Bill > HB632

This bill establishes a process for individuals with certain criminal convictions to be approved as kinship foster parents, meaning they can care for a child related to them who is in the foster care system. Specifically, if a person has a conviction for a "barrier crime" (a crime that generally disqualifies someone from working with children) that is not considered a federal barrier crime or a particularly serious offense like a violent felony or an offense requiring registration as a sex offender, a local social services department can apply for a waiver on their behalf. Before applying, the local department must thoroughly assess factors like the nature and recency of the crime, the individual's rehabilitation, and their ability to safely care for a child, ensuring the placement is in the child's best interest. If the local department approves the application based on this assessment, they will submit it to the state Department of Social Services, which will then make the final decision on granting the waiver. The bill also mandates that the Department of Social Services provide information about this waiver process when a kinship foster home is rejected due to a barrier crime conviction and requires the Department to report annually on the waiver process to legislative committees.

Health and Social Services, Justice

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB632