CLARK

Virginia Department of Social Services
FROM: ALLEN T. WILSON

Senior Assistant Attorney General
DATE: April 15, 2011
SUBJECT: Final Regulation 22 VAC 40-131-10 et seq.

Standards for Licensed Child-Placing Agencies
I have reviewed the attached final regulation to determine if the State Board of Social Services (“State
Board”) has the statutory authority to promulgate the final regulation and if the final regulation comports with
applicable state law. This regulatory action also was reviewed to determine if the State Board has the statutory
authority to repeal 22 VAC-40-130 Minimum Standards for Licensed Child-Placing Agencies. The repealed
regulation will be replaced by the final regulation.
As noted in my memoranda dated December 14, 2009 and April 12, 2011, it is this Office’s view that
the State Board has the authority to repeal the existing regulation and promulgate the final replacement
regulation in its current form, subject to compliance with the provisions of Article 2 of the Administrative
Process Act and Executive Order 14 (2010), and has not exceeded that authority.
It appears that several changes to the final regulation are not changes with "substantial impact," and,
therefore do not necessitate an additional comment period. Those changes are merely technical in nature or
clarify the language in the regulation. It also appears that there are several changes to the proposed regulation
that may constitute changes with “substantial impact,” and could necessitate an additional comment period.
Please note that Va. Code § 2.2-4013(B) requires that all changes to the proposed regulation be
highlighted in the final regulations, and it appears that this requirement has been fulfilled. Also, pursuant to
§ 2.2-4013(C), if the Governor finds that one or more changes with substantial impact have been made to the
proposed regulation, he may (but is not required to) direct DSS to provide an additional thirty days to solicit
additional public comment on the changes. In addition, Va. Code § 2.2-4007.06 requires the agency to solicit
additional public comment, if it receives requests from at least twenty-five persons for an opportunity to submit
oral and written comments on the changes to the regulation and if one or more changes with substantial impact
were made to the proposed regulation.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at 786-0095.

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Date/Time Filed with Registrar of Regulations

VA.R. Document Number: R____ - _______

Agency name State Board of Social Services

Statement of final agency action

Changes made since the proposed stage

Section Requirement at What has changed Rationale for change

treatment foster parent,

The definition for foster

Disapproval approval of the provider.

131-290 C requirements of the conditions’ was removed. currently accepted

22VAC40- This section requires that The original requirement

22VAC40- This section requires the Phrase removed for

Minor grammatical, typographical, and numbering/lettering errors were also corrected.

Commenter Comment Agency response

Two providers Annual - Thanks for the extra Agency agrees.

Licensing requirement to report criminal know about these incidents.

22 VAC 40-131-30 – Organization

22 VAC 40-131-40 – Licensee

22 VAC 40-131-50 – Office

settings and conditions

22 VAC 40-131-70 – Conflict of

B. No biological parent of a child

C. No provider or applicant to be a C This standard will remain the same. It is from

Provider A 2 We are concerned with the

applicants and recipients of

Our agency has received enormous

22 VAC 40-131-80 – Licensed

distinguish the two references to

22 VAC 40-131-90 – Policy and

Provider D 4 : Implementing the child’s Issues regarding back-up homes will be

Division of D.5. Add “casework” between Change made for clarity.

Licensing “designated” and “staff”.

Provider F- Suggest guidance on Information on emergency back-up plans will

22 VAC 40-131-100 - Program

Two providers This is a very nice addition to Agency agrees.

22 VAC 40-131-140 – Staff

Provider Staff- These revised definitions are Agency agrees.

Attorney E ADD: Clarifications will be made on an individual

Provider H 2 - Regulation as proposed No change will be made. Students are only

The MSW requirement is

22 VAC 40-131-150 – Staff

Division of B.4 Change staff person who has

Attorney B 6 (6) Prohibition of corporal

Two providers E. uses expression "a child-placing

22 VAC 40-131-170 – Program

One thousand 170 B (Non-discrimination) – Language referencing gender, age, religion,

22 VAC 40-131-180 – Home study

One provider B, C- sections seem to focus on the

marriages and divorces" ... This is

Attorney D. The licensee shall conduct a

Two provider 180 E. The licensee shall conduct 3

Attorney F. At least one face-to-face

non-relatives. Would a revision be

parents receive education on

Attorney J 3 e 4 (4) Understands he is

22 VAC 40-131-190 – Home

that may not be occupied for 3

Provider E- Will we receive clarification Issues regarding telephones will be clarified in

22 VAC 40-131-200 – Initial

VA.R. Document Number: R - ___