Virginia Administrative Code
Title 22 - SOCIAL SERVICES
Agency 40 - DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
Chapter 201 - PERMANENCY SERVICES - PREVENTION, FOSTER CARE, ADOPTION AND INDEPENDENT LIVING
Section 22VAC40-201-20 - Foster care prevention services

A. The local department shall first make reasonable efforts to keep the child in his home.

B. The local department shall make diligent efforts to locate and assess relatives or other alternative caregivers to support the child remaining in his home or as placement options if the child cannot safely remain in his home.

C. The local department shall provide services pursuant to § 63.2-905 of the Code of Virginia to the child and birth parents or custodians to prevent the need for foster care placement when the child is abused and neglected as defined in § 63.2-100 of the Code of Virginia or has been found to be a child in need of services as defined in § 16.1-228 of the Code of Virginia by the court or as determined by the family assessment and planning team.

D. Any services available to a child in foster care shall also be available to a child and his birth parents or custodians to prevent foster care placement and shall be based on an assessment of the child's and birth parents' or custodians' needs.

E. Appropriate services shall be provided to prevent foster care placement or to stabilize the family situation provided the need for the service is documented in the local department's written plan or in the IFSP used in conjunction with accessing CSA funds.

F. Children at imminent risk of entry into foster care shall be evaluated by the local department as reasonable candidates for foster care based on federal regulations, 45 CFR 1356.60(c).

G. The local department shall develop a written plan for the implementation of wrap around services prior to removing a child from his home . As long as the risk of removal from the home continues, services shall be provided to address identified needs. In the event that the child can no longer be safely maintained in the home, the local department shall document why the support and services considered and provided were not sufficient to maintain the child in his home.

H. Prior to removing the child from the custody of his parents, the local department shall make diligent efforts to notify in writing all adult relatives that the child is being removed or is likely to be removed and explain the options to relatives to participate in the care and placement of the child including eligibility as a kinship foster parent and the services and supports that may be available for children placed in such a home.