VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

StepStone Family & Youth Services
2965 Colonnade Dr
Ste. 130
Roanoke, VA 24018
(540) 394-7110

Current Inspector: Dawn Espelage (540) 759-8852

Inspection Date: March 24, 2022 and March 28, 2022

Complaint Related: No

Areas Reviewed:

22VAC40-131 ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION 22VAC40-131 PERSONNEL 22VAC40-131 PROVIDER HOMES 22VAC40-131 CHILDREN'S SERVICES 22VAC40-131 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIFIC PROGRAMS 22VAC40-80 THE LICENSE. 22VAC40-80 THE LICENSING PROCESS. 22VAC40-191 Background Checks for Child Welfare Agencies

Comments:

An unannounced renewal inspection was conducted on 3/24/2021 from 10:20 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Executive Director and Human Resource Specialist participated in the entrance conference. The licensee reported a census of 15 foster children in placement and six (6) approved foster homes. During this inspection two (2) foster child, two (2) foster home, and six (6) personnel records were reviewed. Background checks for board officers were reviewed. A preliminary findings review was conducted with two Caseworkers and the Human Resources Specialist on the date of inspection where findings were reviewed and opportunity was provided for additional documentation to be provided to the licensing inspector. An acknowledgement of inspection was completed and left with the agency. An exit interview was completed by video conference with the Executive Director, a Caseworker, and Intern on 3/28/2022 at 10:00 a.m. There were four (4) citations for violations of the Standards for Child-Placing Agencies. See the violation notice on the Department?s public web site for violations of the Standards. One citation for violation of background checks requirements was issued and the licensee is required to provide the Licensing Inspector documentation that the background checks have been requested within 10 days. Upon receipt of the Violation Notice, the licensee is encouraged to develop a plan of correction to include the steps to correct non-compliance with the standard(s); measures to prevent re-occurrence of non-compliance; person(s) responsible for implementation and monitoring of preventative measure(s); and date by which noncompliance will be corrected. The licensee has five business days from receipt of the inspection documents to complete the section entitled "Plan of Correction", sign each page of the inspection documents and return to the Licensing Office. The licensee should retain a copy to be posted at the facility. Results of the inspection are subject to public disclosure and will be posted on the Virginia Department of Social Services public web site within five business days, regardless of whether or not the Plan of Correction is completed.

Violations:

Standard #:	22VAC40-131-260-A
Description:	Violation: Based on record review and interview, the agency failed to completed a Social History for Foster Child 2 (FC2) within 45 days of placement. Findings: 1) The Licensing Inspector requested the Social History for FC2. 2) The Social History for FC2 was dated 3/24/2022 and was incomplete. 3) The Licensing Inspector interviewed Staff 3 and 5 (S3 and S5). 4) S3 and S5 reported the document was not completed prior to the date of inspection. 5) The inspection was conducted 92 days following the date the child was placed. 6) The findings were discussed during the preliminary findings review and S3 acknowledged the findings. 7) The findings were discussed during the exit interview and S1 acknowledged the findings.
Plan of Correction:	Not available online. Contact Inspector for more information.
Standard #:	22VAC40-131-340-B
Description:	Violation: Based on record review and interview, the agency failed to develop and implement an individualized service and treatment plan for Foster Child 2 (FC2) within 45 days of placement. Findings: 1) The Licensing Inspector requested the individualized treatment and service plan for FC2. FC2 is a child in treatment foster care. 2) The individualized treatment and service plan Foster Child 2 was incomplete. 3) The Licensing Inspector interviewed Staff 3 and 5 (S3 and S5). S3 and S5 reported the document was not completed prior to the date of inspection. 4) The inspection was conducted 92 days following the date the child was placed. 5) The findings were discussed during the preliminary findings review and S3 acknowledged the findings. 6) The findings were discussed during the exit interview and S1 acknowledged the findings.
Plan of Correction:	Not available online. Contact Inspector for more information.
Standard #:	22VAC40-131-350-B
Description:	Violation: Based on record review and interview, the agency failed to document a progress review in a written summary report. Findings: 1) The Licensing Inspector requested the progress review in a written summary report for Foster Child 2 (FC2) as described in 22VAC40-350.B 2) A report was not provided to the Licensing Inspector. 3) The Licensing Inspector interviewed Staff 3 and 5 (S3 and S5). S5 reported a progress review for FC2 had not been conducted. 4) The inspection was conducted 92 days following the date the child was placed. 5) The findings were discussed during the preliminary findings review and S3 acknowledged the findings. 6) The findings were discussed during the exit interview and S1 acknowledged the findings.
Plan of Correction:	Not available online. Contact Inspector for more information.
Standard #:	22VAC40-191-40-D-1-c
Description:	Violation Based on a document review, the agency failed to obtain sworn disclosures, central registry searches, and criminal background searches for Board Officers 1 and 2 (B1 and B2), before three years since the date of the last background checks. 1) The Licensing Inspector requested and review sworn disclosure, central registry, and criminal background results for B1 and B2. 2) The sworn disclosures for B1 and B2 were dated 2/15/2019. 3) The central registry search results were dated 2/13/2019 for B1 and 3/13/2019 for B2. 4) The criminal background search results were dated 2/13/2019 for B1 and 2/26/2019 for B2. 5) The findings were discussed during the preliminary findings review and Staff 2 has requested copies of the updated checks from the Executive Director. 6) The Executive Director notified the Licensing Inspector by email that the repeat sworn disclosures, central registry searches, and criminal background searches have not been completed for B1 and B2. 7) The findings were discussed during the exit interview and S1 acknowledged the findings.
Plan of Correction:	Not available online. Contact Inspector for more information.