VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

StepStone Family & Youth Services
591 Vine Street
Apt A
Harrisonburg, VA 22802
(540) 989-7175

Current Inspector: Kevin Lassiter (804) 241-2093

Inspection Date: Aug. 22, 2023

Complaint Related: No

Areas Reviewed:

22VAC40-131 ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION 22VAC40-131 CHILDREN?S SERVICES 22VAC40-131 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIFIC PROGRAMS 22VAC40-131 PERSONNEL 22VAC40-191 BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR CHILD WELFARE AGENCIES

Technical Assistance:

22VAC40-131-370.Q Discussion regarding narrative case notes including consistent detail regarding services provided and contacts. 22VAC40-131-160.B.2 Discussion regarding educational degrees/credentials in the personnel record of all personnel.

Comments:

Type of inspection: Monitoring An unannounced monitoring inspection was held on 8/22/23 from 11:40 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Completion of the personnel records review was held virtually on 8/23/23 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. An acknowledgement of Inspection form was signed and left at the facility for day one of the inspection. Preliminary Findings were discussed on 8/23/23. Number of youth in care: 3 The licensing inspector completed a tour of the physical plant that included the office setting and conditions and an Independent Living apartment. Number of youth?s records reviewed: 1 Number of youth interviewed: 1 Number of staff records reviewed: 2 Number of interviews conducted with staff: 2 An exit meeting will be scheduled. The evidence gathered during the inspection determined non-compliance with applicable standard(s) or law, and violation(s) were documented on the violation notice issued to the facility. The licensee has the opportunity to submit a plan of correction to indicate how the cited violation(s) will be addressed in order to return the facility to compliance and maintain future compliance with applicable standard(s) or law. If the licensee wishes to provide a plan of correction: (i) type the plan on a separate Word document, (ii) identify the standard violation number being addressed, (iii) include the date the violation will be corrected, (IV) do not include any names or confidential information, and (V) return to the licensing inspector by email within five (5) business days of the exit interview. Compliance with all applicable regulations and law shall be maintained and any areas of noncompliance must be corrected. Within 15 calendar days of your receipt of the inspection findings (inspection summary, violation notice, and supplemental information), you may request a review and discussion of these findings with the inspector's immediate supervisor. To make a request for review and discussion, you must contact the licensing supervisor at the regional licensing office that serves your geographical area. Regardless of whether a supervisory review has been requested, the results of the inspection will be posted to the DSS public website within 5 business days of your receipt of the Inspection Summary and/ or Violation Notice. The department's inspection findings are subject to public disclosure. Please Note: A copy of the findings of the most recent inspection are required to be posted on the premises of the facility. For more information about the VDSS Licensing Programs, please visit: www.dss.virginia.gov Should you have any questions, please contact Kevin Lassiter, Licensing Inspector at 804-241-2093 or by email at kevin.lassiter@dss.virginia.gov

Violations:

Standard #:	22VAC40-131-130-B
Description:	Violation: Based on record review and interview, the agency failed to provide a correct job description to Staff 3 (S3) at time of employment or assignment. Findings: 1) S3 was hired on 6/5/23 as a Direct Service Provider. 2) The file contained a signed job description of a Case Manager at the time of hire. 3) S1 confirmed S3?s job position as Direct Service Provider. 4) S2 was given an opportunity to see if there was a correct job description provided at time of hire/assumption of duties. 5) A correct job description was provided dated 8/23/23. 6) The finding was discussed at the preliminary findings review on 8/23/23. 7) S5 acknowledged the finding.
Plan of Correction:	Not available online. Contact Inspector for more information.
Standard #:	22VAC40-131-150-B-1
Description:	22VAC40-131-150-B.1.c.6 Violation: Based on record review, the agency failed to obtain a signed prohibition of corporal punishment statement from S4 prior to assuming job responsibilities and within 30 days of employment. Findings: 1) S4 was hired on 6/28/23 as a Licensing Specialist. 2) The file did not contain the corporal punishment statement at the time of inspection (8/22/23). 3) S2 was provided an opportunity to see if there were additional documents not in the file. 4) S2 provided a signed corporal punishment statement dated 8/22/23. 5) The finding was discussed at the preliminary findings review on 8/23/23. 6) S5 acknowledged the finding.
Plan of Correction:	Not available online. Contact Inspector for more information.
Standard #:	22VAC40-131-150-B-1
Description:	Violation: Based on record review, the agency failed to fully complete and document S1?s orientation within 30 days of hire. Findings: 1) S1 was hired on 6/5/23. 2) At the time of the inspection (8/22/23), the file contained an incomplete orientation checklist. 3) S1?s checklist was not initialed for the required standards training (B.4) nor was the orientation checklist signed and dated by a supervisor. 4) S2 was provided an opportunity to find other documentation regarding S1?s personnel record. 5) S2 provided verification of on-line training, which did not include the licensing standards training. 6) The findings were discussed during the preliminary findings review on 8/23/23. S5 acknowledged the findings.
Plan of Correction:	Not available online. Contact Inspector for more information.
Standard #:	22VAC40-191-40-D-1-b
Description:	Violation: Based on record review and interview, the agency failed to obtain the required criminal history background check on S4 within 30 days of employment. Findings: 1) S4 was hired on 6/28/23 as a Licensing Specialist. 2) The file did not contain the required criminal history. 3) The file did contain a 3rd party national background search; however, this search does not meet the standards requirement. 4) S2 was given an opportunity to see if the correct criminal history had been completed. 5) The finding was discussed at the preliminary findings review on 8/23/23. 6) S2 acknowledged the finding.
Plan of Correction:	Not available online. Contact Inspector for more information.