Virginia Administrative Code
Title 22 - SOCIAL SERVICES
Agency 40 - DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
Chapter 740 - ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES
Section 22VAC40-740-21 - The adult protective services investigation

Universal Citation: 2 VA Admin Code 40-740-21

Current through Register Vol. 41, No. 9, December 16, 2024

A. This section establishes the process for the adult protective services investigation and provides priority to situations that are most critical.

B. The validity of the report shall be determined. Investigations shall be initiated by the local department not later than 24 hours from the time a valid report was received in the local department.

1. To initiate the investigation, the social worker must gather enough information concerning the report to determine (i) if the report is valid and (ii) if an immediate response is needed to ensure the safety of the alleged victim. Pertinent information may be obtained from the report, case record reviews, contact with the alleged victim, the reporter, friends and neighbors and service providers.

2. When determining the need for an immediate response, the social worker shall consider the following factors:
a. The imminent danger to the adult or to others;

b. The severity of the alleged abuse, neglect or exploitation;

c. The circumstances surrounding the alleged abuse, neglect or exploitation; and

d. The physical and mental condition of the adult.

3. A face-to-face contact with the alleged victim shall be made as soon as possible but not later than five calendar days after the initiation of the investigation unless there are valid reasons that the contact could not be made. Those reasons shall be documented in the Adult Protective Services Assessment Narrative as described in 22VAC40-740-40. The timing of the interview with the alleged victim should occur in a reasonable amount of time pursuant to circumstances in subdivision 2 of this subsection.

C. The report shall be reduced to writing within 72 hours of receiving the report on a form prescribed by the department.

D. The purpose of the investigation is to determine whether the adult alleged to be abused, neglected or exploited or at risk of abuse, neglect or exploitation is in need of protective services and, if so, to identify services needed to provide the protection.

E. The local department shall conduct a thorough investigation of the report.

F. The investigation shall include a visit and private interview with the adult alleged to be abused, neglected or exploited.

G. The investigation shall include consultation with others having knowledge of the facts of the particular case.

H. Primary responsibility for the investigation when more than one local department may have jurisdiction under § 63.2-1605 of the Code of Virginia shall be assumed by the local department:

1. Where the subject of the investigation resides when the place of residence is known and when the alleged abuse, neglect or exploitation occurred in the city or county of residence;

2. Where the abuse, neglect or exploitation is believed to have occurred when the report alleges that the incident occurred outside the city or county of residence;

3. Where the abuse, neglect or exploitation was discovered if the incident did not occur in the city or county of residence or if the city or county of residence is unknown and the place where the abuse, neglect or exploitation occurred is unknown; or

4. Where the abuse, neglect or exploitation was discovered if the subject of the report is a nonresident who is temporarily in the Commonwealth.

I. When an investigation extends across city or county lines, local departments in those cities or counties shall assist with the investigation at the request of the local department with primary responsibility.

J. When the local department receives information on suspicious deaths of adults, local department staff shall immediately notify the appropriate medical examiner and law enforcement.

Statutory Authority

§ 63.2-217 and Article 2 ( § 63.2-1603 et seq.) of Chapter 16 of Title 63.2 of the Code of Virginia.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Virginia may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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