Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the State Board of Social Services intends to consider amending 22VAC40-705, Child Protective Services. The purpose of the proposed action is to remove the notary requirement for the consent an individual signs requesting a search of the Central Registry System to determine an individual has no founded case of child abuse or neglect. The Central Virginia Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry Unit performs searches at the request of individuals who seek to provide services or care to children through employment, foster care, adoption, or volunteer opportunities. The purpose of the amendments is to expedite the search process and make it less burdensome for individuals who wish to provide services or care to children.

The agency does not intend to hold a public hearing on the proposed action after publication in the Virginia Register.

Statutory Authority: § 63.2-217 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: October 26, 2022.

Agency Contact: Kristen Eckstein, Department of Social Services, 801 East Main Street, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 726-7897, or email kristen.eckstein@dss.virginia.gov.