VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Juliana Opoku
8222 McClelland Place
Alexandria, VA 22309
(703) 360-0088

Current Inspector: Tameika King (804) 629-7486

Inspection Date: Jan. 2, 2024

Complaint Related: Yes

Areas Reviewed:

8VAC20-800 Administration 8VAC20-800 Care of Children

Comments:

A complaint was received in the Fairfax Licensing office on December 29,2023 regarding supervision of a child. An inspection was conducted on January 2, 2024. Interviews with the provider and local law enforcement were conducted. Information gathered during the inspection determined the complaint is valid. Non-compliance with applicable standards or law and violations are documented on the violation notice issued to the program. Contact Nancy.Radcliffe@doe.virginia.gov or call 703-268-3728 if you have any questions regarding this inspection.

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-800-850-A
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on review of emergency procedures, the provider did not report to the department within 24 hours of the circumstances surrounding a lost or missing child when local authorities have been contacted for help. Evidence: 1.On December 28, 2023, at approximately 7:15am the provider went upstairs to take a shower, leaving child #1 (4 years of age) asleep on the main level of the home. 2. Child #1 was found by an anonymous community member at the intersection of Russell Road and Buckman Road at approximately 7:30am and called 911. 3.Local law enforcement arrived at the intersection of Russell Road and Buckman Road at approximately 7:33am. 4.At approximately 8:15am the provider came downstairs, searched the home inside and outside and determined child #1 was not in the home. 5. At approximately 8:30am law enforcement officer #1 stayed with child #1 while law enforcement officer #2 transported the provider to the location where child #1 and law enforcement #2 were waiting
Plan of Correction:	I was unaware that I had to inform the office of the occurrence since the officers said they were going to. Thanks for that information and it is duly noted.
Standard #:	8VAC20-800-850-B
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on review of emergency procedures, a written report was not completed and submitted to the department within five working days of the date the incident occurred. Evidence: On December 28, 2023, child #1 went missing from the family day home. A written report of the situation was not submitted to the department within five working days of December 28, 2023.
Plan of Correction:	I was unaware that I had to inform the office of the occurrence since the officers said they were going to. Thanks for that information and it is duly noted.
Standard #:	8VAC20-800-560-A
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on interview with the provider and local law enforcement, it was determined the provider did not always provide direct care and supervision of each child. The Provider did not have awareness of and responsibility for each child in care, including being near enough to intervene if needed. Evidence: 1.On December 28, 2023, at approximately 7:15am the provider went upstairs to take a shower, leaving child #1 (4 years of age) asleep on the main level of the home. 2. Child #1 was found by an anonymous community member at the intersection of Russell Road and Buckman Road at approximately 7:30am and called 911. 3.Local law enforcement arrived at the intersection of Russell Road and Buckman Road at approximately 7:33am. Law enforcement officer #1 placed child #1 in his vehicle. Child #1 did not have a coat or shoes on, and their socks were wet. Estimated outdoor temperature was 44 degrees. 4.At approximately 8:15am the provider came downstairs, searched the home inside and outside and determined child #1 was not in the home. 5. At approximately 8:27am the provider called 911 and the parent of child #1. 6. At approximately 8:30am law enforcement officer #1 stayed with child #1 while law enforcement officer #2 transported the provider to the location where child #1 and law enforcement #2 were waiting 7. The Provider did not have awareness of and responsibility for each child in care, including being near enough to intervene if needed. Child #1 unlocked the front door, left the home, and walked approximately 550 feet, along Buckman Road (25PH) to the intersection of Buckman Road and Russell Road (25MPH). Provider did not provide direct care and supervision of child #1 from approximately 7:30am to 8:30am.
Plan of Correction:	Never leave child(ren) in my care alone, even for a few seconds, and If I am using the restroom or getting a meal/snack ensure that all exit points are fully secured. Have my handyman put a chain door guard on each exit door.