Section 970. Suspected child abuse or neglect

22VAC40-151-970. Suspected child abuse or neglect.

A. Written policies and procedures related to child abuse and neglect shall be distributed to all staff members. These shall include procedures for:

1. Handling accusations against staff; and

2. Promptly referring, consistent with requirements of the Code of Virginia, suspected cases of child abuse and neglect to the local child protective services unit and for cooperating with the unit during any investigation.

B. Any case of suspected child abuse or neglect shall be reported to the local child protective services unit as required by the Code of Virginia. The provider shall make a written reference in the child's record that a report was made.

C. Any case of suspected child abuse or neglect occurring at the facility, on a facility-sponsored event or excursion, or involving facility staff shall be reported immediately to the department, the placing agency, and to either the resident's parent or legal guardian, or both, as appropriate. The provider shall make a written reference in the child's record that a report was made.

D. When a case of suspected child abuse or neglect is reported to child protective services, the provider shall document the following:

1. The date and time the suspected abuse or neglect occurred;

2. A description of the suspected abuse or neglect;

3. Action taken as a result of the suspected abuse or neglect;

4. The name of the person who made the report to child protective services; and

5. The name of the person to whom the report was made at the local child protective services unit or the department's toll free child abuse and neglect hotline.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 25, Issue 03, eff. January 1, 2009.

Statutory Authority

§§ 63.2-217 and 63.2-1737 of the Code of Virginia.