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Virginia Administrative Code
Title 22. Social Services
Agency 40. Department of Social Services
Chapter 730. Investigation of Child Abuse and Neglect in Out of Family Complaints
11/21/2024

22VAC40-730-140. Protocol for out of family investigations.

For out of family investigations, the following shall be completed, which are consistent with 22VAC40-705:

1. The local department shall conduct a face-to-face interview with the alleged abuser or neglector.

2. At the onset of the initial interview with the alleged abuser or neglector, the local department shall notify him in writing of the general nature of the valid complaint and the identity of the alleged child victim regarding the purpose of the contacts.

3. The written notification shall include the information that the alleged abuser or neglector has the right to have an attorney or other representative of his choice present during his interviews.

4. If the alleged abuser or neglector has been arrested, statements, or any evidence derived therefrom, made to local department child protective services personnel, or to any person performing the duties of such personnel, by any person accused of the abuse, injury, neglect, or death of a child after the arrest of such person shall not be used in evidence in the case-in-chief against such person in the criminal proceeding on the question of guilt or innocence over the objection of the accused, unless the statement was made after such person was fully advised (i) of his right to remain silent; (ii) that anything he says may be used against him in a court of law; (iii) that he has a right to the presence of an attorney during any interviews; and (iv) that if he cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for him prior to any questioning.

5. The written notification of the findings shall inform the alleged abuser or neglector of his right to appeal.

6. The written notification of the findings shall inform the alleged abuser or neglector of his right to review information about himself in the record with the following exceptions:

a. The identity of the person making the report.

b. Information provided by any law-enforcement official.

c. Information that may endanger the well-being of the child.

d. The identity of a witness or any other person if such release may endanger the life or safety of such witness or person.

7. No information shall be released by the local department in cases that are being criminally investigated unless the release is authorized by the investigating law-enforcement officer or his supervisor or the local attorney for the Commonwealth.

Statutory Authority

§ 63.2-217 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 35, Issue 23, eff. August 23, 2019.

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