Section 50. Initial foster care placement activities

A. Information on every child in foster care shall be entered into the department's automated child welfare system in accordance with guidance in the initial placement activities section of the Foster Care Manual .

B. The local department shall refer the child for all financial benefits to which the child may be eligible, including but not limited to Child Support, Title IV-E, SSI, other governmental benefits, and private resources.

C. The service worker shall ensure that the child receives a medical examination no later than 30 days after initial placement. The child shall be provided a medical evaluation within 72 hours of initial placement if conditions indicate such an evaluation is necessary.

D. The local department shall collaborate with local educational agencies to ensure that the child remains in his previous school placement when it is in the best interests of the child. If remaining in the same school is not in the best interests of the child, the service worker shall enroll the child in an appropriate new school as soon as possible but no more than 72 hours after placement.

1. The child's desire to remain in his previous school setting shall be considered in making the decision about which school the child shall attend..

2. The service worker, in cooperation with the birth parents or prior custodians, foster care providers, and other involved adults, shall coordinate the school placement.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 29, Issue 02, eff. November 1, 2012.

Statutory Authority

§§ 63.2-217 and 63.2-900 of the Code of Virginia.