VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Paths for Families Operated by Adoptions Together, Inc.
5250 Cherokee Avenue
#203
Alexandria, VA 22312
(703) 689-0404

Current Inspector: Dawn Espelage (540) 759-8852

Inspection Date: Oct. 17, 2019

Complaint Related: No

Areas Reviewed:

22VAC40-131 ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION 22VAC40-131 PROVIDER HOMES 22VAC40-131 CHILDREN'S SERVICES 22VAC40-131 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIFIC PROGRAMS 63.2 Adoption 22VAC40-191 Background Checks for Child Welfare Agencies

Comments:

An unannounced, mandated, monitoring inspection took place on October 17, 2019 at the offices of Adoptions Together located at 5250 Cherokee Avenue, Lincolnia, Virginia 22312. The agency reports thirty adoptive families approved for placement and three children in post-placement supervision. The Associate Director was available for the inspection and for the exit interview at the end of the day. The on site visit began at 10:00am and ended at 3:00pm. During this inspection, three adoptive home records and one birth parent/child file were reviewed. Background checks for three provider homes approved since last inspection, as part of the regular inspection sampling, were also reviewed. There was one citation for a violation of the Standards for Child Placing Agencies. It was a key health and safety standard. An acknowledgment of inspection form was signed by the Associate Director on this date.

Violations:

Standard #:	22VAC40-131-280-C
Description:	Based on a review of the birthparent/child file (BP/Child-1) and an interview with agency representatives, the agency did not include required elements in the foster home agreement. Evidence: 1) The licensee used a placement agreement for Child-1 compliant with Maryland regulations rather than Virginia regulations. 2) The agency representatives acknowledged that the placement agreement was not compliant with Virginia's regulations.
Plan of Correction:	Virginia Home Study Specialist and Domestic Infant Program Manager have scheduled a meeting with the Domestic Infant staff on 10/28/19 to review the correct VA foster care forms that need to be used when a client signs a Virginia entrustment.