Licensed CPA place children in foster or adoptive homes or make independent living arrangements.
Regulations & Code References
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Regulations
- Background Checks for Child Welfare Agencies (PDF)
- General Procedures and Information for Licensure - effective 08/14/2024 (PDF)
- Replacement Pages for Standards for Licensed Child-Placing Agencies (PDF)
- Standards for Licensed Child-Placing Agencies (PDF)
Applicable Code of Virginia References
- 2025 Code of Virginia (PDF)
- Title 63.2 - Chapter 09: Foster Care (PDF)
- Title 63.2 - Chapter 10: Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (PDF)
- Title 63.2 - Chapter 11: Implementation of the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (PDF)
- Title 63.2 - Chapter 12: Adoption (PDF)
- Title 63.2 - Chapter 13: Adoption Assistance for Children with Special Needs (PDF)
- Title 63.2 - Chapter 14: Uniform Act on Adoption and Medical Assistance (PDF)
New LCPA Applicants
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Training Videos
The Introduction to Licensing and Introduction to Licensed Child Placing Agencies (LCPA) training videos are designed for those considering applying to operate a new Licensed Child Placing Agency (LCPA). They will help you:
- Learn about the Division of Licensing Programs
- Learn about requirements to operate a licensed child placing agency
- Decide if submitting an application is the right choice for you
We recommend taking the Introduction to Licensing training first, followed by the Introduction to Licensed Child Placing Agencies (LCPA).
Once completed and you've decided that you would like to operate a Licensed Child Placing Agency, please see the Application Forms below. We thank you for your interest and look forward to working with you.
Becoming Licensed
- Overview (PDF)
Application Forms
If you wish to pursue licensure of a child-placing agency, please call the phone number for licensing information listed on our help contacts page.
- Annual Operating Budget (DOC)
- Annual Operating Budget (PDF)
- CPA Initial Application (PDF)
- Staff Information (PDF)
Virginia Enterprise Licensing Application (VELA) Quick Reference Guides
Current LCPA Providers (includes forms)
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Notices
- 2026/03/10: Central Registry Fee Increase Update (PDF)
- 2026/03/09: Public Comment Notice: Periodic Review of the Fee Requirements for Processing Applications Regulation (PDF)
- 2026/02/12: Reminder: OBI Fee Increase (PDF)
- 2026/02/11: Reminder to Complete the Foster/Adoptive Parent Survey (PDF)
- 2026/01/28: Revised Process for Issuing Inspection Documents Memo (PDF)
- 2026/01/15: Request to Complete the Foster/Adoptive Parent Survey (PDF)
- 2025/12/05: OBI Fee Increase Notice Effective January 1, 2026 (PDF)
- 2025/11/26: Reminder: Social Media Training for Foster Parents is due on December 5, 2025 (PDF)
- 2025/10/06: Social Media and Mental Health Training for Foster Parents and Youth in Foster Care (PDF)
- 2025/07/03: VDSS Child Welfare Unit Licensing Office - Supervisory Update (PDF)
- 2025/07/03: DOLP Licensing Offices Contact Information - UPDATED (PDF)
- 2025/06/05 - 2025 Hurricane Season - Emergency Preparedness & Response Plan (PDF)
- 2025/05/30: Licensing Process and Provider Inspection Tools Memo (PDF)
- 2025/05/19: Legislation that passed in the 2025 General Assembly (PDF)
- 2025/04/08: General Procedures and Information for Licensure Notice of Intended Regulatory Action Memo (PDF)
- 2024/12/16: New APS Online Reporting Portal - Reminder (PDF)
- 2024/12/05: Enhancements to the OBI Provider Portal (PDF)
- 2024/05/09: Message from VDSS/Division of Family Services Re: Upcoming Title IV-E Review (PDF)
- 2023/11/02: Barrier Crimes List Update LCPA (PDF)
- 2023/03/30: Enhancements to the CRS Provider Portal (PDF)
- 2023/03/24: LDSS Information Request for LCPA Approved Homes with LDSS Placements (PDF)
Documents & Procedures
- LCPA Licensing Inspection Tool (PDF)
- Risk Assessment Matrix (PDF)
- The Inspection Process (PDF)
Forms
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License Renewal
- CPA Renewal Application (PDF)
- Staff Information (PDF)
All Other
- Certificate of Approval (DOC)
- Certificate of Approval (PDF)
- Children's Dental Examination (PDF)
- Conducting a Name-Based Check of the National Criminal Database (PDF)
- Criminal Background Check Non Conviction (PDF)
- Criminal Background Check Revised With Conviction (PDF)
- Expedited Enrollment of Child Placed in Foster Care (PDF)
- Foster Care Agreement: Code of Ethics & Mutual Responsibilities (PDF)
- LCPA Provider Matrix (XLS)
- License Modification Request for Facility Change of Location (PDF)
- Mutual Family Assessment Model Form (DOC)
- Request for Search of the Child Protective Services (CPS) Central Registry (PDF)
- Sworn Statement or Affirmation for Child-Placing Agencies (PDF)
- Sworn Statement or Affirmation for Foster Homes, Adoptive Parents, Adult Household Members (PDF)
Additional Resources
Certification to Provide Treatment Foster Care Case Management Services
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Agencies that are interested in applying for certification to provide Treatment Foster Care Case Management Services eligible for reimbursement through Medicaid must be a licensed CPA or a local department of social services. Agencies applying for an initial license should include this information in the application packet. Local departments of social services (LDSS) should submit a letter requesting certification as a treatment foster care provider to VDSS Division of Licensing Programs, ATTN: Child Welfare Unit, 5600 Cox Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060. Program statement and model forms compliant with the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) treatment foster care regulation should be submitted with the application letter.
The DMAS provider participation requirements apply to agencies certified to provide Medicaid reimbursed treatment foster care case management services. For further information, call DMAS at (800) 552-8627.
Background Investigations
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Licensed CPA Employees
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Forms
Documents & Procedures
Foster & Adoptive Homes
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About these Investigations
The Code of Virginia requires background investigations as outlined below:
§63.2-901.1 - Criminal history and central registry check for placement of children:
Each local board and private licensed child-placing agency shall conduct background investigations (of any individual with whom the local board or licensed child-placing agency is considering placing a child on an emergency, temporary or permanent basis, including the birth parent of a child in foster care placement, unless the birth parent has revoked an entrustment agreement pursuant to §63.2-1223 or §63.2-1817 or a local board or birth parent revokes a placement agreement while legal custody remains with the parent, parents, or guardians pursuant to §63.2-900. The local board or licensed child-placing agency shall also obtain such background checks on all adult household members residing in the home of the individual with whom the child is to be placed.
Background Investigations must be conducted on the following individuals:
- Adoptive parents
- Adult household member
- Birth Parents
- Foster parents
- Relative Placements (kinship foster care)
Forms
- Authority for Release of Information (PDF)
- Central Registry Form (PDF)
- Request for Criminal Background Investigation (DOC)
- Request for Criminal Background Investigation (PDF)
- Request to Discontinue Reprints (DOC)
- Request to Discontinue Reprints (PDF)
- Sworn Statement or Affirmation for Foster Homes, Adoptive Parents, Adult Household Members (PDF)
Documents & Procedures
- Adam Walsh State Contacts for Child Abuse Registries (PDF)
- Background Checks for Child Welfare Agencies (PDF)
- Barrier Crimes (PDF)
- CRF & CPA Fingerprint FAQ (PDF)
- Instructions for Completing Fingerprint Cards (PDF)
- Legal Terms/Abbreviations (PDF)
- Procedures for Conducting Background Investigations (PDF)
- State Police Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry
Challenging Criminal Background Results
