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Virginia Administrative Code
Title 22. Social Services
Agency 40. Department of Social Services
Chapter 131. Standards for Licensed Child-Placing Agencies
12/31/2024

22VAC40-131-560. Parental placement adoption services.

A. Licensees who provide parental placement services shall follow the provisions of §§ 63.2-1230 through 63.2-1240 of the Code of Virginia and policy approved by the state board.

B. In conducting the home study of the prospective adoptive parents, the licensee shall comply with 22VAC40-131-180 and any other requirements specified by the court. The home study shall contain the licensee's recommendation regarding the suitability of the placement.

C. During the home study process, the licensee shall meet at least one time with the birth parents and at least one time with the prospective adoptive parents. The licensee shall obtain the agreement of both parties prior to holding simultaneous meetings.

D. The licensee shall ensure that the birth parents and prospective adoptive parents have exchanged identifying information including full names; addresses; physical, mental, social, and psychological information; and any other information useful in promoting the welfare of the child, unless both parties have agreed in writing to waive the disclosure of full names and addresses.

E. During the meeting with the birth parents, the licensee shall determine that the consent for adoption is informed and not coerced.

F. The licensee shall document in the file that the birth parents are aware of:

1. Alternatives to adoption;

2. Adoption procedures; and

3. Opportunities for placement with other adoptive families.

G. During the meeting with the prospective adoptive parents, the licensee shall determine that the parents' decision to adopt is informed and not coerced and that they intend to file an adoption petition and proceed toward a final order of adoption.

H. The licensee shall document that the prospective adoptive parents have been counseled by a duly authorized child-placing agency about:

1. Alternatives to adoption;

2. Adoption procedures, including the need to address the parental rights of birth parents, the procedures for terminating such rights; and

3. Opportunities for adoption of other children.

Statutory Authority

§§ 63.2-217 and 63.2-1734 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 10, eff. May 1, 2012.

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