Several UMFS staff reviewed the regulations. Overall, we felt that the updates were minimal and easy to follow, and we very much appreciate that. We did have a few recommendations to consider as outlined below:

• 22VAC40-201-40. Foster care placements: By not notifying relatives who have a history of domestic violence, have been convicted of barrier crimes, or are listed on the VA State Police Sex Offender Registry, you may miss out on the opportunity to learn valuable information about other potential, healthy family members that could be notified. Would it be possible to have a different type of notification for relatives that fall in one of the aforementioned categories vs. the notification that is sent to those who you are seeking as a potential placement option.  
• 22VAC40-201-110. Court hearings and case reviews: Sections J and K appear to contradict one another - J seems to highlight restoring parental rights while K seems to highlight terminating parental rights.
• 22VAC40-201-110. Court hearings and case reviews: Section K references the local department “shall” file a petition. If possible, could “shall” be changed to “can” to take into account certain families' individual case circumstances?