Virginia Office of Children's Services

The agenda for the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting includes several action items and reports. Key items involve the approval of remote participation, the agenda itself, and certification of quorum. Discussion and final approval are scheduled for SEC Policy 4.1.1 regarding Eligible Populations (Children in Need of Services - CHINS), as well as SEC Policy 3.5 on Records Management, both following public comment periods. The meeting will also feature the State and Local Advisory Team (SLAT) Report and the Executive Director's Report from the Office of Children's Services (OCS).

The agenda for the State and Local Advisory Team (SLAT) meeting included opening remarks with action items to approve remote participation and the agenda itself, followed by member introductions and a public comment period. Key business items involved member workgroup updates, a report from the SEC, and an OCS update. New business focused on a presentation regarding the Gap Survey/Dashboard. Member reports covered updates from State and Local representatives on various departments and initiatives.

The meeting began with the approval of the agenda and a period for public comment, during which none were offered. Key discussions involved updates from Mr. Jones on the Sponsored Residential Work Group's efforts to examine funding structures and develop a rate determination tool. Updates were also provided regarding the Commission on Youth's (COY) report on Virginia's Special Education Dispute Resolution System. Old Business included policy updates from Stephanie Bacote concerning Policy 5.1 (Data Set), Policy 4.5.6 (Local Match Rates), and Policy 4.1.1 (Children in Need of Services/CHINS), noting several public comment periods closed without receiving feedback. Laura Reed updated the team on the DMAS Behavioral Health Redesign Project, slated for July 1, 2026 implementation. The SEC Report segment included an update on special education and the presentation of the Excellence in CSA Award to the Lunenburg County CSA Program. The Office of Children's Services (OCS) update covered the FY 2025 Data Summary, highlights from the recent Annual CSA Conference, pilot workshops, and the upcoming Virtual CSA Academy. New Business focused on the impact of the special education rate cap under CSA, with a survey showing some day rates exceeded the allowable 5% increase, and a recommendation was made to hear a presentation on the Opioid Abatement Program. Member updates covered various agency activities and noted upcoming events like National Adoption Day and the VCOPPA Critical Issues Symposium.

The agenda includes an action item for the approval of remote participation and the agenda itself, followed by member introductions and a public comment period. Key discussion topics include Excellence in CSA Recognition, SEC Policy Reviews regarding Eligible Populations CHINS, Records Management, and Data Set. Updates will be provided by the State and Local Advisory Team (SLAT), and there will be a discussion of Annual Reports to the General Assembly and the OCS Executive Director's Report. The meeting will conclude with member remarks, updates, and closing remarks.

The meeting included introductions of new members, public comments, and the presentation of the Excellence in CSA Award to the Lunenburg County CSA program. The council reviewed and approved draft policy 4.1.1 for a 60-day public comment period and approved Policy 5.1 and draft policy 4.5.6 for a 45-day public comment period. Additionally, draft Policy 3.5 on Records Management was approved for a 45-day public comment period. The State and Local Advisory Team (SLAT) provided a report, and an update on special education and the use of private day schools was presented. The OCS Executive Director reported on website updates, the Virtual CSA Academy, and the Annual CSA Conference. Member remarks included updates on Governor Youngkin's Executive Directive Twelve (2025) and ongoing activities within their agencies to improve services for children, youth, and families.