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 22VAC40-211, Resource, Foster and Adoptive Family Home Approval Standards. This regulation addresses standards for resource, foster, and adoptive homes approved by local departments of social services. The purpose of the proposed action is to clarify (i) the circumstances under which variances can be allowed to make state regulations consistent with state and federal law and (ii) that resource parents are mandated reporters and as such must be trained. These changes are needed as a result of changes made to the Code of Virginia during the 2012 General Assembly session. Additionally, requirements for maintaining approval are being updated based upon recommendations from regional specialists and input from the department's workgroup.

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 and 63.2-319 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: January 30, 2013.

Agency Contact: Em Parente, Program Consultant, Department of Social Services, 801 East Main Street, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 726-7538, FAX (804) 726-7895, or email em.parente@dss.virginia.gov.