For the purposes of this article, unless the context requires a different meaning:

Ask a legal question, get an answer ASAP!
Click here to chat with a lawyer about your rights.

Terms Used In Virginia Code 63.2-1531

  • Department: means the State Department of Social Services. See Virginia Code 63.2-100
  • Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
  • Local department: means the local department of social services of any county or city in the Commonwealth. See Virginia Code 63.2-100

“Alternative living arrangement” means an arrangement whereby custody of a child is temporarily transferred to a caregiver in conjunction with an alternative living arrangement service plan.

“Alternative living arrangement service plan” means a plan developed by the local department and the family that describes the services identified to meet the safety needs of the child and to address the issues identified by the local department that necessitated the parental child safety placement arrangement and any subsequent court-approved removal of the child from his home.

“Caregiver” means a relative of the child as defined in subsection H of § 63.2-900.1 other than the child’s parent, guardian, or legal custodian.

“In-Home Services” means services that (i) address child safety and risk factors; (ii) preserve families by maintaining the child’s safety at home or in the home of a caregiver; (iii) prevent further abuse or neglect of the child; (iv) reduce or eliminate re-traumatization of the child or family; (v) maintain the child’s current living arrangement and community culture; or (vi) otherwise promote the child’s well-being, safety, and permanence.

“Parental child safety placement arrangement” means a temporary out-of-home placement of a child with a caregiver that is arranged by the child’s parent, guardian, or legal custodian in accordance with a written agreement approved by the local department that ensures the safety of the child.

“Program” means the Parental Child Safety Placement Program established pursuant to § 63.2-1532.

2024, cc. 629, 662.