22VAC40-201-40:  foster care placement regulations

The proposal to strike “approved” will hopefully result in more children being placed with relatives at the time of removal, before the relative has had time to begin, let alone complete, the lengthy approval process. However, these regulations should go further in directing local departments to, for instance, seek waivers from the VDSS Commissioner to approve relative foster homes. Some local departments appear not to be aware of their ability to seek a waiver to approve a relative foster home.

22VAC40-201-100: Independent living regulations

VPLC supports more youth being provided more timely Independent Living services due with fewer barriers, and allowing more families to be involved in helping with IL plans. Adding an emphasis on helping youth who wish to reunite with family would help more youth navigate this with support.

22VAC40-201-110. Court hearings and case reviews.

VPLC comments that outlining the specifics of exceptions to filing petitions to terminate a parent’s rights will help more children retain relationships with their birth families, and potentially reunifying even if outside the 15-month window. 

22VAC40-201-145. Foster care complaint system

Constituents should also be notified of the opportunity to complain to the Virginia Office of the Children’s Ombudsman.