VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

United Methodist Family Services
1300 Augustine Avenue
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
(540) 898-1773

Current Inspector: Dawn Espelage (540) 759-8852

Inspection Date: Nov. 6, 2024 and Nov. 7, 2024

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 22VAC40-191 BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR CHILD WELFARE AGENCIES

Technical Assistance:

22VAC40-131-40.B Discussion regarding job qualifications.

Comments:

Type of inspection: Monitoring A monitoring inspection was completed on 11/6/24 and 11/7/24. A preliminary review of findings was completed on 11/8/24. The licensing inspector completed a tour of the physical plant that included the office setting and conditions. Number of children in care: 5 Number of approved provider homes: 5 Number of children?s records reviewed: 1 Number of provider homes reviewed: 1 Number of staff records reviewed: 3 Number of interviews conducted with staff: 3 Additional Comments/Discussion: An exit meeting was conducted on 11/19/2024 to review the inspection findings. 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 dawn.espelage@dss.virginia.gov, Licensing Inspector at 540-759-8852 or by email at dawn.espelage@dss.virginia.gov

Violations:

Standard #:	22VAC40-131-230-F-3
Description:	Violation: Based on record review, the agency failed to describe the relationship of each foster child and each household member in PH1?s re-evaluation. Findings: 1) PH1 had a re-evaluation home study dated 7/29/24. 2) The re-evaluation listed the foster children placed in the home during the prior approval period. 3) The re-evaluation narrative did not provide details as to the foster children?s relationship with each family member. 4) The findings were discussed at the preliminary review.
Plan of Correction:	Not available online. Contact Inspector for more information.
Standard #:	22VAC40-131-250-O
Description:	Violation: Based on record review, the agency failed to complete a written assessment within 30 days of placement for Foster Child 1 (FC1). Findings: 1) FC1 was placed on 7/1/24. 2) The written assessment was completed on 8/23/24. 3) Agency staff acknowledged the finding.
Plan of Correction:	Not available online. Contact Inspector for more information.
Standard #:	22VAC40-191-40-D-4-a
Description:	Violation: Based on record review, the agency failed to obtain required background checks within the allowed timeframe for Adult Household Member 1 (AHM1) of Provider Home 1 (PH1). Findings: 1) AHM1 turned 18 on 3/22/23. 2) PH1?s record contained a national background check dated 11/9/23, beyond the 30-day requirement. 3) The agency corresponded with PH1 1/17/23, advising PH1 of the needed background checks for AHM1. 4) PH1?s file contained an email to PH1 dated 4/5/23, requesting the status of the background check. 5) PH1 responded on 4/13/24 that the fingerprints would be obtained the following week. 6) PH1?s file contained no additional documentation regarding the background checks. 7) AHM1?s Sworn Statement was due on 18th birthday. 8) The Sworn Statement was dated as date of birth. 9) An internal e-mail dated 4/3/23 to Staff 3 (S3), requested that the background checks forms be sent, and that the Sworn Statement could be backdated. 10) Agency staff acknowledged the findings.
Plan of Correction:	Not available online. Contact Inspector for more information.