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Virginia Administrative Code (Last Updated: January 10, 2017) |
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Title 22. Social Services |
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Agency 40. Department of Social Services |
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Chapter 211. Resource, Foster and Adoptive Family Home Approval Standards |
Section 20. Approval of provider homes
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A. When applicants are approved in accordance with these standards, they are approved as foster families, adoptive families, resource families, or respite families. The approved provider shall, however, be allowed to choose to provide only foster care , adoptive care, or respite care should they not wish to serve as a resource family.
B. If the provider cannot meet the standards described in these sections, the local department may, upon its discretion, request a variance on certain standards in accordance with 22VAC40-211-90. If the variance is not allowed, the local department shall not approve the home for the placement of children.
C. These standards apply to adoptive home providers until the final order of adoption is issued.
D. Respite care families shall not serve as foster, adoptive, or resource families without completion of all requirements to be fully approved as foster, adoptive, or resource families.
E. Emergency approval of a provider may be granted in accordance with guidance developed by the department.
1. Emergency approvals shall include:
a. Background checks; and
b. A home visit by the local department prior to or on the day of the placement.
2. Emergency approvals shall not exceed 60 days.
3. Emergency approval of a provider may be granted when the placement:
a. Is with a relative;
b. Is with an adult known to the family; or
c. Will facilitate the child remaining in the community.
F. All local department-approved resource, foster, adoptive, and respite providers shall:
1. Be at least 18 years of age;
2. Agree not to use corporal punishment with the child in their care or allow others to do so and shall sign an agreement to that effect; and
3. Sign a statement indicating their understanding of the confidentiality of information related to the child in their care.
G. If the approval process results in the local department's denial of the application, the local department shall notify the applicant in writing of its decision. A copy of the letter shall be filed in the applicant's record.
Historical Notes
Derived from Volume 25, Issue 24, eff. September 2, 2009.