63.2-319 - Child welfare and other services. - Virginia Statutes

§ 63.2-319. Child welfare and other services.

Each local board shall provide, either directly or through the purchase ofservices subject to the supervision of the Commissioner and in accordancewith regulations adopted by the Board, any or all child welfare servicesherein described when such services are not available through other agenciesserving residents in the locality. For purposes of this section, the term"child welfare services" means public social services that are directedtoward:

1. Protecting the welfare of all children including handicapped, homeless,dependent, or neglected children;

2. Preventing or remedying, or assisting in the solution of problems that mayresult in the neglect, abuse, exploitation or delinquency of children;

3. Preventing the unnecessary separation of children from their families byidentifying family problems, assisting families in resolving these problemsand preventing the break up of the family where preventing the removal of achild is desirable and possible;

4. Restoring to their families children who have been removed by providingservices to the families and children;

5. Placing children in suitable adoptive homes in cases where restoration tothe biological family is not possible or appropriate; and

6. Assuring adequate care of children away from their homes in cases wherethey cannot be returned home or placed for adoption.

Each local board is also authorized and, as may be provided by regulations ofthe Board, shall provide rehabilitation and other services to helpindividuals attain or retain self-care or self-support and such services asare likely to prevent or reduce dependency and, in the case of dependentchildren, to maintain and strengthen family life.

(Code 1950, § 63-72.1; 1966, c. 593; 1968, cc. 466, 578, § 63.1-55; 1973, c.122; 1977, c. 634; 1982, c. 171; 1984, c. 781; 1986, c. 281; 1992, cc. 837,880; 2002, c. 747.)