VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

First Friends Church
1062 Big Bethel Road
Hampton, VA 23666
(757) 265-6966

VDSS Contact: Tiffany Jones (757) 403-3045

Inspection Date: Sept. 27, 2019 and Oct. 23, 2019

Complaint Related: Yes

Areas Reviewed:

22VAC40-191 Background Checks for Child Welfare Agencies 63.2(17) License & Registration Procedures

Comments:

An unannounced complaint inspection was conducted at the facility on September 27, 2019 and October 23, 2019 in response to concerns regarding supervision. Based on the inspections completed at the facility, interviews held with staff and other collateral witnesses and documentation reviewed and obtained; there was a preponderance of evidence to support the allegations, therefore the complaint has been determined to be Valid. Areas of noncompliance are identified on the Violation Notice.

Violations:

Standard #:	63.2(17)-1716-A-5-d
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on staff interviews, the center did not ensure compliance with transportation requirements regarding vehicles used to transport children must have proper child restraint devices. Evidence: Staff #1 and Staff #2 confirmed that the center did not use a proper child restraint device when transporting Child #1 (five years old) on September 16, 2019. As confirmed by staff, the child was transported from a local elementary school to the child day center without the appropriate child restraint device. Staff #2 stated, when asked, that "only three year olds use booster seats".
Plan of Correction:	Child restraint booster seats are now in place on the van.
Standard #:	63.2(17)-1716-B-2
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	Based on staff interviews and a review of documentation, the center had not implemented established procedures to ensure the appropriate supervision of all children in their care. Evidence: 1. Staff #1 and Staff #2 confirmed that Child #1 (five years old) had been left on the center's vehicle for an undetermined amount of time on September 16, 2019 at approximately 3:45 pm. Staff #2 transported the child from a local elementary school to the child day center on the date of the incident. Staff #2 stated that she "got out of the van and went inside the building" and received a call from another staff person stating that they saw a child still on the van. According to timeanddate.com, the weather on that date during that time was approximately 81 degrees. 2. The center's established procedures state the following: "Staff members help children in and out of the van/bus. Attendance is taken by calling names and counting children before getting on and off the van/bus and while on the van/bus. Children are not left in the van/bus unattended and the driver checks the van/bus before leaving it to be sure all children are out."
Plan of Correction:	When the van driver exits the vehicle, they call the name of the children and they come out one at a time to ensure all children are off the van.
Standard #:	63.2(17)-1720.1-A
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on record review, the center did not ensure that staff shall undergo required background checks every five years. Evidence: Staff #1 confirmed that the most recent Central Registry finding for Staff #2 (date of hire 8/27/2012) was more than five years old and was dated 10/21/2013.
Plan of Correction:	On 09/30/2019 we mailed out the staff member's Central Registry check and we have not received the results.