22VAC40-730-60: Contact with CPS regional coordinator

A. The local department shall contact the department's regional CPS coordinator as soon as is practical after the receipt of the valid complaint. The regional coordinator will review the procedures to be used in investigating the valid complaint and provide any case planning assistance the local worker may need.

B. The regional coordinator shall be responsible for monitoring the investigative process and shall be kept informed of developments which substantially change the original case plan.

C. At the conclusion of the investigation the local department shall contact the department's regional CPS coordinator to review the case prior to notifying anyone of the disposition. The regional coordinator shall review the facts gathered and policy requirements for determining whether or not abuse or neglect occurred. However, the statutory authority for the disposition rests with the local department. This review shall not interfere with the requirement to complete the investigation in the legislatively mandated time frame.