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 repealing 22VAC40-130, Minimum Standards for Licensed Child Placing Agencies and promulgating 22VAC40-131, Minimum Standards for Licensed Private Child-Placing Agencies. The purpose of the proposed action is to: (i) improve clarity of the regulation; (ii) incorporate improvements in the language and reflect requirements of current federal and state law; (iii) align home approvals, supervision, and monitoring practices and responsibilities of private child-placing agencies with public child-placing agencies; (iv) relieve intrusive and burdensome language; and (v) provide greater protection for children in care. The current regulation will be repealed.

The agency intends to hold a public hearing on the proposed action after publication in the Virginia Register.

Statutory Authority: §§ 63.2-217 and 63.2-1734 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: October 14, 2009.

Agency Contact: Joni S. Baldwin, Program Development Consultant, Department of Social Services, Division of Licensing Programs, 7 North 8th Street, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 726-7162, FAX (804) 726-7132, TTY (800) 828-1120, or email joni.baldwin@dss.virginia.gov.