Virginia Law

A. A parent or legal guardian may have the privilege, but not the right, to designate one caretaker per family ID number to certify an infant or child who may obtain and redeem food instruments and attend nutrition education. The caretaker assumes all of the rights and responsibilities of the parent or legal guardian who designates him. A caretaker shall be designated only when the local agency cannot accommodate the needs of the parent to attend the local agency to obtain WIC benefits. In the absence of a parent or legal guardian, a caretaker shall provide reasonable documentation of his status as a primary caretaker. Reasons supporting the designation of a caretaker shall be documented and become part of the participant's record. The authority to implement the caretaker policy will be granted individually to local agencies by the state WIC director. The parent is always encouraged to be the primary recipient of all WIC benefits.

B. A caretaker may be designated in two situations:

1. A parent or legal guardian's declaration of hardship; or

2. The caretaker providing reasonable documentation of his role in the absence of a parent or legal guardian.

C. Local agency personnel shall discuss the option of designating a caretaker if the participant, parent, or legal guardian declares hardship that prevents him from coming to the local agency during established regular and alternative hours due to:

1. Conflict of schedules due to work, school, or some other valid reason;

2. Lack of transportation;

3. An infant or child residing with a family member or caretaker; or

4. The parent or legal guardian being sanctioned from the program.

D. The caretaker shall provide reasonable documentation to substantiate his relationship with the infant or child and his role as primary caretaker. Reasonable documentation may include:

1. Signed caretaker designation form, WIC-311, indicating the designation of caretaker that may be obtained prior to the first local agency visit;

2. Signed and witnessed letter from the legal guardian or parent designating a caretaker and reason for the legal guardian's or parent's inability to certify an infant or child, obtain and redeem food instruments, and attend nutrition education; or

3. Documentation of the parent or legal guardian's enrollment, residence, or confinement in a hospital treatment program, shelter, penal institution, or other institution.