Title of Regulation: 22VAC40-705. Child Protective Services (amending 22VAC40-705-160, 22VAC40-705-170).

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

The Governor has approved the request of the State Board of Social Services to extend the expiration date of the emergency regulation for 22VAC40-705 for six months as provided for in § 2.2-4011 D of the Code of Virginia. Therefore, the emergency regulation is continued in effect through August 31, 2024. This extension is required because a replacement regulation cannot be adopted and effective before the expiration of the original 18-month emergency period. The regulatory action is necessary to remove the notary requirement for the consent an individual signs requesting a search of the Central Registry System (CRS) to determine an individual has no founded case of child abuse or neglect. The purpose of the amendments is to expedite searches by the Central Virginia Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry Unit of CRS to make it less burdensome for individuals who wish to provide services or care to children through employment, foster care, adoption, or volunteer opportunities. The emergency regulation was published in 39:3 VA.R. 72-74 September 26, 2022.

Effective Date Extended Through: August 31, 2024.

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.