Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-1721 — Virginia Code / Title 63.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 17 / Article 3 / Section 63.2-1721
Background check upon application for licensure as a child-placing agency, etc.; penalty
Status: in_force

A. Upon application for licensure as a child-placing agency or independent foster home, (i) all applicants and (ii) agents at the time of application who are or will be involved in the day-to-day operations of the child-placing agency or independent foster home or who are or will be alone with, in control of, or supervising one or more of the children shall undergo a background check pursuant to subsection B. Upon application for licensure as an assisted living facility, all applicants shall undergo a background check pursuant to subsection B. In addition, all applicants and adult household members of applicants for foster or adoptive homes, including kinship foster homes, requesting approval by child-placing agencies shall undergo background checks pursuant to subsection B prior to the home's approval.

B. Background checks pursuant to subsection A require:

1. A sworn statement or affirmation disclosing whether the person has a criminal conviction or is the subject of any pending criminal charges within or outside the Commonwealth and whether or not the person has been the subject of a founded complaint of child abuse or neglect within or outside the Commonwealth;

2. A criminal history records check through the Central Criminal Records Exchange pursuant to § 19.2-389 ; and

3. In the case of child-placing agencies, independent foster homes, or adoptive or foster parents, a search of the central registry maintained pursuant to § 63.2-1515 for any founded complaint of child abuse and neglect.

C. The person required to have a background check pursuant to subsection A shall submit the background check information required in subsection B to the Commissioner's representative prior to issuance of a license, registration or approval. The applicant, other than an applicant for licensure as an assisted living facility, shall provide an original criminal record clearance with respect to any barrier crime as defined in § 19.2-392.02 or an original criminal history record from the Central Criminal Records Exchange. An applicant for licensure as an assisted living facility shall provide an original criminal record clearance with respect to any offense set forth in clause (i) of the definition of barrier crime in § 19.2-392.02 or an original criminal history record from the Central Criminal Records Exchange. Any person making a materially false statement regarding the sworn statement or affirmation provided pursuant to subdivision B 1 is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. If any person specified in subsection A, other than an applicant for licensure as an assisted living facility, required to have a background check (i) has been convicted of any barrier crime as defined in § 19.2-392.02 or (ii) is the subject of a founded complaint of child abuse or neglect within or outside the Commonwealth, and such person has not been granted a waiver by the Commissioner pursuant to § 63.2-1723 or is not subject to an exception in subsection F, G, H, or I of § 63.2-901.1 (a) the Commissioner shall not issue a license to a child-placing agency or independent foster home or (b) a child-placing agency shall not approve an adoptive or foster home. If any applicant for licensure as an assisted living facility required to have a background check has been convicted of any offense set forth in clause (i) of the definition of barrier crime in § 19.2-392.02 , the Commissioner shall not issue a license to an assisted living facility.

D. No person specified in subsection A shall be involved in the day-to-day operations of a licensed child-placing agency or independent foster home; be alone with, in control of, or supervising one or more children receiving services from a licensed child-placing agency or independent foster home; or be permitted to work in a position that involves direct contact with a person receiving services without first having completed background checks pursuant to subsection B unless such person is directly supervised by another person for whom a background check has been completed in accordance with the requirements of this section.

E. If an applicant is denied licensure, registration or approval because of information from the central registry or convictions appearing on his criminal history record, the Commissioner shall provide a copy of the information obtained from the central registry or the Central Criminal Records Exchange or both to the applicant.

F. Further dissemination of the background check information is prohibited other than to the Commissioner's representative or a federal or state authority or court as may be required to comply with an express requirement of law for such further dissemination.

Code 1950, §§ 63-235, 63-236; 1968, cc. 578, 585, §§ 63.1-198, 63.1-199; 1975, c. 439; 1985, c. 360, § 63.1-198.1; 1986, cc. 300, 627; 1987, cc. 130, 131, 692, 693; 1992, c. 746; 1993, cc. 730, 742; 1995, c. 401 ; 1996, c. 747 ; 1997, c. 427 ; 1998, cc. 551 , 581 ; 1999, c. 740 ; 2001, c. 778 ; 2002, c. 747 ; 2004, c. 714 ; 2005, cc. 610 , 722 , 924 ; 2006, c. 885 ; 2014, c. 129 ; 2015, cc. 364 , 758 , 770 ; 2017, cc. 189 , 751 , 809 ; 2018, cc. 369 , 573 ; 2020, cc. 860 , 861 ; 2026, c. 726 .
Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-1533 — Virginia Code / Title 63.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 15 / Article 7 / Section 63.2-1533
Parental child safety placement agreement; terms
Status: in_force

A. A parental child safety placement agreement shall include provisions describing the following:

1. The facts and circumstances that provide the basis for the safety assessment indicating that the child cannot remain safely in the home;

2. The responsibilities of the child's parent, guardian, or legal custodian and the caregiver, including a plan for how the caregiver will access necessary medical treatment, mental health services, and appropriate educational services for the child;

3. Visitation arrangements for the child's parent, guardian, or legal custodian, including supervised visitation as necessary, and other methods by which the child's parent, guardian, or legal custodian may contact the child;

4. The responsibilities of the local department, including (i) any services to be provided to the child, the child's parent, guardian, or legal custodian, and the caregiver and (ii) a requirement that the local department visits the caregiver's home (a) within two weeks of the placement and (b) thereafter in accordance with Board regulations;

5. The date on which the agreement will terminate unless terminated sooner or extended to a subsequent date as provided in this article; and

6. Any other terms the local department determines necessary for the safety and welfare of the child.

B. A parental child safety placement agreement shall contain the following:

1. A statement that the child's parent, guardian, or legal custodian voluntarily consents to the parental child safety placement arrangement and that such consent is not an admission of child abuse or neglect on such person's part;

2. A statement that the agreement may be terminated by any party, at any time, and for any reason and a statement that, upon such termination, the local department may take actions to protect the child, including the removal of the child pursuant to the provisions of this title;

3. A statement that the child's parent, guardian, or legal custodian and the caregiver may seek legal counsel prior to entering into the agreement;

4. A statement that the child's parent, guardian, or legal custodian and the caregiver have the right to refuse to enter into the agreement; and

5. A statement that the local department has notified the child's parent, guardian, or legal custodian and the caregiver of the alternative option for the child to enter foster care and the potential for the caregiver to become an approved kinship foster parent.

C. Prior to signing the parental child safety placement agreement, the local department shall notify the caregiver of any financial assistance available to the caregiver through the Program for the period of time that the agreement is in place.

D. A parental child safety placement agreement shall be in writing and signed by the child's parent, guardian, or legal custodian, the caregiver, and the local department.

E. The local department shall provide a written copy of the parental child safety placement agreement to the child's parent, guardian, or legal custodian and the caregiver.

F. The local department shall include a scanned copy of the parental child safety placement agreement in the case record.

G. The term of the parental child safety placement agreement shall be no more than 90 days from the date the agreement is signed, which shall, as applicable, run concurrently with the time necessary to complete the child protective services investigation or family assessment. A parental child safety placement agreement may be extended, but such extension shall not exceed one additional 90-day period and the reason for such extension shall be documented in the case record. Prior to any extension, the local department shall conduct a facilitated meeting and perform a safety assessment to determine whether (i) the child should be returned home, (ii) the agreement should be extended, or (iii) the local department should seek a child protective order or other court action.

H. The In-Home Services case shall remain open for the duration of the parental child safety placement agreement.

2024, cc. 629 , 662 .
Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-910 — Virginia Code / Title 63.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 9 / Article 1 / Section 63.2-910
Child support for child placed in foster care where legal custody remains with parent or guardian
Status: in_force

Responsible persons shall pay child support for a child placed in foster care through an agreement where legal custody remains with the parent or guardian pursuant to subdivision A 4 of § 16.1-278.2 or § 63.2-900 , from the date that the child was placed in foster care. The agreement between the parents and the local board shall include provisions for the payment of child support. In fixing the amount of support, the court, the Division of Child Support Enforcement, and the local board shall consider the extent to which the payment of support by the responsible person may affect the ability of such responsible person to implement a foster care plan. If the responsible person fails or refuses to pay such sum on a timely basis, the local board may petition the juvenile court to order such payment.

1995, c. 817 , § 63.1-204.3; 1997, c. 420 ; 2002, c. 747 ; 2009, c. 124 .
Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-513 — Virginia Code / Title 63.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 5 / Section 63.2-513
Notification of change in circumstances
Status: in_force

If at any time during the continuance of public assistance any change occurs, including but not limited to, the possession of any property or the receipt of regular income by the recipient or by any person who is included within a recipient's grant, that, in the circumstances upon which current eligibility or amount of assistance were determined, would materially affect such determination, it shall be the duty of such recipient to notify as defined by regulation the local department of such change, and the local board may either cancel the public assistance, or alter the amount thereof.

Any recipient who knows or reasonably should know that such change in circumstances will materially affect his eligibility for assistance or the amount thereof and willfully fails to comply with the provisions of this section, is guilty of a violation of § 63.2-522 .

Code 1950, §§ 63-124, 63-149.1; 1952, c. 533; 1968, c. 578, § 63.1-112; 1973, c. 482; 1975, c. 320; 1980, c. 19; 1986, c. 93; 2002, c. 747 .
Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-312 — Virginia Code / Title 63.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 63.2-312
Meetings; organization; chairman and vice-chairman; secretary
Status: in_force

The governing body or bodies shall immediately notify the members of the local board of their appointment, and such members shall, within fifteen days after their notification, elect a chairman and vice-chairman from among their number. The local board shall meet at least bimonthly and on other occasions on call of the chairman or in pursuance of action by the local board. At least one such meeting a year shall be an orientation and training session for local board members. The local director shall act as secretary of his local board and shall keep on file minutes of the attendance and transactions at all meetings of the local board.

Code 1950, §§ 63-61, 63-62, 63-64; 1952, c. 409; 1968, c. 578, § 63.1-48; 1975, c. 190; 1978, c. 754; 2002, c. 747 .
Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-1400 — Virginia Code / Title 63.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 14 / Section 63.2-1400
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2022, c. 264 , cl. 2.
Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-903 — Virginia Code / Title 63.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 9 / Article 1 / Section 63.2-903
Entrustment agreements; adoption
Status: in_force

A. Whenever a local board accepts custody of a child pursuant to an entrustment agreement entered into under the authority of § 63.2-900 , or a licensed child-placing agency accepts custody of a child pursuant to an entrustment agreement entered into under the authority of § 63.2-1817 , in the city or county juvenile and domestic relations district court a petition for approval of the entrustment agreement (i) shall be filed within a reasonable period of time, not to exceed 89 days after the execution of an entrustment agreement for less than 90 days, if the child is not returned to his home within that period; (ii) shall be filed within a reasonable period of time, not to exceed 30 days after the execution of an entrustment agreement for 90 days or longer or for an unspecified period of time, if such entrustment agreement does not provide for the termination of all parental rights and responsibilities with respect to the child; and (iii) may be filed in the case of a permanent entrustment agreement which provides for the termination of all parental rights and responsibilities with respect to the child.

B. For purposes of §§ 63.2-900 , 63.2-1817 and this section, a parent who is less than 18 years of age shall be deemed fully competent and shall have legal capacity to execute a valid entrustment agreement, including an agreement that provides for the termination of all parental rights and responsibilities, and shall be as fully bound thereby as if such parent had attained the age of 18 years. An entrustment agreement for the termination of all parental rights and responsibilities shall be executed in writing and notarized. An entrustment agreement for the termination of all parental rights and responsibilities with respect to the child shall be valid notwithstanding that it is not signed by the father of a child born out of wedlock if the identity of the father is not reasonably ascertainable, or if such father is given notice of the entrustment by registered or certified mail to his last known address and fails to object to the entrustment within 15 days of mailing of such notice. An affidavit of the mother that the identity of the father is not reasonably ascertainable shall be sufficient evidence of this fact, provided there is no other evidence that would refute such an affidavit. The absence of such an affidavit shall not be deemed evidence that the identity of the father is reasonably ascertainable. For purposes of determining whether the identity of the father is reasonably ascertainable, the standard of what is reasonable under the circumstances shall control, taking into account the relative interests of the child, the mother and the father.

C. An entrustment agreement for the termination of parental rights and responsibilities with respect to the child shall be valid notwithstanding that it is not signed by the birth father of a child when such father has been convicted of a violation of subsection A of § 18.2-61 , § 18.2-63 , subsection B of § 18.2-366 , or an equivalent offense of another state, the United States, or any foreign jurisdiction, or has been found by clear and convincing evidence to have engaged in the conduct prohibited by subsection A of § 18.2-61 , § 18.2-63 , or subsection B of § 18.2-366 , whether or not the birth father has been charged with or convicted of the alleged violation, and the child was conceived as a result of such violation or conduct.

D. A child may be placed for adoption by a licensed child-placing agency or a local board, in accordance with the provisions of § 63.2-1221 .

Code 1950, §§ 63-73, 63-241; 1952, c. 409; 1960, c. 331; 1968, cc. 466, 578, 585, §§ 63.1-56, 63.1-204; 1972, c. 50; 1974, c. 620; 1975, cc. 248, 406; 1977, cc. 559, 562, 634, 645; 1978, cc. 730, 734, 735; 1981, c. 259; 1984, c. 734; 1985, cc. 18, 285; 1986, cc. 88, 281; 1988, c. 882; 1989, c. 647; 1991, c. 34; 1994, c. 865 ; 1995, cc. 772 , 826 ; 1999, cc. 889 , 1028 ; 2000, c. 830 ; 2002, c. 747 ; 2004, c. 815 ; 2005, c. 890 ; 2007, cc. 606 , 623 ; 2025, c. 547 .
Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-611 — Virginia Code / Title 63.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Section 63.2-611
Case management; support services; transitional support services
Status: in_force

A. The Commissioner, through the local departments, with such funds as appropriated, shall offer families participating in VIEW intensive case management services throughout the family's participation in VIEW. Case management services shall include initial assessment of the full range of services that will be needed by each family including testing and evaluation, development of the individualized agreement of personal responsibility, and periodic reassessment of service needs and the agreement of personal responsibility. It shall be the goal of the Department to have a statewide intensive case management ratio not higher than the statewide average ratio in Title IV-F of the Social Security Act Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training Program State Plan as the ratio existed on July 1, 1995.

B. Local departments are authorized to provide services to VIEW families throughout the family's participation in VIEW subject to regulations adopted by the Board, including:

1. Child care for the children of participants if:

a. The participant is employed and child-care services are required to enable the continued employment of the participant;

b. Child-care services are required to enable a participant to receive job placement, job training or education services; or

c. The participant is otherwise eligible for child care pursuant to Board regulations.

2. Transportation that will enable parental employment or participation in services required by the agreement of personal responsibility.

3. Job counseling, education and training, and job search assistance consistent with the purposes of VIEW.

4. Medical assistance.

C. A participant whose TANF financial assistance is terminated, either voluntarily or involuntarily, shall receive the following services for up to 12 months after termination, if needed:

1. Assistance with child care if such assistance enables the individual to work or the individual is enrolled in an accredited public institution of higher education or other postsecondary school licensed or certified by the Board of Education or the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia and is taking courses as part of a curriculum that leads to a postsecondary credential, such as a degree or an industry-recognized credential, certification, or license;

2. Assistance with transportation, if such transportation enables the individual to work;

3. Medical assistance, including transitional medical assistance for families with a working parent who becomes ineligible for TANF financial assistance because of increased earnings according to policies of the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services; and

4. Financial assistance of $50 per month, if the participant is employed and is working at least 30 hours per week or more at the time of TANF closure and remains employed and continues to work at least 30 hours per week or more.

D. The Department or local departments may purchase or otherwise acquire motor vehicles from the centralized fleet of motor vehicles controlled by the Commissioner of Highways under Article 7 (§ 2.2-1173 et seq.) of Chapter 11 of Title 2.2 and sell or otherwise transfer such vehicles to TANF recipients or former recipients. Purchases, sales, and other transfers of vehicles under this subsection shall not be subject to the provisions of the Virginia Public Procurement Act (§ 2.2-4300 et seq.), or the provisions of §§ 2.2-1124 , 2.2-1153 , 2.2-1156 , and 2.2-1177 relating to the sale, purchase, and transfer of surplus motor vehicles and other surplus state property.

E. Nothing in this section shall be construed or interpreted to create a cause of action or administrative claim based upon a right or entitlement to any specific services or an exemption or waiver from any provision of VIEW.

1994, cc. 858 , 951 , § 63.1-133.46; 1995, c. 450 ; 1999, c. 910 ; 2002, c. 747 ; 2007, c. 568 ; 2019, cc. 166 , 218 .
Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-900.2 — Virginia Code / Title 63.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 9 / Article 1 / Section 63.2-900.2
Placement of sibling groups; visitation
Status: in_force

All reasonable steps shall be taken to place siblings entrusted to the care of a local board or licensed child-placing agency, committed to the care of a local board or agency by any court of competent jurisdiction, or placed with a local board or public agency through an agreement between a local board or a public agency and the parent, parents, or guardians, where legal custody remains with the parent, parents, or guardian, together in the same foster home.

Where siblings are placed in separate foster homes, the local department, child-placing agency, or public agency shall develop a plan to encourage frequent and regular visitation or communication between the siblings. The visitation or communication plan shall take into account the wishes of the child, and shall specify the frequency of visitation or communication, identify the party responsible for encouraging that visits or communication occur, and state any other requirements or restrictions related to such visitation or communication as may be determined necessary by the local department, child-placing agency, or public agency.

2008, c. 397 .
Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-1711 — Virginia Code / Title 63.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 17 / Article 1 / Section 63.2-1711
Injunction against operation without license
Status: in_force

Any circuit court having jurisdiction in the county or city where the principal office of any assisted living facility, adult day center or child welfare agency is located shall, at the suit of the Commissioner, have jurisdiction to enjoin its operation without a license required by this subtitle.

Code 1950, §§ 63-224.2, 63-251; 1954, c. 259; 1968, c. 578, §§ 63.1-181, 63.1-214; 1973, c. 227; 1992, c. 356, § 63.1-194.11; 1993, cc. 957, 993; 2002, c. 747 ; 2024, cc. 37 , 150 .
Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-1940.1 — Virginia Code / Title 63.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 19 / Article 6 / Section 63.2-1940.1
Publishing a most wanted delinquent parent list; coordinated arrests
Status: in_force

The Division of Child Support Enforcement shall (i) publish at regular intervals a list of the most wanted delinquent parents as determined by the Commissioner together with arrearage information and other identifying information, including but not limited to, a photograph, occupation and last known address for the purpose of locating such delinquent parents and (ii) periodically conduct coordinated arrests of delinquent parents in conjunction with state and local criminal justice agencies pursuant to § 16.1-278.16 .

2003, cc. 929 , 942 .
Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-316 — Virginia Code / Title 63.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 63.2-316
Submission of budget to governing bodies
Status: in_force

The local boards shall submit annually to the boards of supervisors or city councils of their respective counties and cities a budget, containing an estimate and supporting data setting forth the amount of money needed to carry out the provisions of this title, and a copy thereof shall be forwarded to the Commissioner, subject to the provisions of § 63.2-205 .

Code 1950, § 63-69; 1952, c. 409; 1968, c. 578, § 63.1-54; 1975, c. 368; 2002, c. 747 .
Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-512 — Virginia Code / Title 63.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 5 / Section 63.2-512
Recovery of public assistance erroneously paid
Status: in_force

Any assistance or part thereof erroneously paid to a recipient or former recipient may be recovered by the Board or local board from the recipient or former recipient as a debt. In accordance with Board regulations, the amount erroneously paid may also be recovered from the income, assets or other property of the recipient or former recipient or from the public assistance payable to the recipient.

1975, c. 320, § 63.1-127.2; 1983, c. 449; 2002, c. 747 .
Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-322 — Virginia Code / Title 63.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 63.2-322
Conducting hearings, issuing subpoenas, etc
Status: in_force

Local boards in the exercise and performance of their functions, duties and powers under the provisions of this title are authorized to hold and conduct hearings, issue subpoenas requiring the attendance of witnesses and the production of records, memoranda, papers and other documents, to administer oaths and to take testimony thereunder.

Code 1950, § 63-74; 1968, c. 578, § 63.1-58; 2002, c. 747 .
Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-1221 — Virginia Code / Title 63.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 12 / Article 2 / Section 63.2-1221
Placement of children for adoption by agency or local board
Status: in_force

A licensed child-placing agency or local board may place for adoption, and is empowered to consent to the adoption of, any child who is properly committed or entrusted to its care, in accordance with the provisions of §§ 63.2-900 , 63.2-903 , 63.2-1817 or this section, when the order of commitment or the entrustment agreement between the birth parent(s) and the agency or board provides for the termination of all parental rights and responsibilities with respect to the child for the purpose of placing and consenting to the adoption of such child.

The entrustment agreement shall divest the birth parent(s) of all legal rights and obligations with respect to the child, and the child shall be free from all legal obligations of obedience and maintenance with respect to them, provided that such rights and obligations may be restored to the birth parent(s) and the child by circuit court order prior to the entry of a final order of adoption upon proof of fraud or duress. An entrustment agreement for the termination of all parental rights and responsibilities shall be executed in writing and notarized, and shall be revocable prior to entry of an order finalizing the agreement (i) upon proof of fraud or duress, or (ii) after the placement of the child in an adoptive home upon written mutual consent of the birth parents and prospective adoptive parents.

1989, c. 647, § 63.1-220.2; 1990, c. 202; 1991, c. 364; 1995, cc. 772 , 826 ; 1999, c. 1028 ; 2000, c. 830 , § 63.1-219.28; 2002, c. 747 ; 2004, c. 815 ; 2009, c. 805 .
Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-614 — Virginia Code / Title 63.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Section 63.2-614
Financial eligibility
Status: in_force

A. Pursuant to regulations adopted by the Board, the parent of an eligible child or children who is married to a person not the parent of the child or children shall not be eligible for TANF if the parent's spouse's income, when deemed available to the family unit according to federal regulations, in and of itself, exceeds the state eligibility standard for such aid. However, eligibility for the child or children shall be considered by counting the income of such parent and child or children, and any portion of the parent's spouse's income that exceeds 150 percent of the federal poverty level for the spouse and parent. If the income of the parent's spouse that is deemed available does not, in and of itself, exceed the state eligibility standard for TANF, none of the spouse's income shall be counted as available to the family unit, and eligibility shall be determined considering only the income, if any, of the parent and the child or children. If the parent fails or refuses to cooperate with the Department's Division of Child Support Enforcement in the pursuit of child support, the income of the parent's current spouse shall be counted in accordance with Title IV-A federal regulations at 45 C.F.R. 233.20(a) (3) (xiv) in determining eligibility for TANF for the parent's child or children.

B. Program participants shall be eligible for the income disregards and resource exclusions in § 63.2-505 .

C. VIEW participants and their families shall also be eligible for the following income disregards and resource exclusions:

1. To reward work, a VIEW participant and his family who have earned income from any source other than VIEW, may continue to receive TANF financial assistance for up to two years from the date that both parties initially sign the agreement. However, in no event shall the TANF payment when added to the earned income exceed such percentage of the federal poverty level established by the Commissioner, and if necessary any TANF payment shall be reduced so that earned income plus the TANF payment equals such percentage of the federal poverty level established by the Commissioner.

2. The fair market value, not to exceed $7,500, of one operable motor vehicle per family.

Code 1950, § 63-141; 1954, c. 495; 1966, c. 665; 1968, cc. 578, 667, 668, 781, § 63.1-105; 1970, c. 721; 1974, c. 418; 1982, c. 386; 1993, c. 167; 1994, cc. 188 , 858 , 951 , § 63.1-133.47; 1995, c. 450 ; 1996, c. 857 ; 1999, c. 638 ; 2001, c. 483 ; 2002, c. 747 .
Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-1103 — Virginia Code / Title 63.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 11 / Section 63.2-1103
Fulfilling requirements for visitation, inspection or supervision
Status: in_force

Requirements for visitation, inspection or supervision of children, homes, institutions or other agencies in another party state set forth in Subtitle IV (§ 63.2-1700 et seq.) of this title shall be deemed to be fulfilled if performed by an authorized public or private agency in the receiving state pursuant to an agreement entered into by appropriate officers or agencies of this Commonwealth or of a subdivision thereof as provided in subdivision (b) of Article V of the compact pursuant to Chapter 10 (§ 63.2-1000 et seq.) of this title.

1975, c. 406, § 63.1-219.5; 2002, c. 747 .
Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-1500 — Virginia Code / Title 63.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 15 / Article 1 / Section 63.2-1500
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2022, c. 264 , cl. 2.
Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-1918 — Virginia Code / Title 63.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 19 / Article 4 / Section 63.2-1918
Administrative establishment of obligations
Status: in_force

The Department shall set child support at the amount resulting from computations pursuant to the guideline set out in § 20-108.2 in determining the required monthly support obligation, the amount of support obligation arrearage, if any, and the amount to be paid periodically against such arrearage. There shall be a rebuttable presumption that the amount of the award which would result from the application of the guidelines is the correct amount of child support to be awarded. In order to rebut the presumption, the Department shall make written findings in its order that the application of the guidelines would be unjust or inappropriate in a particular case as determined by relevant evidence pertaining to support for other children in the household or other children for whom any administrative or court order exists, or relevant evidence pertaining to imputed income to a person who is voluntarily unemployed or who fails to provide verification of income upon request of the Department, provided that income may not be imputed to the custodial parent because (i) a child is not regularly attending school, (ii) child care services are not available, or (iii) the cost of such child care services are not added to the basic child support obligation. In addition, a party's current incarceration, as defined in § 8.01-195.10 , for 180 or more consecutive days shall not be deemed voluntary unemployment or voluntary underemployment. Additional factors that may lead to rebuttal of the presumption shall be determined by Department regulation.

1988, c. 907, § 63.1-264.2; 1989, c. 599; 1992, c. 79; 1996, cc. 947 , 1029 ; 2002, c. 747 ; 2022, c. 527 .
Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-1923 — Virginia Code / Title 63.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 19 / Article 5 / Section 63.2-1923
Immediate withholding from income; exception; notices required
Status: in_force

A. Every administrative support order directing a noncustodial parent to pay child or child and spousal support shall provide for immediate income withholding from the noncustodial parent's income as defined in § 63.2-1900 of an amount for current support plus an amount to be applied toward liquidation of arrearages, if any, unless the obligor and the Department, on behalf of the obligee, agree to a written alternative payment arrangement, or good cause is shown. Good cause shall be based upon a written determination that, and explanation by the Department of why, implementing immediate withholding would not be in the best interests of the child. The total amount withheld shall not exceed the maximum amount permitted under § 34-29 .

B. The order shall include, but not be limited to, notice (i) of the amount that will be withheld, (ii) that the withholding applies to any current or subsequent period of employment, (iii) of the right to contest whether a duty of support is owed and the information specified in the administrative order is correct, (iv) that a written request to appeal the withholding shall be made to the Department within 10 days of receipt of the notice, and (v) of the actions that will be taken by the Department if an appeal is noted, which shall include the opportunity to present his objections to the administrative hearing officer at a hearing held pursuant to § 63.2-1942 . Upon service of the order on the employer by first-class or certified mail, by electronic means, or by service in accordance with the provisions of § 8.01-296 , 8.01-327 or 8.01-329 , the employer shall deliver the order to the noncustodial parent.

C. The noncustodial parent's employer shall be issued by first-class or certified mail or by electronic means, including facsimile transmission, an administrative order for withholding of income which shall conform to § 20-79.3 . The rights and responsibilities of an employer with respect to such orders are set out in § 20-79.3 .

D. Administrative orders for withholding from income shall be promptly terminated or modified by the Department when (i) the obligation to support has been satisfied and arrearages have been paid, (ii) the whereabouts of the child or child and custodial parent become unknown, or (iii) modification is appropriate because of a change in the amount of the obligation.

1988, c. 906, § 63.1-258.1; 1990, c. 896; 1991, c. 334; 1995, c. 714 ; 1997, cc. 648 , 663 ; 1998, c. 727 ; 2002, c. 747 ; 2003, c. 469 ; 2015, c. 52 ; 2016, c. 29 .
Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-1908.1 — Virginia Code / Title 63.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 19 / Article 2 / Section 63.2-1908.1
Arrears compromise program
Status: in_force

The Department may establish and operate an arrears compromise program pursuant to which it may compromise child support arrears and interest accrued thereon owed to the Commonwealth for reimbursement of public assistance paid. The program shall take into consideration the obligor's ability to pay.

2015, c. 506 .
Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-1612 — Virginia Code / Title 63.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 16 / Article 3 / Section 63.2-1612
Responsibilities of Department; domestic violence prevention and services
Status: in_force

It shall be the responsibility of the Department, to the extent funds are appropriated by the General Assembly or otherwise made available:

1. To support, strengthen, evaluate, and monitor community-based domestic violence programs funded by the Department and to act as the administrator for state grant funds and the disbursal of federal funds pursuant to §§ 63.2-1614 and 63.2-1615 ;

2. To collaborate with the Statewide Domestic Violence Coalition in developing and implementing community-based programs to respond to and prevent domestic violence;

3. To prepare, disseminate, and present educational programs and materials on domestic violence to the local departments, community provider agencies, and the general public;

4. To support, strengthen, and act as a resource to local departments on issues of domestic violence, particularly as they relate to both adult and child protective services and self-sufficiency;

5. To establish minimum standards of training and provide educational programs to train workers in the fields of child and adult protective services in local departments and community-based domestic violence programs funded by the Department to identify domestic violence and provide effective referrals for appropriate services;

6. To provide training and educational opportunities on effective collaboration for all staff of local departments and community-based domestic violence programs;

7. To work with the Statewide Domestic Violence Coalition to (a) develop policies and procedures that guide the work of persons providing services to victims of domestic violence and their children; (b) implement methods to preserve the confidentiality of all domestic violence services records pursuant to §§ 63.2-104 and 63.2-104.1 in order to protect the rights and safety of victims of domestic violence; (c) develop policies and implement methods to assure the confidentiality of records pertaining to the address or location of any shelter or facility assisted under the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act, 42 U.S.C. § 10401 et seq.; (d) collect, prepare, and disseminate statistical data on the occurrence of domestic violence and the services provided throughout the Commonwealth; (e) operate the Virginia Family Violence and Sexual Assault 24-hour toll-free hotline and the Statewide Domestic Violence Database (Vadata); and (f) provide a clearinghouse of information and technical assistance on intervention and prevention of domestic violence;

8. To encourage the use of existing information and referral agencies to provide specialized information on domestic violence;

9. To develop and maintain a statewide list of available community and state resources for the victims of domestic violence;

10. To provide technical assistance on establishing shelters, self-help groups and other necessary service delivery programs;

11. To provide leadership and coordination within the Department on domestic violence as it relates to child and adult abuse and neglect, benefits programs, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, foster care prevention, child support enforcement, child care, and the promotion of healthy family relationships; and

12. To promote collaboration and cooperation with other state agencies, including the Department of Criminal Justice Services, the Department of Health, the Department of Housing and Community Development, the Office of the Attorney General, and the Virginia Employment Commission, for technical assistance, data collection and service delivery to facilitate the appropriate response to victims of domestic violence.

1980, c. 597, § 63.1-317; 2002, c. 747 ; 2005, cc. 638 , 685 ; 2006, c. 135 .
Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-1701.1 — Virginia Code / Title 63.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 17 / Article 1 / Section 63.2-1701.1
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed effective July 1, 2021, by Acts 2020, cc. 860 and 861 , cl. 2, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 446 , cl. 2.
Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-408 — Virginia Code / Title 63.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 4 / Section 63.2-408
When a locality fails to provide public assistance or social services; deductions by Comptroller; social services; withholding payments
Status: in_force

If any county or city, through its appropriate authorities or officers fails or refuses to provide public assistance or social services in accordance with the provisions of Subtitles II and III of this title, the Board through appropriate proceedings shall require such authorities and officers to exercise the powers conferred and perform the duties imposed by Subtitles II and III.

For so long as the failure or refusal to provide for the public assistance or social services continues, the Board shall authorize and direct the Commissioner under regulations of the Board to provide for the payment of public assistance or the furnishing of social services in such county or city out of funds appropriated for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of Subtitles II and III of this title. In such event, the Commissioner shall at the end of each month file with the State Comptroller and with the local governing body of such county or city a statement showing all disbursements and expenditures, including administrative expenditures, made for and on behalf of such county or city, and the Comptroller shall from time to time as such funds become available deduct from funds appropriated by the Commonwealth, in excess of requirements of the Constitution of Virginia, for distribution to such county or city amounts required to reimburse the Commonwealth for expenditures incurred under the provisions of this section. All such funds so deducted and transferred are hereby appropriated for the purposes set forth, and shall be expended and disbursed as provided in § 63.2-403 . If at any time a locality fails to operate public assistance programs or social service programs in accordance with state laws or regulations or fails to provide the necessary staff for the implementation of such programs, the Board may authorize and direct the Commissioner, under regulations of the Board, to withhold from such locality the entire reimbursement for administrative expenditures or a part thereof for the period of time the locality fails to comply with state laws or regulations.

Code 1950, §§ 63-26, 63-135, 63-136, 63-140.12, 63-140.13, 63-157, 63-158, 63-199, 63-200; 1960, c. 440; 1962, c. 621; 1966, c. 112; 1968, cc. 578, 668, 670, §§ 63.1-122, 63.1-123; 1970, c. 721; 1974, cc. 491, 504; 1975, cc. 176, 438; 1984, c. 781; 1990, c. 537; 1995, cc. 770 , 818 ; 1999, c. 854 ; 2002, c. 747 .
Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-1205 — Virginia Code / Title 63.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 12 / Article 1 / Section 63.2-1205
Best interests of the child; standards for determining
Status: in_force

In determining whether the valid consent of any person whose consent is required is withheld contrary to the best interests of the child, or is unobtainable, the circuit court or juvenile and domestic relations district court, as the case may be, shall consider whether granting the petition pending before it would be in the best interest of the child. The circuit court or juvenile and domestic relations district court, as the case may be, shall consider all relevant factors, including the birth parent(s)' efforts to obtain or maintain legal and physical custody of the child; whether the birth parent(s) are currently willing and able to assume full custody of the child; whether the birth parent(s)' efforts to assert parental rights were thwarted by other people; the birth parent(s)' ability to care for the child; the age of the child; the quality of any previous relationship between the birth parent(s) and the child and between the birth parent(s) and any other minor children; the duration and suitability of the child's present custodial environment; and the effect of a change of physical custody on the child.

1995, cc. 772 , 826 , § 63.1-225.1; 2000, c. 830 , § 63.1-219.13; 2002, c. 747 ; 2003, c. 467 ; 2006, cc. 825 , 848 .
Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-328 — Virginia Code / Title 63.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 3 / Article 2 / Section 63.2-328
Bond
Status: in_force

Before entering upon the discharge of his duties, every local director shall enter bond with surety to be approved by the court or judge, in such sum as the court or judge may fix, conditioned upon the faithful discharge of his duties.

Code 1950, § 63-81; 1968, c. 578, § 63.1-64; 2002, c. 747 .
Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-904.2 — Virginia Code / Title 63.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 9 / Article 1 / Section 63.2-904.2
Complaint system
Status: in_force

The Commissioner shall establish and maintain mechanisms to receive reports and complaints from foster parents, interested stakeholders, and other citizens of the Commonwealth regarding violations of laws or regulations applicable to foster care and any other matters affecting the health, safety, or well-being of children in foster care. Such mechanisms shall include establishing a statewide, toll-free hotline to be administered by the Department; publicizing the existence of such hotline; and enhancing electronic communication with the Department for the receipt of reports or complaints.

Reports and complaints received through the foster care hotline or other mechanisms established pursuant to this section shall be investigated pursuant to Board regulations. All information received or maintained by the Department in connection with such reports, complaints, or investigations shall be confidential and not subject to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.), except that such information may be relayed and used on a confidential basis pursuant to Board regulations for the purposes of investigation and to protect the health, safety, and well-being of children in foster care.

2019, c. 446 .
Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-511 — Virginia Code / Title 63.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 5 / Section 63.2-511
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2016, c. 452 , cl. 1.
Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-1914 — Virginia Code / Title 63.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 19 / Article 3 / Section 63.2-1914
Hospital paternity establishment programs
Status: in_force

Each public and private birthing hospital in the Commonwealth shall provide unwed parents the opportunity to legally establish the paternity of a child prior to the child's discharge from the hospital following birth, by means of a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity signed by the mother and the father, under oath.

Birthing hospitals are defined as hospitals with licensed obstetric-care units, hospitals licensed to provide obstetric services, or licensed birthing centers associated with a hospital. Birthing centers are facilities outside hospitals that provide maternity services.

Designated staff members of such hospitals shall provide to both the mother and the alleged father, if he is present at the hospital, (i) written materials regarding paternity establishment, (ii) the forms necessary to voluntarily acknowledge paternity, (iii) a written and oral description of the rights and responsibilities of acknowledging paternity, and (iv) the opportunity, prior to the child's discharge from the hospital, to speak with staff who are trained to provide information and answer questions about paternity establishment. The provision by designated hospital staff members of the information required by this section, consistent with federal regulations, shall not constitute the unauthorized practice of law pursuant to Chapter 39 (§ 54.1-3900 et seq.) of Title 54.1.

Hospitals shall send the original acknowledgment of paternity containing the social security numbers, if available, of both parents, with the information required by Article 2 (§ 32.1-257 et seq.) of Chapter 7 of Title 32.1, to the State Registrar of Vital Records so that the birth certificate issued includes the name of the legal father of the child.

The Department shall (a) provide to birthing hospitals all necessary materials and forms, and a written description of the rights and responsibilities related to voluntary acknowledgment of paternity; (b) provide the necessary training, guidance and written instructions regarding voluntary acknowledgment of paternity; (c) annually assess each birthing hospital's paternity establishment program; (d) pay to each hospital an amount determined by regulation of the Board for each acknowledgment of paternity signed under oath by both parents; and (e) determine if a voluntary acknowledgment has been filed with the State Registrar of Vital Records in cases applying for paternity establishment services.

1994, c. 718 , § 20-49.9 ; 1997, cc. 792 , 896 ; 2002, c. 747 .
Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-618 — Virginia Code / Title 63.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Section 63.2-618
Notice and appeal
Status: in_force

A participant aggrieved by the decision of a local board granting, denying, changing or discontinuing public assistance may appeal such decision pursuant to § 63.2-517 . If a hearing request is received prior to the effective date of any proposed change in benefit status, a participant appealing such change shall have the right to continued direct payment of TANF benefits pending final administrative action on such appeal.

1994, cc. 858 , 951 , § 63.1-133.53; 1995, c. 450 ; 2002, c. 747 .
Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-211 — Virginia Code / Title 63.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 2 / Article 1 / Section 63.2-211
Powers and duties of division heads
Status: in_force

The Commissioner may delegate to the heads of the various divisions and to such other employees of the Department as he deems desirable any and all of the powers and duties conferred upon him by law.

Code 1950, § 63-9; 1968, c. 578, § 63.1-9; 1981, c. 21; 2002, c. 747 .
Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-521 — Virginia Code / Title 63.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 5 / Section 63.2-521
Change of residence
Status: in_force

Any recipient of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or medical assistance who moves from one county or city in this Commonwealth to another county or city therein, shall thereafter be treated as if the grant of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or medical assistance had been made by the county or city into which he moves, and the local board of the county or city from which he moves shall transfer all necessary records relating to the recipient to the local board of the county or city into which such recipient moves.

Code 1950, §§ 63-130, 63-152, 63-194; 1952, c. 449; 1968, c. 578, § 63.1-121; 2002, c. 747 .
Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-912.1 — Virginia Code / Title 63.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 9 / Article 1 / Section 63.2-912.1
Notification of certain rights of foster parents of public school students
Status: in_force

At the time that a child is placed in foster care, each local department of social services shall, if applicable, notify the foster parents of their right to make a written request as set forth in § 22.1-288.3 .

2025, c. 164 .
Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-1958 — Virginia Code / Title 63.2 / Subtitle V / Chapter 19 / Article 10 / Section 63.2-1958
Charging off support debts as uncollectible
Status: in_force

Any support debt due the Department pursuant to § 63.2-1908 that the Commissioner deems uncollectible may be transferred from accounts receivable to a doubtful account, cease to be accounted as an asset, and discharged from its records.

1974, c. 413, § 63.1-270; 1975, c. 596; 1976, c. 357; 1988, c. 906; 1992, c. 716; 2002, c. 747 .
Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-1516.01 — Virginia Code / Title 63.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 15 / Article 4 / Section 63.2-1516.01
Investigation procedures involving person who is the subject of complaint
Status: in_force

The local department shall, at the initial time of contact with the person subject to a child abuse and neglect investigation, advise such person of the complaints or allegations made against the person, in a manner that is consistent with laws protecting the rights of the person making the report or complaint. In cases where a child is alleged to have been abused or neglected by a teacher, principal or other person employed by a local school board or employed in a school operated by the Commonwealth, in the course of such employment in a nonresidential setting, the provisions of § 63.2-1516.1 shall also apply.

2004, cc. 93 , 233 .
Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-1304 — Virginia Code / Title 63.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 13 / Section 63.2-1304
Appeal to Commissioner regarding adoption assistance
Status: in_force

Any applicant for or recipient of adoption assistance aggrieved by any decision of a local board or licensed child-placing agency in granting, denying, changing or discontinuing adoption assistance, may, within 30 days after receiving written notice of such decision, appeal therefrom to the Commissioner. Any applicant or recipient aggrieved by the failure of the local board or licensed child-placing agency to make a decision within a reasonable time may ask for review by the Commissioner. The Commissioner may delegate the duty and authority to duly qualified hearing officers to consider and make determinations on any appeal or review. The Commissioner shall provide an opportunity for a hearing, reasonable notice of which shall be given in writing to the applicant or recipient and to the proper local board in such manner and form as the Commissioner may prescribe. The Commissioner may make or cause to be made an investigation of the facts. The Commissioner shall give fair and impartial consideration to the testimony of witnesses, or other evidence produced at the hearing, reports of investigation of the local board and local director or licensed child-placing agency or of investigations made or caused to be made by the Commissioner, or any facts that the Commissioner may deem proper to enable him to decide fairly the appeal or review. The decision of the Commissioner shall be binding and considered a final agency action for purposes of judicial review of such action pursuant to the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.).

2003, c. 467 .
Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-703 — Virginia Code / Title 63.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 7.1 / Section 63.2-703
Faith-based and community initiatives; responsibilities of Department
Status: in_force

A. The General Assembly finds that faith-based, volunteer, private and community organizations make significant contributions to the welfare of our society and constitute an underutilized and underrepresented reservoir of assistance for social programs, and special efforts to increase utilization of faith-based, volunteer, private and community organizations will enhance the Commonwealth's ability to carry out human welfare programs. To carry out these initiatives, the Department of Social Services shall have the following responsibilities:

1. Lead and facilitate meetings as necessary, with faith-based, volunteer, private and community organizations for the purpose of sharing information to help carry out human welfare programs in Virginia;

2. Encourage conferences and meetings at the community level for faith-based, volunteer, private and community organizations, as needed;

3. Provide procurement and funding information to faith-based, volunteer, private and community organizations, as needed;

4. Provide information regarding faith-based and community initiatives and other information the Department may deem appropriate, to faith-based, volunteer, private and community organizations, and other state agencies whose missions may be enhanced by increased awareness of such initiatives and information;

5. Encourage the development and maintenance of a statewide network of local liaisons to assist in the dissemination of information and assistance;

6. Develop a statewide list of available faith-based, volunteer, private and community organizations. Such statewide list shall be made available to the public through the Department's website;

7. Obtain information concerning faith-based, volunteer, private and community organizations in other states;

8. Coordinate offers of assistance from faith-based organizations during natural disasters; and

9. Perform such other duties as the Department deems appropriate.

B. Nothing in this section shall imply or be inferred to mean that additional federal or state funds will be available for these purposes or that contractual preferences will be given to such organizations other than past or potential performance standards utilized under the Virginia Public Procurement Act (§ 2.2-4300 et seq.).

2002, c. 326 , § 63.1-133.59; 2006, cc. 142 , 386 ; 2016, c. 23 .
Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-1529 — Virginia Code / Title 63.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 15 / Article 5 / Section 63.2-1529
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2009, c. 32 .
Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-804 — Virginia Code / Title 63.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 8 / Section 63.2-804
Eligibility to receive convict-made dentures
Status: in_force

Any person who is a recipient of dental care provided by the Department of Health is eligible to receive, if so prescribed, dentures manufactured in a state correctional facility.

1972, c. 54, § 63.1-110.1; 2002, c. 747 .
Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-1818 — Virginia Code / Title 63.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 18 / Article 2 / Section 63.2-1818
Reports to Commissioner
Status: in_force

Upon the entry of a final order of adoption involving a child placed by a licensed child-placing agency, that agency shall transmit to the Commissioner all reports and collateral information in connection with the case which shall be preserved by the Commissioner in accordance with § 63.2-1246 . Such agency may keep duplicate copies of such reports and collateral information or may obtain copies of such documents from the Commissioner at a reasonable fee as prescribed by the Board.

2002, c. 747 .
Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-319 — Virginia Code / Title 63.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 63.2-319
Child welfare and other services
Status: in_force

Each local board shall provide, either directly or through the purchase of services subject to the supervision of the Commissioner and in accordance with regulations adopted by the Board, any or all child welfare services herein described when such services are not available through other agencies serving residents in the locality. For purposes of this section, the term "child welfare services" means public social services that are directed toward:

1. Protecting the welfare of all children including homeless, dependent, or neglected children or children with disabilities;

2. Preventing or remedying, or assisting in the solution of problems that may result in the neglect, abuse, exploitation or delinquency of children;

3. Preventing the unnecessary separation of children from their families by identifying family problems, assisting families in resolving these problems and preventing the break up of the family where preventing the removal of a child is desirable and possible;

4. Restoring to their families children who have been removed by providing services to the families and children;

5. Placing children in suitable adoptive homes in cases where restoration to the biological family is not possible or appropriate; and

6. Assuring adequate care of children away from their homes in cases where they cannot be returned home or placed for adoption.

Each local board is also authorized and, as may be provided by regulations of the Board, shall provide rehabilitation and other services to help individuals attain or retain self-care or self-support and such services as are likely to prevent or reduce dependency and, in the case of dependent children, to maintain and strengthen family life.

Code 1950, § 63-72.1; 1966, c. 593; 1968, cc. 466, 578, § 63.1-55; 1973, c. 122; 1977, c. 634; 1982, c. 171; 1984, c. 781; 1986, c. 281; 1992, cc. 837, 880; 2002, c. 747 ; 2023, cc. 148 , 149 .
Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-1712 — Virginia Code / Title 63.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 17 / Article 1 / Section 63.2-1712
Offenses; penalty
Status: in_force

Any person, and each officer and each member of the governing board of any association or corporation that operates an assisted living facility, adult day center or child welfare agency, is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor if he:

1. Interferes with any representative of the Commissioner in the discharge of his duties under this subtitle;

2. Makes to the Commissioner or any representative of the Commissioner any report or statement, with respect to the operation of any assisted living facility, adult day center, or child welfare agency, that is known by such person to be false or untrue;

3. Operates or engages in the conduct of an assisted living facility, adult day center, or child welfare agency without first obtaining a license as required by this subtitle or after such license has been revoked or suspended or has expired and not been renewed. No violation shall occur if the facility, center, or agency has applied to the Department for renewal prior to the expiration date of the license. Every day's violation of this subdivision shall constitute a separate offense; or

4. Operates or engages in the conduct of an assisted living facility, adult day center, or child welfare agency serving more persons than the maximum stipulated in the license.

Code 1950, §§ 63-227, 63-252; 1954, c. 259; 1968, c. 578, §§ 63.1-182, 63.1-215; 1973, c. 227; 1992, c. 356, § 63.1-194.12; 1993, cc. 957, 993; 2002, c. 747 ; 2019, c. 449 ; 2024, cc. 37 , 150 .
Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-1510 — Virginia Code / Title 63.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 15 / Article 2 / Section 63.2-1510
(Repealed effective July 1, 2027) Complaints by others of certain injuries to children.
Status: repealed

Any person who suspects that a child is an abused or neglected child may make a complaint concerning such child, except as hereinafter provided, to the local department of the county or city wherein the child resides or wherein the abuse or neglect is believed to have occurred or to the Department's toll-free child abuse and neglect hotline. If an employee of the local department is suspected of abusing or neglecting a child, the complaint shall be made to the court of the county or city where the abuse or neglect was discovered. Upon receipt of such a report by the court, the judge shall assign the report to a local department that is not the employer of the suspected employee for investigation or family assessment; or, if the judge believes that no local department in a reasonable geographic distance can be impartial in responding to the reported case, the judge shall assign the report to the court service unit of his court for evaluation. The judge may consult with the Department in selecting a local department to respond to the report or complaint. Such a complaint may be oral or in writing and shall disclose all information which is the basis for the suspicion of abuse or neglect of the child.

1975, c. 341, § 63.1-248.4; 1976, c. 348; 1994, c. 840 ; 2000, c. 500 ; 2002, c. 747 ; 2026 cc. 865 , 900 , cl. 2.
Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-1215 — Virginia Code / Title 63.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 12 / Article 1 / Section 63.2-1215
Legal effects of adoption
Status: in_force

A. The birth parents, and the parents by previous adoption, if any, other than any such parent who is the husband or wife of one of the petitioners, shall, by final order of adoption, be divested of all legal rights and obligations in respect to the child including the right to petition any court for visitation with the child. Except where a final order of adoption is entered pursuant to § 63.2-1241 , any person whose interest in the child derives from or through the birth parent or previous adoptive parent, including but not limited to grandparents, stepparents, former stepparents, blood relatives, and family members, shall, by final order of adoption, be divested of all legal rights and obligations in respect to the child including the right to petition any court for visitation with the child. In all cases the child shall be free from all legal obligations of obedience and maintenance in respect to such persons divested of legal rights. Any child adopted under the provisions of this chapter shall, from and after the entry of the interlocutory order or from and after the entry of the final order where no such interlocutory order is entered, be, to all intents and purposes, the child of the person or persons so adopting him and, unless and until such interlocutory order or final order is subsequently revoked, shall be entitled to all the rights and privileges, and subject to all the obligations, of a child of such person or persons born in lawful wedlock. An adopted person is the child of an adopting parent, and as such, the adopting parent shall be entitled to testify in all cases civil and criminal, as if the adopted child was born of the adopting parent in lawful wedlock.

B. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit any child of a deceased person from receiving an award of damages in an action for death by wrongful act in accordance with the provisions of Article 5 (§ 8.01-50 et seq.) of Chapter 3 of Title 8.01 if such child is adopted after the death of the deceased person, provided that the parental rights of such deceased person were not terminated by a court of competent jurisdiction prior to his death. The provisions of this subsection shall apply to any adoption finalized on or after July 1, 2024.

Code 1950, § 63-357; 1968, c. 578, § 63.1-233; 1995, cc. 772 , 826 ; 1997, c. 690 ; 2000, c. 830 , § 63.1-219.22; 2002, c. 747 ; 2003, c. 229 ; 2024, cc. 69 , 70 .
Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-226 — Virginia Code / Title 63.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 2 / Article 3 / Section 63.2-226
Duties of Department
Status: in_force

A. The Department shall assume administrative responsibilities for the statewide system. In this capacity, the Department shall establish an office to:

1. Develop a plan for the design and implementation of a statewide human services information and referral program;

2. Coordinate and supervise the implementation and operation of the information and referral program;

3. Coordinate funding for the system;

4. Select regional providers of information and referral services;

5. Supervise coordination of information management among information and referral regions across the Commonwealth;

6. Encourage effective relationships between the system and state and local agencies and public and private organizations;

7. Develop and implement a statewide publicity effort;

8. Provide training, technical assistance, research, and consultation for regional and local information and referral centers, and to localities interested in developing information and referral services;

9. Determine a core level of services to be funded from state government resources;

10. Coordinate standardization of resource data collection, maintenance and dissemination;

11. Stimulate and encourage the availability of statewide information and referral services;

12. Develop and implement a program for monitoring and assessing the performance and success of the information and referral program; and

13. Collect information on child-specific payments made through the Title IV-E foster care program and submit information, when available, to the Office of Children's Services.

B. The Department, in consultation with the Virginia Employment Commission and Virginia Community College System, shall develop and implement a plan for the provision to citizens receiving any form of public assistance of information regarding courses on financial literacy, offered online or through any other appropriate medium, that are available to such citizens at no cost to them.

1984, c. 402, § 63.1-314.5; 1990, c. 915; 2002, c. 747 ; 2003, cc. 54 , 75 ; 2008, c. 277 ; 2015, cc. 366 , 521 .