{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/16.1-281.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/16.1-281.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/16.1-281.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/16.1-281.html"}],"law_id":58560,"edition_id":1,"section_id":58560,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-281","catch_line":"Foster care plan","history":"1977, c. 559; 1978, cc. 732, 740; 1982, c. 171; 1984, c. 373; 1985, c. 210; 1991, c. 98; 1994, cc. 604, 865; 1997, c. 790; 1998, c. 550; 2000, c. 385; 2002, cc. 397, 512, 664, 729, 747; 2005, c. 653; 2008, cc. 397, 475, 483, 678; 2009, c. 80; 2011, cc. 154, 730; 2013, c. 130; 2015, c. 120; 2016, c. 631; 2019, cc. 282, 688; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 535; 2022, c. 305.","full_text":"A\n\nIn any case in which (i) a local board of social services places a child through an agreement with the parents or guardians where legal custody remains with the parents or guardian, or (ii) legal custody of a child is given to a local board of social services or a child welfare agency, the local department of social services or child welfare agency shall prepare a foster care plan for such child, as described hereinafter. The individual family service plan developed by the family assessment and planning team pursuant to § 2.2-5208 may be accepted by the court as the foster care plan if it meets the requirements of this section.\n\t\t\tThe representatives of such department or agency shall involve in the development of the plan the child’s parent(s), except when parental rights have been terminated or the local department of social services or child welfare agency has made diligent efforts to locate the parent(s) and such parent(s) cannot be located, relatives and fictive kin who are interested in the child’s welfare, and any other person or persons standing in loco parentis at the time the board or child welfare agency obtained custody or the board placed the child. The representatives of such department or agency shall involve a child who is 12 years of age or older in the development of the plan and, at the option of such child, up to two members of the case planning team who are chosen by the child and who are not a foster parent of, or caseworker for, the child. A child under 12 years of age may be involved in the development of the plan if such involvement is consistent with the best interests of the child. In cases where either the parent(s) or child is not involved in the development of the plan, the department or agency shall include in the plan a full description of the reasons therefor.\n\t\t\tThe department or child welfare agency shall file the plan with the juvenile and domestic relations district court within 45 days following the transfer of custody or the board’s placement of the child unless the court, for good cause shown, allows an extension of time, which shall not exceed an additional 60 days. However, a foster care plan shall be filed in accordance with the provisions of § 16.1-277.01 with a petition for approval of an entrustment agreement. A foster care plan need not be prepared if the child is returned to his prior family or placed in an adoptive home within 45 days following transfer of custody to the board or agency or the board’s placement of the child.B\n\nThe foster care plan shall describe in writing (i) the programs, care, services and other support which will be offered to the child and his parents and other prior custodians; (ii) the participation and conduct which will be sought from the child’s parents and other prior custodians; (iii) the visitation and other contacts which will be permitted between the child and his parents and other prior custodians, and between the child and his siblings; (iv) the nature of the placement or placements which will be provided for the child, including an assessment of the stability of each placement, the services provided or plans for services to be provided to address placement instability or to prevent disruption of the placement, and a description of other placements that were considered for the child, if any, and reasons why such other placements were not provided; (v) for school-age children, the school placement of the child; (vi) for children 14 years of age and older, the child’s needs and goals in the areas of counseling, education, housing, employment, and money management skills development, along with specific independent living services that will be provided to the child to help him reach these goals; and (vii) for children 14 years and older, an explanation of the child’s rights with respect to education, health, visitation, court participation, and the right to stay safe and avoid exploitation. The foster care plan shall include all documentation specified in 42 U.S.C. § 675(5)(l) and § 63.2-905.3. If the child in foster care is placed in a qualified residential treatment program as defined in § 16.1-228, the foster care plan shall also include the report and documentation set forth in subsection A of § 63.2-906.1. If the child in foster care is pregnant or is the parent of a child, the foster care plan shall also include (a) a list of the services and programs to be provided to or on behalf of the child to ensure parental readiness or capability and (b) a description of the foster care prevention strategy for any child born to the child in foster care. In cases in which a foster care plan approved prior to July 1, 2011, identifies independent living as the goal for the child, and in cases involving children admitted to the United States as refugees or asylees who are 16 years of age or older and for whom the goal is independent living, the plan shall also describe the programs and services which will help the child prepare for the transition from foster care to independent living. If consistent with the child’s health and safety, the plan shall be designed to support reasonable efforts which lead to the return of the child to his parents or other prior custodians within the shortest practicable time which shall be specified in the plan. The child’s health and safety shall be the paramount concern of the court and the agency throughout the placement, case planning, service provision and review process. For a child 14 years of age and older, the plan shall include a signed acknowledgment by the child that the child has received a copy of the plan and that the rights contained therein have been explained to the child in an age-appropriate manner.\n\t\t\tIf the department or child welfare agency concludes that it is not reasonably likely that the child can be returned to his prior family within a practicable time, consistent with the best interests of the child, the department, child welfare agency or team shall (1) include a full description of the reasons for this conclusion; (2) provide information on the opportunities for placing the child with a relative or in an adoptive home; (3) design the plan to lead to the child’s successful placement with a relative or fictive kin for the purpose of establishing eligibility for the Federal-Funded Kinship Guardianship Assistance program established pursuant to § 63.2-1305 or the State-Funded Kinship Guardianship Assistance program established pursuant to § 63.2-1306 or in an adoptive home within the shortest practicable time; and (4) if neither of such placements is feasible, explain why permanent foster care is the plan for the child or independent living is the plan for the child in cases involving children admitted to the United States as refugees or asylees who are 16 years of age or older and for whom the goal is independent living.\n\t\t\tThe local board or other child welfare agency having custody of the child shall not be required by the court to make reasonable efforts to reunite the child with a parent if the court finds that (A) the residual parental rights of the parent regarding a sibling of the child have previously been involuntarily terminated; (B) the parent has been convicted of an offense under the laws of the Commonwealth or a substantially similar law of any other state, the United States or any foreign jurisdiction that constitutes murder or voluntary manslaughter, or a felony attempt, conspiracy or solicitation to commit any such offense, if the victim of the offense was a child of the parent, a child with whom the parent resided at the time such offense occurred or the other parent of the child; (C) the parent has been convicted of an offense under the laws of the Commonwealth or a substantially similar law of any other state, the United States or any foreign jurisdiction that constitutes felony assault resulting in serious bodily injury or felony bodily wounding resulting in serious bodily injury or felony sexual assault, if the victim of the offense was a child of the parent or a child with whom the parent resided at the time of such offense; or (D) based on clear and convincing evidence, the parent has subjected any child to aggravated circumstances, or abandoned a child under circumstances which would justify the termination of residual parental rights pursuant to subsection D of § 16.1-283.\n\t\t\tAs used in this section:\n\t\t\t“Aggravated circumstances” means torture, chronic or severe abuse, or chronic or severe sexual abuse, if the victim of such conduct was a child of the parent or child with whom the parent resided at the time such conduct occurred, including the failure to protect such a child from such conduct, which conduct or failure to protect: (i) evinces a wanton or depraved indifference to human life, or (ii) has resulted in the death of such a child or in serious bodily injury to such a child.\n\t\t\t“Chronic abuse” or “chronic sexual abuse” means recurring acts of physical abuse that place the child’s health, safety and well-being at risk.\n\t\t\t“Independent living” has the meaning set forth in § 63.2-100.\n\t\t\t“Serious bodily injury” means bodily injury that involves substantial risk of death, extreme physical pain, protracted and obvious disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of a bodily member, organ or mental faculty.\n\t\t\t“Severe abuse” or “severe sexual abuse” may include an act or omission that occurred only once, but otherwise meets the definition of “aggravated circumstances.”\n\t\t\tWithin 30 days of making a determination that reasonable efforts to reunite the child with the parents are not required, the court shall hold a permanency planning hearing pursuant to § 16.1-282.1.C\n\nA copy of the entire foster care plan shall be sent by the court to the child, if he is 12 years of age or older; the guardian ad litem for the child, the attorney for the child’s parents or for any other person standing in loco parentis at the time the board or child welfare agency obtained custody or the board placed the child, to the parents or other person standing in loco parentis, and such other persons as appear to the court to have a proper interest in the plan. However, a copy of the plan shall not be sent to a parent whose parental rights regarding the child have been terminated. A copy of the plan shall be sent by the court to the foster parents. A hearing shall be held for the purpose of reviewing and approving the foster care plan. The hearing shall be held within 60 days of (i) the child’s initial foster care placement, if the child was placed through an agreement between the parents or guardians and the local department of social services or a child welfare agency; (ii) the original preliminary removal order hearing, if the child was placed in foster care pursuant to § 16.1-252; (iii) the hearing on the petition for relief of custody, if the child was placed in foster care pursuant to § 16.1-277.02; or (iv) the dispositional hearing at which the child was placed in foster care and an order was entered pursuant to § 16.1-278.2, 16.1-278.3, 16.1-278.4, 16.1-278.5, 16.1-278.6, or 16.1-278.8. However, the hearing shall be held in accordance with the provisions of § 16.1-277.01 with a petition for approval of an entrustment agreement. If the judge makes any revision in any part of the foster care plan, a copy of the changes shall be sent by the court to all persons who received a copy of the original of that part of the plan.C1\n\nAny order transferring custody of the child to a relative other than the child’s prior family shall be entered only upon a finding, based upon a preponderance of the evidence, that the relative is one who, after an investigation as directed by the court, (i) is found by the court to be willing and qualified to receive and care for the child; (ii) is willing to have a positive, continuous relationship with the child; (iii) is committed to providing a permanent, suitable home for the child; and (iv) is willing and has the ability to protect the child from abuse and neglect; and the order shall so state. The court’s order transferring custody to a relative should further provide for, as appropriate, any terms or conditions which would promote the child’s interest and welfare; ongoing provision of social services to the child and the child’s custodian; and court review of the child’s placement.C2\n\nAny order entered at the conclusion of the hearing that has the effect of achieving a permanent goal for the child by terminating residual parental rights pursuant to § 16.1-277.01, 16.1-277.02, 16.1-278.3, or 16.1-283; by placing the child in permanent foster care pursuant to clause (iv) of subsection A of § 16.1-282.1; or, in cases in which independent living was identified as the goal for a child in a foster care plan approved prior to July 1, 2011, or in which a child has been admitted to the United States as a refugee or asylee and is over 16 years of age and independent living has been identified as the permanency goal for the child, by directing the board or agency to provide the child with services to achieve independent living status, if the child has attained the age of 16 years, pursuant to clause (v) of subsection A of § 16.1-282.1 shall state whether reasonable efforts have been made to place the child in a timely manner in accordance with the foster care plan and to complete the steps necessary to finalize the permanent placement of the child.D\n\nThe court in which the foster care plan is filed shall be notified immediately if the child is returned to his parents or other persons standing in loco parentis at the time the board or agency obtained custody or the board placed the child.E\n\n1. In cases in which a child is placed by the local board of social services or a licensed child-placing agency in a qualified residential treatment program as defined in \u00a7 16.1-228, a hearing shall be held within 60 days of such placement. Prior to such hearing, the qualified residential treatment program shall file with the court the assessment report prepared pursuant to clause (viii) of the definition of qualified residential treatment program set forth in \u00a7 16.1-228. The court shall (i) consider the assessment report prepared by a qualified individual pursuant to clause (viii) of the definition of qualified residential treatment program set forth in \u00a7 16.1-228 and submitted pursuant to this subsection; (ii) consider the report and documentation required under subsection A of \u00a7 63.2-906.1 and filed with the foster care or permanency plan; (iii) determine whether the needs of the child can be met through placement in a foster home or, if not, whether placement in the qualified residential treatment program would provide the most effective and appropriate level of care for the child in the least restrictive environment and be consistent with the short-term and long-term goals established for the child in his foster care or permanency plan; and (iv) approve or deny the placement of the child in the qualified residential treatment program. The hearing required by this subsection may be held in conjunction with a dispositional hearing held pursuant to subsection C, a foster care review hearing held pursuant to \u00a7 16.1-282, a permanency planning hearing held pursuant to \u00a7 16.1-282.1, or an annual foster care review hearing held pursuant to \u00a7 16.1-282.2, provided that such hearing has already been scheduled by the court and is held within 60 days of the child’s placement in the qualified residential treatment program.2\n\nIf the child remains placed in the qualified residential treatment program during any subsequent hearings held pursuant to subsection C or § 16.1-282, 16.1-282.1, or 16.1-282.2, the local board of social services or licensed child-placing agency shall present evidence at such hearing that demonstrates (i) that the ongoing assessment of the child’s strengths and needs continues to support the determination that the child’s needs cannot be met through placement in a foster home and that the child’s placement in the qualified residential treatment program provides the most effective and appropriate level of care for the child in the least restrictive environment and is consistent with the short-term and long-term goals established for the child in his foster care or permanency plan; (ii) the specific treatment or service needs of the child that will be met in the qualified residential treatment program and the length of time the child is expected to need such treatment or services; and (iii) the efforts made by the local board of social services to prepare the child to return home or to be placed with a fit and willing relative, legal guardian, or adoptive parent, or in a foster home. The court shall review such evidence and approve or deny the continued placement of the child in the qualified residential treatment program.F\n\nAt the conclusion of the hearing at which the initial foster care plan is reviewed, the court shall schedule a foster care review hearing to be held within four months in accordance with § 16.1-282. However, if an order is entered pursuant to subsection C2, the court shall schedule a foster care review hearing to be held within 12 months of the entry of such order in accordance with the provisions of § 16.1-282.2. Parties who are present at the hearing at which the initial foster care plan is reviewed shall be given notice of the date set for the foster care review hearing and parties who are not present shall be summoned as provided in § 16.1-263.G\n\nNothing in this section shall limit the authority of the juvenile judge or the staff of the juvenile court, upon order of the judge, to review the status of children in the custody of local boards of social services or placed by local boards of social services on its own motion. The court shall appoint an attorney to act as guardian ad litem to represent the child any time a hearing is held to review the foster care plan filed for the child or to review the child’s status in foster care.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":214608,"text":"In any case in which (i) a local board of social services places a child through an agreement with the parents or guardians where legal custody remains with the parents or guardian, or (ii) legal custody of a child is given to a local board of social services or a child welfare agency, the local department of social services or child welfare agency shall prepare a foster care plan for such child, as described hereinafter. The individual family service plan developed by the family assessment and planning team pursuant to § 2.2-5208 may be accepted by the court as the foster care plan if it meets the requirements of this section.\n\t\t\tThe representatives of such department or agency shall involve in the development of the plan the child’s parent(s), except when parental rights have been terminated or the local department of social services or child welfare agency has made diligent efforts to locate the parent(s) and such parent(s) cannot be located, relatives and fictive kin who are interested in the child’s welfare, and any other person or persons standing in loco parentis at the time the board or child welfare agency obtained custody or the board placed the child. The representatives of such department or agency shall involve a child who is 12 years of age or older in the development of the plan and, at the option of such child, up to two members of the case planning team who are chosen by the child and who are not a foster parent of, or caseworker for, the child. A child under 12 years of age may be involved in the development of the plan if such involvement is consistent with the best interests of the child. In cases where either the parent(s) or child is not involved in the development of the plan, the department or agency shall include in the plan a full description of the reasons therefor.\n\t\t\tThe department or child welfare agency shall file the plan with the juvenile and domestic relations district court within 45 days following the transfer of custody or the board’s placement of the child unless the court, for good cause shown, allows an extension of time, which shall not exceed an additional 60 days. However, a foster care plan shall be filed in accordance with the provisions of § 16.1-277.01 with a petition for approval of an entrustment agreement. A foster care plan need not be prepared if the child is returned to his prior family or placed in an adoptive home within 45 days following transfer of custody to the board or agency or the board’s placement of the child.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":214609,"text":"The foster care plan shall describe in writing (i) the programs, care, services and other support which will be offered to the child and his parents and other prior custodians; (ii) the participation and conduct which will be sought from the child’s parents and other prior custodians; (iii) the visitation and other contacts which will be permitted between the child and his parents and other prior custodians, and between the child and his siblings; (iv) the nature of the placement or placements which will be provided for the child, including an assessment of the stability of each placement, the services provided or plans for services to be provided to address placement instability or to prevent disruption of the placement, and a description of other placements that were considered for the child, if any, and reasons why such other placements were not provided; (v) for school-age children, the school placement of the child; (vi) for children 14 years of age and older, the child’s needs and goals in the areas of counseling, education, housing, employment, and money management skills development, along with specific independent living services that will be provided to the child to help him reach these goals; and (vii) for children 14 years and older, an explanation of the child’s rights with respect to education, health, visitation, court participation, and the right to stay safe and avoid exploitation. The foster care plan shall include all documentation specified in 42 U.S.C. § 675(5)(l) and § 63.2-905.3. If the child in foster care is placed in a qualified residential treatment program as defined in § 16.1-228, the foster care plan shall also include the report and documentation set forth in subsection A of § 63.2-906.1. If the child in foster care is pregnant or is the parent of a child, the foster care plan shall also include (a) a list of the services and programs to be provided to or on behalf of the child to ensure parental readiness or capability and (b) a description of the foster care prevention strategy for any child born to the child in foster care. In cases in which a foster care plan approved prior to July 1, 2011, identifies independent living as the goal for the child, and in cases involving children admitted to the United States as refugees or asylees who are 16 years of age or older and for whom the goal is independent living, the plan shall also describe the programs and services which will help the child prepare for the transition from foster care to independent living. If consistent with the child’s health and safety, the plan shall be designed to support reasonable efforts which lead to the return of the child to his parents or other prior custodians within the shortest practicable time which shall be specified in the plan. The child’s health and safety shall be the paramount concern of the court and the agency throughout the placement, case planning, service provision and review process. For a child 14 years of age and older, the plan shall include a signed acknowledgment by the child that the child has received a copy of the plan and that the rights contained therein have been explained to the child in an age-appropriate manner.\n\t\t\tIf the department or child welfare agency concludes that it is not reasonably likely that the child can be returned to his prior family within a practicable time, consistent with the best interests of the child, the department, child welfare agency or team shall (1) include a full description of the reasons for this conclusion; (2) provide information on the opportunities for placing the child with a relative or in an adoptive home; (3) design the plan to lead to the child’s successful placement with a relative or fictive kin for the purpose of establishing eligibility for the Federal-Funded Kinship Guardianship Assistance program established pursuant to § 63.2-1305 or the State-Funded Kinship Guardianship Assistance program established pursuant to § 63.2-1306 or in an adoptive home within the shortest practicable time; and (4) if neither of such placements is feasible, explain why permanent foster care is the plan for the child or independent living is the plan for the child in cases involving children admitted to the United States as refugees or asylees who are 16 years of age or older and for whom the goal is independent living.\n\t\t\tThe local board or other child welfare agency having custody of the child shall not be required by the court to make reasonable efforts to reunite the child with a parent if the court finds that (A) the residual parental rights of the parent regarding a sibling of the child have previously been involuntarily terminated; (B) the parent has been convicted of an offense under the laws of the Commonwealth or a substantially similar law of any other state, the United States or any foreign jurisdiction that constitutes murder or voluntary manslaughter, or a felony attempt, conspiracy or solicitation to commit any such offense, if the victim of the offense was a child of the parent, a child with whom the parent resided at the time such offense occurred or the other parent of the child; (C) the parent has been convicted of an offense under the laws of the Commonwealth or a substantially similar law of any other state, the United States or any foreign jurisdiction that constitutes felony assault resulting in serious bodily injury or felony bodily wounding resulting in serious bodily injury or felony sexual assault, if the victim of the offense was a child of the parent or a child with whom the parent resided at the time of such offense; or (D) based on clear and convincing evidence, the parent has subjected any child to aggravated circumstances, or abandoned a child under circumstances which would justify the termination of residual parental rights pursuant to subsection D of § 16.1-283.\n\t\t\tAs used in this section:\n\t\t\t“Aggravated circumstances” means torture, chronic or severe abuse, or chronic or severe sexual abuse, if the victim of such conduct was a child of the parent or child with whom the parent resided at the time such conduct occurred, including the failure to protect such a child from such conduct, which conduct or failure to protect: (i) evinces a wanton or depraved indifference to human life, or (ii) has resulted in the death of such a child or in serious bodily injury to such a child.\n\t\t\t“Chronic abuse” or “chronic sexual abuse” means recurring acts of physical abuse that place the child’s health, safety and well-being at risk.\n\t\t\t“Independent living” has the meaning set forth in § 63.2-100.\n\t\t\t“Serious bodily injury” means bodily injury that involves substantial risk of death, extreme physical pain, protracted and obvious disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of a bodily member, organ or mental faculty.\n\t\t\t“Severe abuse” or “severe sexual abuse” may include an act or omission that occurred only once, but otherwise meets the definition of “aggravated circumstances.”\n\t\t\tWithin 30 days of making a determination that reasonable efforts to reunite the child with the parents are not required, the court shall hold a permanency planning hearing pursuant to § 16.1-282.1.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":214610,"text":"A copy of the entire foster care plan shall be sent by the court to the child, if he is 12 years of age or older; the guardian ad litem for the child, the attorney for the child’s parents or for any other person standing in loco parentis at the time the board or child welfare agency obtained custody or the board placed the child, to the parents or other person standing in loco parentis, and such other persons as appear to the court to have a proper interest in the plan. However, a copy of the plan shall not be sent to a parent whose parental rights regarding the child have been terminated. A copy of the plan shall be sent by the court to the foster parents. A hearing shall be held for the purpose of reviewing and approving the foster care plan. The hearing shall be held within 60 days of (i) the child’s initial foster care placement, if the child was placed through an agreement between the parents or guardians and the local department of social services or a child welfare agency; (ii) the original preliminary removal order hearing, if the child was placed in foster care pursuant to § 16.1-252; (iii) the hearing on the petition for relief of custody, if the child was placed in foster care pursuant to § 16.1-277.02; or (iv) the dispositional hearing at which the child was placed in foster care and an order was entered pursuant to § 16.1-278.2, 16.1-278.3, 16.1-278.4, 16.1-278.5, 16.1-278.6, or 16.1-278.8. However, the hearing shall be held in accordance with the provisions of § 16.1-277.01 with a petition for approval of an entrustment agreement. If the judge makes any revision in any part of the foster care plan, a copy of the changes shall be sent by the court to all persons who received a copy of the original of that part of the plan.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"C1"},"3":{"id":214611,"text":"Any order transferring custody of the child to a relative other than the child’s prior family shall be entered only upon a finding, based upon a preponderance of the evidence, that the relative is one who, after an investigation as directed by the court, (i) is found by the court to be willing and qualified to receive and care for the child; (ii) is willing to have a positive, continuous relationship with the child; (iii) is committed to providing a permanent, suitable home for the child; and (iv) is willing and has the ability to protect the child from abuse and neglect; and the order shall so state. The court’s order transferring custody to a relative should further provide for, as appropriate, any terms or conditions which would promote the child’s interest and welfare; ongoing provision of social services to the child and the child’s custodian; and court review of the child’s placement.","type":"section","prefixes":["C1"],"prefix":"C1","entire_prefix":"C1","prefix_anchor":"C1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"C2"},"4":{"id":214612,"text":"Any order entered at the conclusion of the hearing that has the effect of achieving a permanent goal for the child by terminating residual parental rights pursuant to § 16.1-277.01, 16.1-277.02, 16.1-278.3, or 16.1-283; by placing the child in permanent foster care pursuant to clause (iv) of subsection A of § 16.1-282.1; or, in cases in which independent living was identified as the goal for a child in a foster care plan approved prior to July 1, 2011, or in which a child has been admitted to the United States as a refugee or asylee and is over 16 years of age and independent living has been identified as the permanency goal for the child, by directing the board or agency to provide the child with services to achieve independent living status, if the child has attained the age of 16 years, pursuant to clause (v) of subsection A of § 16.1-282.1 shall state whether reasonable efforts have been made to place the child in a timely manner in accordance with the foster care plan and to complete the steps necessary to finalize the permanent placement of the child.","type":"section","prefixes":["C2"],"prefix":"C2","entire_prefix":"C2","prefix_anchor":"C2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C1","next_prefix":"D"},"5":{"id":214613,"text":"The court in which the foster care plan is filed shall be notified immediately if the child is returned to his parents or other persons standing in loco parentis at the time the board or agency obtained custody or the board placed the child.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C2","next_prefix":"E"},"6":{"id":214614,"text":"1. In cases in which a child is placed by the local board of social services or a licensed child-placing agency in a qualified residential treatment program as defined in \u00a7 16.1-228, a hearing shall be held within 60 days of such placement. Prior to such hearing, the qualified residential treatment program shall file with the court the assessment report prepared pursuant to clause (viii) of the definition of qualified residential treatment program set forth in \u00a7 16.1-228. The court shall (i) consider the assessment report prepared by a qualified individual pursuant to clause (viii) of the definition of qualified residential treatment program set forth in \u00a7 16.1-228 and submitted pursuant to this subsection; (ii) consider the report and documentation required under subsection A of \u00a7 63.2-906.1 and filed with the foster care or permanency plan; (iii) determine whether the needs of the child can be met through placement in a foster home or, if not, whether placement in the qualified residential treatment program would provide the most effective and appropriate level of care for the child in the least restrictive environment and be consistent with the short-term and long-term goals established for the child in his foster care or permanency plan; and (iv) approve or deny the placement of the child in the qualified residential treatment program. The hearing required by this subsection may be held in conjunction with a dispositional hearing held pursuant to subsection C, a foster care review hearing held pursuant to \u00a7 16.1-282, a permanency planning hearing held pursuant to \u00a7 16.1-282.1, or an annual foster care review hearing held pursuant to \u00a7 16.1-282.2, provided that such hearing has already been scheduled by the court and is held within 60 days of the child’s placement in the qualified residential treatment program.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"E2"},"7":{"id":214615,"text":"If the child remains placed in the qualified residential treatment program during any subsequent hearings held pursuant to subsection C or § 16.1-282, 16.1-282.1, or 16.1-282.2, the local board of social services or licensed child-placing agency shall present evidence at such hearing that demonstrates (i) that the ongoing assessment of the child’s strengths and needs continues to support the determination that the child’s needs cannot be met through placement in a foster home and that the child’s placement in the qualified residential treatment program provides the most effective and appropriate level of care for the child in the least restrictive environment and is consistent with the short-term and long-term goals established for the child in his foster care or permanency plan; (ii) the specific treatment or service needs of the child that will be met in the qualified residential treatment program and the length of time the child is expected to need such treatment or services; and (iii) the efforts made by the local board of social services to prepare the child to return home or to be placed with a fit and willing relative, legal guardian, or adoptive parent, or in a foster home. The court shall review such evidence and approve or deny the continued placement of the child in the qualified residential treatment program.","type":"section","prefixes":["E","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"E2","prefix_anchor":"E2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"E","next_prefix":"F"},"8":{"id":214616,"text":"At the conclusion of the hearing at which the initial foster care plan is reviewed, the court shall schedule a foster care review hearing to be held within four months in accordance with § 16.1-282. However, if an order is entered pursuant to subsection C2, the court shall schedule a foster care review hearing to be held within 12 months of the entry of such order in accordance with the provisions of § 16.1-282.2. Parties who are present at the hearing at which the initial foster care plan is reviewed shall be given notice of the date set for the foster care review hearing and parties who are not present shall be summoned as provided in § 16.1-263.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E2","next_prefix":"G"},"9":{"id":214617,"text":"Nothing in this section shall limit the authority of the juvenile judge or the staff of the juvenile court, upon order of the judge, to review the status of children in the custody of local boards of social services or placed by local boards of social services on its own motion. The court shall appoint an attorney to act as guardian ad litem to represent the child any time a hearing is held to review the foster care plan filed for the child or to review the child’s status in foster care.","type":"section","prefixes":["G"],"prefix":"G","entire_prefix":"G","prefix_anchor":"G","level":1,"prior_prefix":"F"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13006,"edition_id":1,"name":"Disposition","identifier":"9","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12701,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:08","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:08","permalink":{"id":161781,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13006,"identifier":"9","token":"16.1\/11\/9","url":"\/16.1\/11\/9\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12701,"edition_id":1,"name":"Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts","identifier":"11","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12700,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","permalink":{"id":160945,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12701,"identifier":"11","token":"16.1\/11","url":"\/16.1\/11\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12700,"edition_id":1,"name":"Courts Not of Record","identifier":"16.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","permalink":{"id":160919,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12700,"identifier":"16.1","token":"16.1","url":"\/16.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":61839,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278","catch_line":"Cooperation of certain agencies, officials, institutions and associations","url":"\/16.1-278\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278","metadata":false},{"id":71042,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.1","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/16.1-278.1\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.1","metadata":false},{"id":82666,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.10","catch_line":"Traffic infractions","url":"\/16.1-278.10\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.10","metadata":false},{"id":81073,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.11","catch_line":"Mental illness and intellectual disability","url":"\/16.1-278.11\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.11","metadata":false},{"id":63604,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.12","catch_line":"When judicial consent in lieu of parental consent authorized","url":"\/16.1-278.12\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.12","metadata":false},{"id":65268,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.13","catch_line":"Work permits; 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This law was first created in 1977. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 559 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1977 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 19 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1978, chapters 732 and 740; in 1982, chapter 171; in 1984, chapter 373; in 1985, chapter 210; in 1991, chapter 98; in 1994, chapters 604<\/a> and 865<\/a>; in 1997, chapter 790<\/a>; in 1998, chapter 550<\/a>; in 2000, chapter 385<\/a>; in 2002, chapters 397<\/a>, 512<\/a>, 664<\/a>, 729<\/a>, and 747<\/a>; in 2005, chapter 653<\/a>; in 2008, chapters 397<\/a>, 475<\/a>, 483<\/a>, and 678<\/a>; in 2009, chapter 80<\/a>; in 2011, chapters 154<\/a> and 730<\/a>; in 2013, chapter 130<\/a>; in 2015, chapter 120<\/a>; in 2016, chapter 631<\/a>; in 2019, chapters 282<\/a> and 688<\/a>; in 2022, chapter 305<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":63788,"section_number":"16.1-228","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-228\/"},{"id":78366,"section_number":"16.1-266","catch_line":"Appointment of counsel and guardian ad litem","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-266\/"},{"id":72020,"section_number":"16.1-266.1","catch_line":"Standards for attorneys appointed as guardians ad litem; 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A.<\/span> In any case in which (i) a local board of social services places a child through an agreement with the parents<\/span> or guardians where legal custody<\/span> remains with the parents<\/span> or guardian, or (ii) legal custody<\/span> of a child is given to a local board of social services or a child welfare agency<\/span>, the local department<\/span> of social services or child welfare agency<\/span> shall prepare a foster care plan for such child, as described hereinafter. The individual family service plan developed by the family assessment and planning team pursuant to § 2.2-5208<\/a> may be accepted by the court<\/span> as the foster care plan if it meets the requirements of this section.\n\t\t\tThe representatives of such department<\/span> or agency shall involve in the development of the plan the child’s parent<\/span>(s), except when parental rights have been terminated or the local department<\/span> of social services or child welfare agency<\/span> has made diligent efforts to locate the parent<\/span>(s) and such parent<\/span>(s) cannot be located, relatives and fictive kin<\/span> who are interested in the child’s welfare, and any other person or persons standing in loco parentis at the time the board or child welfare agency<\/span> obtained custody or the board placed the child. The representatives of such department<\/span> or agency shall involve a child who is 12 years of age or older in the development of the plan and, at the option of such child, up to two members of the case planning team who are chosen by the child and who are not a foster parent<\/span> of, or caseworker for, the child. A child under 12 years of age may be involved in the development of the plan if such involvement is consistent with the best interests of the child. In cases where either the parent<\/span>(s) or child is not involved in the development of the plan, the department<\/span> or agency shall include in the plan a full description of the reasons therefor.\n\t\t\tThe department<\/span> or child welfare agency<\/span> shall file the plan with the juvenile and domestic relations district court within 45 days following the transfer of custody or the board’s placement of the child unless the court<\/span>, for good cause shown, allows an extension of time, which shall not exceed an additional 60 days. However, a foster care plan shall be filed in accordance with the provisions of § 16.1-277.01<\/a> with a petition<\/span> for approval of an entrustment agreement. A foster care plan need not be prepared if the child is returned to his prior family or placed in an adoptive home<\/span> within 45 days following transfer of custody to the board or agency or the board’s placement of the child. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> The foster care plan shall describe in writing (i) the programs, care, services and other support which will be offered to the child and his parents<\/span> and other prior custodians; (ii) the participation and conduct which will be sought from the child’s parents<\/span> and other prior custodians; (iii) the visitation and other contacts which will be permitted between the child and his parents<\/span> and other prior custodians, and between the child and his siblings; (iv) the nature of the placement or placements which will be provided for the child, including an assessment of the stability of each placement, the services provided or plans for services to be provided to address placement instability or to prevent disruption of the placement, and a description of other placements that were considered for the child, if any, and reasons why such other placements were not provided; (v) for school-age children, the school placement of the child; (vi) for children 14 years of age and older, the child’s needs and goals in the areas of counseling, education, housing, employment, and money management skills development, along with specific independent living services<\/span> that will be provided to the child to help him reach these goals; and (vii) for children 14 years and older, an explanation of the child’s rights with respect to education, health, visitation, court participation, and the right to stay<\/span> safe and avoid exploitation. The foster care plan shall include all documentation specified in 42 U.S.C. § 675(5)(l) and § 63.2-905.3<\/a>. If the child in foster care is placed in a qualified residential treatment program<\/span> as defined in § 16.1-228<\/a>, the foster care plan shall also include the report and documentation set forth in subsection A of § 63.2-906.1<\/a>. If the child in foster care is pregnant or is the parent<\/span> of a child, the foster care plan shall also include (a) a list of the services and programs to be provided to or on behalf of the child to ensure parental readiness or capability and (b) a description of the foster care prevention strategy for any child born to the child in foster care. In cases in which a foster care plan approved prior to July 1, 2011, identifies independent living as the goal for the child, and in cases involving children admitted to the United States as refugees or asylees who are 16 years of age or older and for whom the goal is independent living, the plan shall also describe the programs and services which will help the child prepare for the transition from foster care to independent living. If consistent with the child’s health and safety, the plan shall be designed to support reasonable efforts which lead to the return of the child to his parents<\/span> or other prior custodians within the shortest practicable time which shall be specified in the plan. The child’s health and safety shall be the paramount concern of the court<\/span> and the agency throughout the placement, case planning, service provision and review process. For a child 14 years of age and older, the plan shall include a signed acknowledgment by the child that the child has received a copy of the plan and that the rights contained therein have been explained to the child in an age-appropriate manner.\n\t\t\tIf the department<\/span> or child welfare agency<\/span> concludes that it is not reasonably likely that the child can be returned to his prior family within a practicable time, consistent with the best interests of the child, the department<\/span>, child welfare agency<\/span> or team shall (1) include a full description of the reasons for this conclusion; (2) provide information on the opportunities for placing the child with a relative or in an adoptive home<\/span>; (3) design the plan to lead to the child’s successful placement with a relative or fictive kin<\/span> for the purpose of establishing eligibility for the Federal-Funded Kinship Guardianship Assistance program established pursuant to § 63.2-1305<\/a> or the State-Funded Kinship Guardianship Assistance program established pursuant to § 63.2-1306<\/a> or in an adoptive home<\/span> within the shortest practicable time; and (4) if neither of such placements is feasible, explain why permanent foster care is the plan for the child or independent living is the plan for the child in cases involving children admitted to the United States as refugees or asylees who are 16 years of age or older and for whom the goal is independent living.\n\t\t\tThe local board or other child welfare agency<\/span> having custody of the child shall not be required by the court<\/span> to make reasonable efforts to reunite the child with a parent<\/span> if the court<\/span> finds that (A) the residual parental rights of the parent<\/span> regarding a sibling of the child have previously been involuntarily terminated; (B) the parent<\/span> has been convicted of an offense<\/span> under the laws<\/span> of the Commonwealth or a substantially similar law<\/span> of any other state, the United States or any foreign jurisdiction<\/span> that constitutes murder<\/span> or voluntary manslaughter<\/span>, or a felony<\/span> attempt, conspiracy or solicitation to commit any such offense<\/span>, if the victim of the offense<\/span> was a child of the parent<\/span>, a child with whom the parent<\/span> resided at the time such offense<\/span> occurred or the other parent<\/span> of the child; (C) the parent<\/span> has been convicted of an offense<\/span> under the laws<\/span> of the Commonwealth or a substantially similar law<\/span> of any other state, the United States or any foreign jurisdiction<\/span> that constitutes felony<\/span> assault<\/span> resulting in serious bodily injury<\/span> or felony<\/span> bodily wounding resulting in serious bodily injury<\/span> or felony<\/span> sexual assault<\/span>, if the victim of the offense<\/span> was a child of the parent<\/span> or a child with whom the parent<\/span> resided at the time of such offense<\/span>; or (D) based on clear and convincing evidence<\/span>, the parent<\/span> has subjected any child to aggravated circumstances<\/span>, or abandoned a child under circumstances which would justify the termination of residual parental rights pursuant to subsection D of § 16.1-283<\/a>.\n\t\t\tAs used in this section:\n\t\t\t“Aggravated circumstances<\/span>” means torture, chronic or severe abuse, or chronic or severe sexual abuse, if the victim of such conduct was a child of the parent<\/span> or child with whom the parent<\/span> resided at the time such conduct occurred, including the failure to protect such a child from such conduct, which conduct or failure to protect: (i) evinces a wanton or depraved indifference to human life, or (ii) has resulted in the death of such a child or in serious bodily injury<\/span> to such a child.\n\t\t\t“Chronic abuse<\/span>” or “chronic sexual abuse<\/span>” means recurring acts of physical abuse that place the child’s health, safety and well-being at risk.\n\t\t\t“Independent living” has the meaning set forth in § 63.2-100<\/a>.\n\t\t\t“Serious bodily injury<\/span>” means bodily injury that involves substantial risk of death, extreme physical pain, protracted and obvious disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of a bodily member, organ or mental faculty.\n\t\t\t“Severe abuse” or “severe sexual abuse” may include an act or omission that occurred only once, but otherwise meets the definition of “aggravated circumstances<\/span>.”\n\t\t\tWithin 30 days of making a determination that reasonable efforts to reunite the child with the parents<\/span> are not required, the court<\/span> shall hold a permanency planning hearing<\/span> pursuant to § 16.1-282.1<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> A copy of the entire foster care plan shall be sent by the court<\/span> to the child, if he is 12 years of age or older; the guardian ad litem<\/span> for the child, the attorney for the child’s parents<\/span> or for any other person standing in loco parentis at the time the board or child welfare agency<\/span> obtained custody or the board placed the child, to the parents<\/span> or other person standing in loco parentis, and such other persons as appear to the court<\/span> to have a proper interest in the plan. However, a copy of the plan shall not be sent to a parent<\/span> whose parental rights regarding the child have been terminated. A copy of the plan shall be sent by the court<\/span> to the foster parents<\/span>. A hearing<\/span> shall be held for the purpose of reviewing and approving the foster care plan. The hearing<\/span> shall be held within 60 days of (i) the child’s initial foster care placement, if the child was placed through an agreement between the parents<\/span> or guardians and the local department<\/span> of social services or a child welfare agency<\/span>; (ii) the original preliminary removal order<\/span> hearing<\/span>, if the child was placed in foster care pursuant to § 16.1-252<\/a>; (iii) the hearing<\/span> on the petition<\/span> for relief of custody, if the child was placed in foster care pursuant to § 16.1-277.02<\/a>; or (iv) the dispositional hearing<\/span> at which the child was placed in foster care and an order<\/span> was entered pursuant to § 16.1-278.2<\/a>, 16.1-278.3<\/a>, 16.1-278.4<\/a>, 16.1-278.5<\/a>, 16.1-278.6<\/a>, or 16.1-278.8<\/a>. However, the hearing<\/span> shall be held in accordance with the provisions of § 16.1-277.01<\/a> with a petition<\/span> for approval of an entrustment agreement. If the judge<\/span> makes any revision in any part of the foster care plan, a copy of the changes shall be sent by the court<\/span> to all persons who received a copy of the original of that part of the plan. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C1.<\/span> Any order<\/span> transferring custody of the child to a relative other than the child’s prior family shall be entered only upon a finding<\/span>, based upon a preponderance of the evidence<\/span>, that the relative is one who, after an investigation as directed by the court<\/span>, (i) is found by the court<\/span> to be willing and qualified to receive and care for the child; (ii) is willing to have a positive, continuous relationship with the child; (iii) is committed to providing a permanent, suitable home for the child; and (iv) is willing and has the ability to protect the child from abuse and neglect; and the order<\/span> shall so state. The court<\/span>’s order<\/span> transferring custody to a relative should further provide for, as appropriate, any terms or conditions which would promote the child’s interest and welfare; ongoing provision of social services to the child and the child’s custodian; and court review of the child’s placement. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C2.<\/span> Any order<\/span> entered at the conclusion of the hearing<\/span> that has the effect of achieving a permanent goal for the child by terminating residual parental rights pursuant to § 16.1-277.01<\/a>, 16.1-277.02<\/a>, 16.1-278.3<\/a>, or 16.1-283<\/a>; by placing the child in permanent foster care pursuant to clause (iv) of subsection A of § 16.1-282.1<\/a>; or, in cases in which independent living was identified as the goal for a child in a foster care plan approved prior to July 1, 2011, or in which a child has been admitted to the United States as a refugee or asylee and is over 16 years of age and independent living has been identified as the permanency goal for the child, by directing the board or agency to provide the child with services to achieve independent living status, if the child has attained the age of 16 years, pursuant to clause (v) of subsection A of § 16.1-282.1<\/a> shall state whether reasonable efforts have been made to place the child in a timely manner in accordance with the foster care plan and to complete the steps necessary to finalize the permanent placement of the child. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> The court<\/span> in which the foster care plan is filed shall be notified immediately if the child is returned to his parents<\/span> or other persons standing in loco parentis at the time the board or agency obtained custody or the board placed the child. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> 1. In cases in which a child is placed by the local board of social services or a licensed child-placing agency in a qualified residential treatment program<\/span> as defined in \u00a7 16.1-228<\/a>, a hearing<\/span> shall be held within 60 days of such placement. Prior to such hearing<\/span>, the qualified residential treatment program<\/span> shall file with the court<\/span> the assessment report prepared pursuant to clause (viii) of the definition of qualified residential treatment program<\/span> set forth in \u00a7 16.1-228<\/a>. The court<\/span> shall (i) consider the assessment report prepared by a qualified individual<\/span> pursuant to clause (viii) of the definition of qualified residential treatment program<\/span> set forth in \u00a7 16.1-228<\/a> and submitted pursuant to this subsection; (ii) consider the report and documentation required under subsection A of \u00a7 63.2-906.1<\/a> and filed with the foster care or permanency plan; (iii) determine whether the needs of the child can be met through placement in a foster home or, if not, whether placement in the qualified residential treatment program<\/span> would provide the most effective and appropriate level of care for the child in the least restrictive environment and be consistent with the short-term and long-term goals established for the child in his foster care or permanency plan; and (iv) approve or deny the placement of the child in the qualified residential treatment program<\/span>. The hearing<\/span> required by this subsection may be held in conjunction with a dispositional hearing<\/span> held pursuant to subsection C, a foster care review hearing<\/span> held pursuant to \u00a7 16.1-282<\/a>, a permanency planning hearing<\/span> held pursuant to \u00a7 16.1-282.1<\/a>, or an annual foster care review hearing<\/span> held pursuant to \u00a7 16.1-282.2<\/a>, provided that such hearing<\/span> has already been scheduled by the court<\/span> and is held within 60 days of the child’s placement in the qualified residential treatment program<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> If the child remains placed in the qualified residential treatment program<\/span> during any subsequent hearings<\/span> held pursuant to subsection C or § 16.1-282<\/a>, 16.1-282.1<\/a>, or 16.1-282.2<\/a>, the local board of social services or licensed child-placing agency shall present evidence at such hearing<\/span> that demonstrates (i) that the ongoing assessment of the child’s strengths and needs continues to support the determination that the child’s needs cannot be met through placement in a foster home and that the child’s placement in the qualified residential treatment program<\/span> provides the most effective and appropriate level of care for the child in the least restrictive environment and is consistent with the short-term and long-term goals established for the child in his foster care or permanency plan; (ii) the specific treatment or service needs of the child that will be met in the qualified residential treatment program<\/span> and the length of time the child is expected to need such treatment or services; and (iii) the efforts made by the local board of social services to prepare the child to return home or to be placed with a fit and willing relative, legal guardian, or adoptive parent<\/span>, or in a foster home. The court<\/span> shall review such evidence and approve or deny the continued placement of the child in the qualified residential treatment program<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> At the conclusion of the hearing<\/span> at which the initial foster care plan is reviewed, the court<\/span> shall schedule a foster care review hearing<\/span> to be held within four months in accordance with § 16.1-282<\/a>. However, if an order<\/span> is entered pursuant to subsection C2, the court<\/span> shall schedule a foster care review hearing<\/span> to be held within 12 months of the entry of such order<\/span> in accordance with the provisions of § 16.1-282.2<\/a>. Parties who are present at the hearing<\/span> at which the initial foster care plan is reviewed shall be given notice of the date set for the foster care review hearing<\/span> and parties who are not present shall be summoned as provided in § 16.1-263<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

G.<\/span> Nothing in this section shall limit the authority of the juvenile judge or the staff of the juvenile court<\/span>, upon order<\/span> of the judge<\/span>, to review the status of children in the custody of local boards of social services or placed by local boards of social services on its own motion<\/span>. The court<\/span> shall appoint an attorney to act as guardian ad litem<\/span> to represent the child any time a hearing<\/span> is held to review the foster care plan filed for the child or to review the child’s status in foster care. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nFOSTER CARE PLAN (\u00a7 16.1-281)\n\nA. In any case in which (i) a local board of social services places a child\nthrough an agreement with the parents or guardians where legal custody remains\nwith the parents or guardian, or (ii) legal custody of a child is given to a\nlocal board of social services or a child welfare agency, the local department\nof social services or child welfare agency shall prepare a foster care plan for\nsuch child, as described hereinafter. The individual family service plan\ndeveloped by the family assessment and planning team pursuant to § 2.2-5208\nmay be accepted by the court as the foster care plan if it meets the\nrequirements of this section.\n\t\t\tThe representatives of such department or agency shall involve in the\ndevelopment of the plan the child’s parent(s), except when parental rights\nhave been terminated or the local department of social services or child welfare\nagency has made diligent efforts to locate the parent(s) and such parent(s)\ncannot be located, relatives and fictive kin who are interested in the\nchild’s welfare, and any other person or persons standing in loco parentis\nat the time the board or child welfare agency obtained custody or the board\nplaced the child. The representatives of such department or agency shall involve\na child who is 12 years of age or older in the development of the plan and, at\nthe option of such child, up to two members of the case planning team who are\nchosen by the child and who are not a foster parent of, or caseworker for, the\nchild. A child under 12 years of age may be involved in the development of the\nplan if such involvement is consistent with the best interests of the child. In\ncases where either the parent(s) or child is not involved in the development of\nthe plan, the department or agency shall include in the plan a full description\nof the reasons therefor.\n\t\t\tThe department or child welfare agency shall file the plan with the juvenile\nand domestic relations district court within 45 days following the transfer of\ncustody or the board’s placement of the child unless the court, for good\ncause shown, allows an extension of time, which shall not exceed an additional\n60 days. However, a foster care plan shall be filed in accordance with the\nprovisions of § 16.1-277.01 with a petition for approval of an entrustment\nagreement. A foster care plan need not be prepared if the child is returned to\nhis prior family or placed in an adoptive home within 45 days following transfer\nof custody to the board or agency or the board’s placement of the child.\n\nB. The foster care plan shall describe in writing (i) the programs, care,\nservices and other support which will be offered to the child and his parents\nand other prior custodians; (ii) the participation and conduct which will be\nsought from the child’s parents and other prior custodians; (iii) the\nvisitation and other contacts which will be permitted between the child and his\nparents and other prior custodians, and between the child and his siblings; (iv)\nthe nature of the placement or placements which will be provided for the child,\nincluding an assessment of the stability of each placement, the services\nprovided or plans for services to be provided to address placement instability\nor to prevent disruption of the placement, and a description of other placements\nthat were considered for the child, if any, and reasons why such other\nplacements were not provided; (v) for school-age children, the school placement\nof the child; (vi) for children 14 years of age and older, the child’s\nneeds and goals in the areas of counseling, education, housing, employment, and\nmoney management skills development, along with specific independent living\nservices that will be provided to the child to help him reach these goals; and\n(vii) for children 14 years and older, an explanation of the child’s\nrights with respect to education, health, visitation, court participation, and\nthe right to stay safe and avoid exploitation. The foster care plan shall\ninclude all documentation specified in 42 U.S.C. § 675(5)(l) and §\n63.2-905.3. If the child in foster care is placed in a qualified residential\ntreatment program as defined in § 16.1-228, the foster care plan shall also\ninclude the report and documentation set forth in subsection A of §\n63.2-906.1. If the child in foster care is pregnant or is the parent of a child,\nthe foster care plan shall also include (a) a list of the services and programs\nto be provided to or on behalf of the child to ensure parental readiness or\ncapability and (b) a description of the foster care prevention strategy for any\nchild born to the child in foster care. In cases in which a foster care plan\napproved prior to July 1, 2011, identifies independent living as the goal for\nthe child, and in cases involving children admitted to the United States as\nrefugees or asylees who are 16 years of age or older and for whom the goal is\nindependent living, the plan shall also describe the programs and services which\nwill help the child prepare for the transition from foster care to independent\nliving. If consistent with the child’s health and safety, the plan shall\nbe designed to support reasonable efforts which lead to the return of the child\nto his parents or other prior custodians within the shortest practicable time\nwhich shall be specified in the plan. The child’s health and safety shall\nbe the paramount concern of the court and the agency throughout the placement,\ncase planning, service provision and review process. For a child 14 years of age\nand older, the plan shall include a signed acknowledgment by the child that the\nchild has received a copy of the plan and that the rights contained therein have\nbeen explained to the child in an age-appropriate manner.\n\t\t\tIf the department or child welfare agency concludes that it is not reasonably\nlikely that the child can be returned to his prior family within a practicable\ntime, consistent with the best interests of the child, the department, child\nwelfare agency or team shall (1) include a full description of the reasons for\nthis conclusion; (2) provide information on the opportunities for placing the\nchild with a relative or in an adoptive home; (3) design the plan to lead to the\nchild’s successful placement with a relative or fictive kin for the\npurpose of establishing eligibility for the Federal-Funded Kinship Guardianship\nAssistance program established pursuant to § 63.2-1305 or the State-Funded\nKinship Guardianship Assistance program established pursuant to § 63.2-1306\nor in an adoptive home within the shortest practicable time; and (4) if neither\nof such placements is feasible, explain why permanent foster care is the plan\nfor the child or independent living is the plan for the child in cases involving\nchildren admitted to the United States as refugees or asylees who are 16 years\nof age or older and for whom the goal is independent living.\n\t\t\tThe local board or other child welfare agency having custody of the child\nshall not be required by the court to make reasonable efforts to reunite the\nchild with a parent if the court finds that (A) the residual parental rights of\nthe parent regarding a sibling of the child have previously been involuntarily\nterminated; (B) the parent has been convicted of an offense under the laws of\nthe Commonwealth or a substantially similar law of any other state, the United\nStates or any foreign jurisdiction that constitutes murder or voluntary\nmanslaughter, or a felony attempt, conspiracy or solicitation to commit any such\noffense, if the victim of the offense was a child of the parent, a child with\nwhom the parent resided at the time such offense occurred or the other parent of\nthe child; (C) the parent has been convicted of an offense under the laws of the\nCommonwealth or a substantially similar law of any other state, the United\nStates or any foreign jurisdiction that constitutes felony assault resulting in\nserious bodily injury or felony bodily wounding resulting in serious bodily\ninjury or felony sexual assault, if the victim of the offense was a child of the\nparent or a child with whom the parent resided at the time of such offense; or\n(D) based on clear and convincing evidence, the parent has subjected any child\nto aggravated circumstances, or abandoned a child under circumstances which\nwould justify the termination of residual parental rights pursuant to subsection\nD of § 16.1-283.\n\t\t\tAs used in this section:\n\t\t\t“Aggravated circumstances” means torture, chronic or severe\nabuse, or chronic or severe sexual abuse, if the victim of such conduct was a\nchild of the parent or child with whom the parent resided at the time such\nconduct occurred, including the failure to protect such a child from such\nconduct, which conduct or failure to protect: (i) evinces a wanton or depraved\nindifference to human life, or (ii) has resulted in the death of such a child or\nin serious bodily injury to such a child.\n\t\t\t“Chronic abuse” or “chronic sexual abuse” means\nrecurring acts of physical abuse that place the child’s health, safety and\nwell-being at risk.\n\t\t\t“Independent living” has the meaning set forth in §\n63.2-100.\n\t\t\t“Serious bodily injury” means bodily injury that involves\nsubstantial risk of death, extreme physical pain, protracted and obvious\ndisfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of a bodily\nmember, organ or mental faculty.\n\t\t\t“Severe abuse” or “severe sexual abuse” may include\nan act or omission that occurred only once, but otherwise meets the definition\nof “aggravated circumstances.”\n\t\t\tWithin 30 days of making a determination that reasonable efforts to reunite\nthe child with the parents are not required, the court shall hold a permanency\nplanning hearing pursuant to § 16.1-282.1.\n\nC. A copy of the entire foster care plan shall be sent by the court to the\nchild, if he is 12 years of age or older; the guardian ad litem for the child,\nthe attorney for the child’s parents or for any other person standing in\nloco parentis at the time the board or child welfare agency obtained custody or\nthe board placed the child, to the parents or other person standing in loco\nparentis, and such other persons as appear to the court to have a proper\ninterest in the plan. However, a copy of the plan shall not be sent to a parent\nwhose parental rights regarding the child have been terminated. A copy of the\nplan shall be sent by the court to the foster parents. A hearing shall be held\nfor the purpose of reviewing and approving the foster care plan. The hearing\nshall be held within 60 days of (i) the child’s initial foster care\nplacement, if the child was placed through an agreement between the parents or\nguardians and the local department of social services or a child welfare agency;\n(ii) the original preliminary removal order hearing, if the child was placed in\nfoster care pursuant to § 16.1-252; (iii) the hearing on the petition for\nrelief of custody, if the child was placed in foster care pursuant to §\n16.1-277.02; or (iv) the dispositional hearing at which the child was placed in\nfoster care and an order was entered pursuant to § 16.1-278.2, 16.1-278.3,\n16.1-278.4, 16.1-278.5, 16.1-278.6, or 16.1-278.8. However, the hearing shall be\nheld in accordance with the provisions of § 16.1-277.01 with a petition for\napproval of an entrustment agreement. If the judge makes any revision in any\npart of the foster care plan, a copy of the changes shall be sent by the court\nto all persons who received a copy of the original of that part of the plan.\n\nC1. Any order transferring custody of the child to a relative other than the\nchild’s prior family shall be entered only upon a finding, based upon a\npreponderance of the evidence, that the relative is one who, after an\ninvestigation as directed by the court, (i) is found by the court to be willing\nand qualified to receive and care for the child; (ii) is willing to have a\npositive, continuous relationship with the child; (iii) is committed to\nproviding a permanent, suitable home for the child; and (iv) is willing and has\nthe ability to protect the child from abuse and neglect; and the order shall so\nstate. The court’s order transferring custody to a relative should further\nprovide for, as appropriate, any terms or conditions which would promote the\nchild’s interest and welfare; ongoing provision of social services to the\nchild and the child’s custodian; and court review of the child’s\nplacement.\n\nC2. Any order entered at the conclusion of the hearing that has the effect of\nachieving a permanent goal for the child by terminating residual parental rights\npursuant to § 16.1-277.01, 16.1-277.02, 16.1-278.3, or 16.1-283; by placing\nthe child in permanent foster care pursuant to clause (iv) of subsection A of\n§ 16.1-282.1; or, in cases in which independent living was identified as\nthe goal for a child in a foster care plan approved prior to July 1, 2011, or in\nwhich a child has been admitted to the United States as a refugee or asylee and\nis over 16 years of age and independent living has been identified as the\npermanency goal for the child, by directing the board or agency to provide the\nchild with services to achieve independent living status, if the child has\nattained the age of 16 years, pursuant to clause (v) of subsection A of §\n16.1-282.1 shall state whether reasonable efforts have been made to place the\nchild in a timely manner in accordance with the foster care plan and to complete\nthe steps necessary to finalize the permanent placement of the child.\n\nD. The court in which the foster care plan is filed shall be notified\nimmediately if the child is returned to his parents or other persons standing in\nloco parentis at the time the board or agency obtained custody or the board\nplaced the child.\n\nE. 1. In cases in which a child is placed by the local board of social services\nor a licensed child-placing agency in a qualified residential treatment program\nas defined in \u00a7 16.1-228, a hearing shall be held within 60 days of such\nplacement. Prior to such hearing, the qualified residential treatment program\nshall file with the court the assessment report prepared pursuant to clause\n(viii) of the definition of qualified residential treatment program set forth in\n\u00a7 16.1-228. The court shall (i) consider the assessment report prepared by a\nqualified individual pursuant to clause (viii) of the definition of qualified\nresidential treatment program set forth in \u00a7 16.1-228 and submitted pursuant to\nthis subsection; (ii) consider the report and documentation required under\nsubsection A of \u00a7 63.2-906.1 and filed with the foster care or permanency plan;\n(iii) determine whether the needs of the child can be met through placement in a\nfoster home or, if not, whether placement in the qualified residential treatment\nprogram would provide the most effective and appropriate level of care for the\nchild in the least restrictive environment and be consistent with the short-term\nand long-term goals established for the child in his foster care or permanency\nplan; and (iv) approve or deny the placement of the child in the qualified\nresidential treatment program. The hearing required by this subsection may be\nheld in conjunction with a dispositional hearing held pursuant to subsection C,\na foster care review hearing held pursuant to \u00a7 16.1-282, a permanency planning\nhearing held pursuant to \u00a7 16.1-282.1, or an annual foster care review hearing\nheld pursuant to \u00a7 16.1-282.2, provided that such hearing has already been\nscheduled by the court and is held within 60 days of the child’s placement\nin the qualified residential treatment program.\n\n 2. If the child remains placed in the qualified residential treatment program\n during any subsequent hearings held pursuant to subsection C or §\n 16.1-282, 16.1-282.1, or 16.1-282.2, the local board of social services or\n licensed child-placing agency shall present evidence at such hearing that\n demonstrates (i) that the ongoing assessment of the child’s strengths\n and needs continues to support the determination that the child’s needs\n cannot be met through placement in a foster home and that the child’s\n placement in the qualified residential treatment program provides the most\n effective and appropriate level of care for the child in the least restrictive\n environment and is consistent with the short-term and long-term goals\n established for the child in his foster care or permanency plan; (ii) the\n specific treatment or service needs of the child that will be met in the\n qualified residential treatment program and the length of time the child is\n expected to need such treatment or services; and (iii) the efforts made by the\n local board of social services to prepare the child to return home or to be\n placed with a fit and willing relative, legal guardian, or adoptive parent, or\n in a foster home. The court shall review such evidence and approve or deny the\n continued placement of the child in the qualified residential treatment\n program.\n\nF. At the conclusion of the hearing at which the initial foster care plan is\nreviewed, the court shall schedule a foster care review hearing to be held\nwithin four months in accordance with § 16.1-282. However, if an order is\nentered pursuant to subsection C2, the court shall schedule a foster care review\nhearing to be held within 12 months of the entry of such order in accordance\nwith the provisions of § 16.1-282.2. Parties who are present at the hearing\nat which the initial foster care plan is reviewed shall be given notice of the\ndate set for the foster care review hearing and parties who are not present\nshall be summoned as provided in § 16.1-263.\n\nG. Nothing in this section shall limit the authority of the juvenile judge or\nthe staff of the juvenile court, upon order of the judge, to review the status\nof children in the custody of local boards of social services or placed by local\nboards of social services on its own motion. The court shall appoint an attorney\nto act as guardian ad litem to represent the child any time a hearing is held to\nreview the foster care plan filed for the child or to review the child’s\nstatus in foster care.\n\nHISTORY: 1977, c. 559; 1978, cc. 732, 740; 1982, c. 171; 1984, c. 373; 1985, c.\n210; 1991, c. 98; 1994, cc. 604, 865; 1997, c. 790; 1998, c. 550; 2000, c. 385;\n2002, cc. 397, 512, 664, 729, 747; 2005, c. 653; 2008, cc. 397, 475, 483, 678;\n2009, c. 80; 2011, cc. 154, 730; 2013, c. 130; 2015, c. 120; 2016, c. 631; 2019,\ncc. 282, 688; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 535; 2022, c. 305.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}