Section 90. Suspected child abuse or neglect

A. When there is reason to suspect that a resident is an abused or neglected child, the matter shall be reported immediately to the local department of social services as required by § 63.2-1509 of the Code of Virginia and in accordance with written procedures.

B. Written procedures shall be distributed to all staff members and shall at a minimum provide for:

1. Handling accusations against staff;

2. Reporting and documenting suspected cases of child abuse and neglect;

3. Cooperating during any investigation; and

4. Measures to be taken to ensure the safety of the residents and the staff.

C. Any case of suspected child abuse or neglect shall be reported and documented as required in 6VAC35-101-80 (serious incident reports). The resident's record shall contain a written reference that a report was made.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.

Statutory Authority

§§ 16.1-309.9, 16.1-322.7, and 66-10 of the Code of Virginia.