                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

CAREGIVER ASSESSMENT (§ 63.2-1534)

A. The local department shall assess the proposed caregiver and determine
whether the proposed caregiver (i) is willing and qualified to receive and care
for the child; (ii) is willing to have a positive, continuous relationship with
the child; and (iii) is willing and has the ability to protect the child from
abuse and neglect. Such assessment shall include requirements for (a) inquiry
into the criminal and child protective services history of each adult in the
proposed caregiver&#8217;s household and (b) an assessment of the
caregiver&#8217;s home environment in accordance with Board regulations.

B. The local department shall document the results of the assessment of the
proposed caregiver and his home environment in the case record.

C. If, after conducting the assessment of the proposed caregiver, the local
department determines that it is not in the child&#8217;s best interests to be
placed with the proposed caregiver, the local department shall notify the
child&#8217;s parent, guardian, or legal custodian and the proposed caregiver of
the reasons for the local department&#8217;s determination but may not disclose
the results of any criminal or child protective services history unless the
proposed caregiver consents to such disclosure.

HISTORY: 2024, cc. 629, 662.