{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/2.2-447.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/2.2-447.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/2.2-447.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/2.2-447.html"}],"law_id":71669,"edition_id":1,"section_id":71669,"structure_id":14132,"section_number":"2.2-447","catch_line":"Report of findings; recommendations; consultation with individual, Department, local department, children’s residential facility, or child-placing agency; publication of adverse report; notice of actions; information provided to complainant; child fatality investigation; report","history":"2020, c. 1090; 2023, c. 750; 2024, c. 280.","full_text":"A\n\nThe Ombudsman shall prepare a report of the factual findings of an investigation and make recommendations to the Department, local department, children’s residential facility, or child-placing agency if the Ombudsman finds any of the following:1\n\nA matter should be further considered by the Department, local department, children’s residential facility, or child-placing agency.2\n\nAn administrative act or omission should be modified, canceled, or corrected.3\n\nReasons should be given for an administrative act or omission.4\n\nOther action should be taken by the Department, local department, children’s residential facility, or child-placing agency.B\n\nAt least 30 calendar days before publishing a report that is adverse to the Department, the local department, a children’s residential facility, a child-placing agency, or the individual that is or was the subject of an investigation by the Ombudsman, the Ombudsman shall inform the Department, the local department, the children’s residential facility, the child-placing agency, or the individual. When publishing a report adverse to the Department, local department, children’s residential facility, child-placing agency, or individual, the Ombudsman shall include in the publication any statement of reasonable length made to the Ombudsman by the Department, local department, children’s residential facility, child-placing agency, or individual in defense or mitigation of the action. The Ombudsman may request to be notified by the Department, local department, children’s residential facility, child-placing agency, or individual, within a specified time, of any action taken on any recommendation presented.C\n\nThe Ombudsman shall notify the complainant of the actions taken by the Ombudsman and by the Department, local department, children’s residential facility, or child-placing agency.D\n\nThe Ombudsman may provide to the complainant the following information:1\n\nA copy of the Ombudsman’s report regarding the investigation’s findings, recommendations to the Department or local department made according to the investigation, the Department or local department’s response to the Ombudsman’s findings and recommendations, and any epilogue to the Ombudsman’s report and the Department or local department’s response; or2\n\nInformation that has otherwise been made public.E\n\nThe Ombudsman shall not release information to the individual making the complaint if doing so could endanger the health or welfare of a child or another individual.F\n\nWith respect to a child fatality case investigated under subsection B of § 2.2-443 and upon review of records or other information received under subdivision A 3 or 4 of § 2.2-443 in the course of a child fatality investigation, if there is no ongoing child protection proceeding involving a sibling of the child who died, the Ombudsman shall provide any necessary recommendations for improving systemic issues that are discovered during the investigation of the child fatality. The recommendations may be provided to the court of jurisdiction, the state court administrative office, the county child fatality review team, medical professionals, or attorneys or other legal professionals involved with the particular child who died. The recommendations shall also be summarized and included in the annual report referenced in subsection G.G\n\nThe Ombudsman shall submit to the Governor, the director of the Department, and the General Assembly an annual report on the Ombudsman’s activities, including any recommendations regarding the need for legislation or for a change in rules or policies.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":258246,"text":"The Ombudsman shall prepare a report of the factual findings of an investigation and make recommendations to the Department, local department, children’s residential facility, or child-placing agency if the Ombudsman finds any of the following:","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"A1"},"1":{"id":258247,"text":"A matter should be further considered by the Department, local department, children’s residential facility, or child-placing agency.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"A1","prefix_anchor":"A1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"A2"},"2":{"id":258248,"text":"An administrative act or omission should be modified, canceled, or corrected.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"A2","prefix_anchor":"A2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A1","next_prefix":"A3"},"3":{"id":258249,"text":"Reasons should be given for an administrative act or omission.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"A3","prefix_anchor":"A3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A2","next_prefix":"A4"},"4":{"id":258250,"text":"Other action should be taken by the Department, local department, children’s residential facility, or child-placing agency.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"A4","prefix_anchor":"A4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A3","next_prefix":"B"},"5":{"id":258251,"text":"At least 30 calendar days before publishing a report that is adverse to the Department, the local department, a children’s residential facility, a child-placing agency, or the individual that is or was the subject of an investigation by the Ombudsman, the Ombudsman shall inform the Department, the local department, the children’s residential facility, the child-placing agency, or the individual. When publishing a report adverse to the Department, local department, children’s residential facility, child-placing agency, or individual, the Ombudsman shall include in the publication any statement of reasonable length made to the Ombudsman by the Department, local department, children’s residential facility, child-placing agency, or individual in defense or mitigation of the action. The Ombudsman may request to be notified by the Department, local department, children’s residential facility, child-placing agency, or individual, within a specified time, of any action taken on any recommendation presented.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A4","next_prefix":"C"},"6":{"id":258252,"text":"The Ombudsman shall notify the complainant of the actions taken by the Ombudsman and by the Department, local department, children’s residential facility, or child-placing agency.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"7":{"id":258253,"text":"The Ombudsman may provide to the complainant the following information:","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"D1"},"8":{"id":258254,"text":"A copy of the Ombudsman’s report regarding the investigation’s findings, recommendations to the Department or local department made according to the investigation, the Department or local department’s response to the Ombudsman’s findings and recommendations, and any epilogue to the Ombudsman’s report and the Department or local department’s response; or","type":"section","prefixes":["D","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"D1","prefix_anchor":"D1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"D2"},"9":{"id":258255,"text":"Information that has otherwise been made public.","type":"section","prefixes":["D","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"D2","prefix_anchor":"D2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"D1","next_prefix":"E"},"10":{"id":258256,"text":"The Ombudsman shall not release information to the individual making the complaint if doing so could endanger the health or welfare of a child or another individual.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D2","next_prefix":"F"},"11":{"id":258257,"text":"With respect to a child fatality case investigated under subsection B of § 2.2-443 and upon review of records or other information received under subdivision A 3 or 4 of § 2.2-443 in the course of a child fatality investigation, if there is no ongoing child protection proceeding involving a sibling of the child who died, the Ombudsman shall provide any necessary recommendations for improving systemic issues that are discovered during the investigation of the child fatality. The recommendations may be provided to the court of jurisdiction, the state court administrative office, the county child fatality review team, medical professionals, or attorneys or other legal professionals involved with the particular child who died. The recommendations shall also be summarized and included in the annual report referenced in subsection G.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E","next_prefix":"G"},"12":{"id":258258,"text":"The Ombudsman shall submit to the Governor, the director of the Department, and the General Assembly an annual report on the Ombudsman’s activities, including any recommendations regarding the need for legislation or for a change in rules or policies.","type":"section","prefixes":["G"],"prefix":"G","entire_prefix":"G","prefix_anchor":"G","level":1,"prior_prefix":"F"}},"ancestry":[{"id":14132,"edition_id":1,"name":"Office of the Children's Ombudsman","identifier":"4.4","label":"chapter","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13132,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:46:58","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:46:58","permalink":{"id":172251,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14132,"identifier":"4.4","token":"2.2\/I\/A\/4.4","url":"\/2.2\/I\/A\/4.4\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13132,"edition_id":1,"name":"Office of the Governor","identifier":"A","label":"part","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12784,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:19","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:19","permalink":{"id":171457,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13132,"identifier":"A","token":"2.2\/I\/A","url":"\/2.2\/I\/A\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12784,"edition_id":1,"name":"Organization of State Government","identifier":"I","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12749,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:53","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:53","permalink":{"id":171455,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12784,"identifier":"I","token":"2.2\/I","url":"\/2.2\/I\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12749,"edition_id":1,"name":"Administration of Government","identifier":"2.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":171453,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12749,"identifier":"2.2","token":"2.2","url":"\/2.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":82383,"structure_id":14132,"section_number":"2.2-438","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/2.2-438\/","token":"2.2\/I\/A\/4.4\/2.2-438","metadata":false},{"id":58926,"structure_id":14132,"section_number":"2.2-439","catch_line":"Children's Ombudsman; establishment; appointment; removal","url":"\/2.2-439\/","token":"2.2\/I\/A\/4.4\/2.2-439","metadata":false},{"id":65867,"structure_id":14132,"section_number":"2.2-440","catch_line":"Procedures; training; notification of safety concerns.","url":"\/2.2-440\/","token":"2.2\/I\/A\/4.4\/2.2-440","metadata":false},{"id":55274,"structure_id":14132,"section_number":"2.2-441","catch_line":"Individuals making complaint to Children's Ombudsman","url":"\/2.2-441\/","token":"2.2\/I\/A\/4.4\/2.2-441","metadata":false},{"id":56251,"structure_id":14132,"section_number":"2.2-442","catch_line":"Children's Ombudsman; powers and duties","url":"\/2.2-442\/","token":"2.2\/I\/A\/4.4\/2.2-442","metadata":false},{"id":57255,"structure_id":14132,"section_number":"2.2-443","catch_line":"Abused or neglected children; children receiving child-protective services, in foster care, or placed for adoption; powers of Children's Ombudsman; child fatality cases; investigation","url":"\/2.2-443\/","token":"2.2\/I\/A\/4.4\/2.2-443","metadata":false},{"id":63429,"structure_id":14132,"section_number":"2.2-444","catch_line":"Decision to investigate; notice; pursuing administrative remedies or channels of complaint; further investigation; violation of state or federal criminal law; complaint against child-placing agency; petition requesting court jurisdiction or termination of parental rights","url":"\/2.2-444\/","token":"2.2\/I\/A\/4.4\/2.2-444","metadata":false},{"id":59527,"structure_id":14132,"section_number":"2.2-445","catch_line":"Department and child-placing agency; duties; information to be provided to biological parent, adoptive parent, or foster parent; access to departmental computer networks","url":"\/2.2-445\/","token":"2.2\/I\/A\/4.4\/2.2-445","metadata":false},{"id":60624,"structure_id":14132,"section_number":"2.2-446","catch_line":"Confidentiality of record of Children's Ombudsman; disclosure; limitations; release of certain information","url":"\/2.2-446\/","token":"2.2\/I\/A\/4.4\/2.2-446","metadata":false},{"id":71669,"structure_id":14132,"section_number":"2.2-447","catch_line":"Report of findings; recommendations; consultation with individual, Department, local department, children's residential facility, or child-placing agency; publication of adverse report; notice of actions; information provided to complainant; child fatality investigation; report","url":"\/2.2-447\/","token":"2.2\/I\/A\/4.4\/2.2-447","metadata":false},{"id":58073,"structure_id":14132,"section_number":"2.2-448","catch_line":"Penalty for filing complaint or cooperating in investigation prohibited","url":"\/2.2-448\/","token":"2.2\/I\/A\/4.4\/2.2-448","metadata":false},{"id":81030,"structure_id":14132,"section_number":"2.2-449","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/2.2-449\/","token":"2.2\/I\/A\/4.4\/2.2-449","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":60624,"structure_id":14132,"section_number":"2.2-446","catch_line":"Confidentiality of record of Children's Ombudsman; disclosure; limitations; release of certain information","url":"\/2.2-446\/","token":"2.2\/I\/A\/4.4\/2.2-446","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":58073,"structure_id":14132,"section_number":"2.2-448","catch_line":"Penalty for filing complaint or cooperating in investigation prohibited","url":"\/2.2-448\/","token":"2.2\/I\/A\/4.4\/2.2-448","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/2.2-447\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 2020. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 1090<\/a> 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. It has been modified 2 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 2023, chapter 750<\/a>; in 2024, chapter 280<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":[{"id":57255,"section_number":"2.2-443","catch_line":"Abused or neglected children; children receiving child-protective services, in foster care, or placed for adoption; powers of Children's Ombudsman; child fatality cases; investigation","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-443\/"}],"permalink":{"id":172289,"object_type":"law","relational_id":71669,"identifier":"2.2-447","token":"2.2\/I\/A\/4.4\/2.2-447","url":"\/2.2-447\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/2.2-447\/","token":"2.2\/I\/A\/4.4\/2.2-447","dublin_core":{"Title":"Report of findings; recommendations; consultation with individual, Department, local department, children’s residential facility, or child-placing agency; publication of adverse report; notice of actions; information provided to complainant; child fatality investigation; report","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 2.2-447","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> The Ombudsman<\/span> shall prepare a report of the factual findings<\/span> of an investigation and make recommendations to the Department, local department<\/span>, children’s residential facility, or child<\/span>-placing agency<\/span> if the Ombudsman<\/span> finds any of the following: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> A matter should be further considered by the Department, local department<\/span>, children’s residential facility, or child<\/span>-placing agency<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> An administrative act<\/span> or omission should be modified, canceled, or corrected. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Reasons should be given for an administrative act<\/span> or omission. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Other action should be taken by the Department, local department<\/span>, children’s residential facility, or child<\/span>-placing agency<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> At least 30 calendar days before publishing a report that is adverse to the Department, the local department<\/span>, a children’s residential facility, a child<\/span>-placing agency<\/span>, or the individual that is or was the subject of an investigation by the Ombudsman<\/span>, the Ombudsman<\/span> shall inform the Department, the local department<\/span>, the children’s residential facility, the child<\/span>-placing agency<\/span>, or the individual. When publishing a report adverse to the Department, local department<\/span>, children’s residential facility, child<\/span>-placing agency<\/span>, or individual, the Ombudsman<\/span> shall include in the publication any statement of reasonable length made to the Ombudsman<\/span> by the Department, local department<\/span>, children’s residential facility, child<\/span>-placing agency<\/span>, or individual in defense or mitigation of the action. The Ombudsman<\/span> may request to be notified by the Department, local department<\/span>, children’s residential facility, child<\/span>-placing agency<\/span>, or individual, within a specified time, of any action taken on any recommendation presented. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> The Ombudsman<\/span> shall notify the complainant<\/span> of the actions taken by the Ombudsman<\/span> and by the Department, local department<\/span>, children’s residential facility, or child<\/span>-placing agency<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> The Ombudsman<\/span> may provide to the complainant<\/span> the following information: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> A copy of the Ombudsman<\/span>’s report regarding the investigation’s findings<\/span>, recommendations to the Department or local department<\/span> made according to the investigation, the Department or local department<\/span>’s response to the Ombudsman<\/span>’s findings<\/span> and recommendations, and any epilogue to the Ombudsman<\/span>’s report and the Department or local department<\/span>’s response; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Information that has otherwise been made public. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> The Ombudsman<\/span> shall not release information to the individual making the complaint if doing so could endanger the health or welfare of a child<\/span> or another individual. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> With respect to a child<\/span> fatality case investigated under subsection B of § 2.2-443<\/a> and upon review of records or other information received under subdivision A 3 or 4 of § 2.2-443<\/a> in the course of a child<\/span> fatality investigation, if there is no ongoing child<\/span> protection proceeding involving a sibling of the child<\/span> who died, the Ombudsman<\/span> shall provide any necessary recommendations for improving systemic issues<\/span> that are discovered during the investigation of the child<\/span> fatality. The recommendations may be provided to the court<\/span> of jurisdiction<\/span>, the state court<\/span> administrative office<\/span>, the county child<\/span> fatality review team, medical professionals, or attorneys or other legal professionals involved with the particular child<\/span> who died. The recommendations shall also be summarized and included in the annual report referenced in subsection G. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

G.<\/span> The Ombudsman<\/span> shall submit to the Governor, the director of the Department, and the General Assembly an annual report on the Ombudsman<\/span>’s activities, including any recommendations regarding the need for legislation or for a change in rules or policies. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nREPORT OF FINDINGS; RECOMMENDATIONS; CONSULTATION WITH INDIVIDUAL, DEPARTMENT,\nLOCAL DEPARTMENT, CHILDREN’S RESIDENTIAL FACILITY, OR CHILD-PLACING\nAGENCY; PUBLICATION OF ADVERSE REPORT; NOTICE OF ACTIONS; INFORMATION PROVIDED\nTO COMPLAINANT; CHILD FATALITY INVESTIGATION; REPORT (\u00a7 2.2-447)\n\nA. The Ombudsman shall prepare a report of the factual findings of an\ninvestigation and make recommendations to the Department, local department,\nchildren’s residential facility, or child-placing agency if the Ombudsman\nfinds any of the following:\n\n 1. A matter should be further considered by the Department, local department,\n children’s residential facility, or child-placing agency.\n\n 2. An administrative act or omission should be modified, canceled, or\n corrected.\n\n 3. Reasons should be given for an administrative act or omission.\n\n 4. Other action should be taken by the Department, local department,\n children’s residential facility, or child-placing agency.\n\nB. At least 30 calendar days before publishing a report that is adverse to the\nDepartment, the local department, a children’s residential facility, a\nchild-placing agency, or the individual that is or was the subject of an\ninvestigation by the Ombudsman, the Ombudsman shall inform the Department, the\nlocal department, the children’s residential facility, the child-placing\nagency, or the individual. When publishing a report adverse to the Department,\nlocal department, children’s residential facility, child-placing agency,\nor individual, the Ombudsman shall include in the publication any statement of\nreasonable length made to the Ombudsman by the Department, local department,\nchildren’s residential facility, child-placing agency, or individual in\ndefense or mitigation of the action. The Ombudsman may request to be notified by\nthe Department, local department, children’s residential facility,\nchild-placing agency, or individual, within a specified time, of any action\ntaken on any recommendation presented.\n\nC. The Ombudsman shall notify the complainant of the actions taken by the\nOmbudsman and by the Department, local department, children’s residential\nfacility, or child-placing agency.\n\nD. The Ombudsman may provide to the complainant the following information:\n\n 1. A copy of the Ombudsman’s report regarding the investigation’s\n findings, recommendations to the Department or local department made according\n to the investigation, the Department or local department’s response to\n the Ombudsman’s findings and recommendations, and any epilogue to the\n Ombudsman’s report and the Department or local department’s\n response; or\n\n 2. Information that has otherwise been made public.\n\nE. The Ombudsman shall not release information to the individual making the\ncomplaint if doing so could endanger the health or welfare of a child or another\nindividual.\n\nF. With respect to a child fatality case investigated under subsection B of\n§ 2.2-443 and upon review of records or other information received under\nsubdivision A 3 or 4 of § 2.2-443 in the course of a child fatality\ninvestigation, if there is no ongoing child protection proceeding involving a\nsibling of the child who died, the Ombudsman shall provide any necessary\nrecommendations for improving systemic issues that are discovered during the\ninvestigation of the child fatality. The recommendations may be provided to the\ncourt of jurisdiction, the state court administrative office, the county child\nfatality review team, medical professionals, or attorneys or other legal\nprofessionals involved with the particular child who died. The recommendations\nshall also be summarized and included in the annual report referenced in\nsubsection G.\n\nG. The Ombudsman shall submit to the Governor, the director of the Department,\nand the General Assembly an annual report on the Ombudsman’s activities,\nincluding any recommendations regarding the need for legislation or for a change\nin rules or policies.\n\nHISTORY: 2020, c. 1090; 2023, c. 750; 2024, c. 280.","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}}