Virginia Law

A. The licensee shall ensure that supervisory visits with the child are made in compliance with § 63.2-1212 of the Code of Virginia and, for children in foster care, in compliance with the requirements of policy approved by the Board of Social Services.

1. If the circuit court has not omitted the probationary period, interlocutory order of adoption, or three-visit requirement pursuant to § 63.2-1210 of the Code of Virginia, the licensee shall visit the child at least three times within a period of six months.

2. At least one visit shall be conducted in the home of the petitioners in the presence of the child and both petitioners unless the petition was filed by a single parent or one of the petitioners no longer resides in the home. If one petitioner no longer resides in the home, the licensee shall contact the absent petitioner to determine his interest in remaining involved in the proceedings.

3. The licensee shall ensure that no less than 90 days elapse between the first and last supervisory visits.

4. In accordance with the provisions of § 63.2-1212 of the Code of Virginia, the licensee shall:

a. Document the findings of supervisory visits and after the last supervisory visit formulate a formal written report that includes:

(1) Health and development of the child, including medical and dental care;

(2) The child's adjustment to the family and the relationship of the child to the parents and siblings;

(3) The child's adjustment to day care or school, the child's behavior and special needs, and resources available to meet those needs;

(4) Impact of adoption on the family functioning and the marriage, including discussion of any stress revealed and changes in work and financial status;

(5) Motivation of the petitioners to proceed with the adoption;

(6) The family's readiness to finalize the adoption;

(7) Documentation that the licensee discussed the procedures for finalization of adoption along with information on obtaining a birth certificate and, if appropriate, information on obtaining naturalization; and

(8) Documentation that the licensee offered to provide or refer the child and family to available resources for services after issuance of the final order of adoption. For children with long-standing mental or physical problems, the licensee shall assist in making arrangements for services after the final order;

b. Submit the written report as required to the circuit court, the counsel of record for the parties, and the commissioner; and

c. Document on the court's copy of the report that the copies were served as specified in subdivision 4 b of this subsection, including the date of delivery or mailing.

B. The licensee retains responsibility for protecting the best interests of the child.

1. The licensee shall maintain contact with the child and prospective adoptive family until the final order of adoption is entered.

2. In addition to the visitations required by § 63.2-1212 of the Code of Virginia, the licensee shall visit the child as often as necessary to meet the needs of the child and family.

3. If conditions warrant, the licensee shall proceed to remove the child in accordance with the provisions of § 63.2-904 C of the Code of Virginia.

4. In addition to the legal responsibilities specified in subdivisions 1, 2, and 3 of this subsection, licensees who hold custody of a child shall maintain legal responsibility for the child until the final order of adoption is entered.

C. Except when the adoption has been finalized in another country, the licensee shall document efforts to ensure that the adoption petition is filed. When there is a delay in filing the petition, the licensee shall make an assessment of the situation and conduct visits with the child and family as often as necessary and at least one time quarterly unless the child is in foster care, then the licensee shall conduct monthly face-to-face contacts as required by this chapter.