VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Homa Alimi
9217 Haines Drive
Lorton, VA 22079
(571) 345-5256

Current Inspector: Kristy Atanackovic (804) 629-5032

Inspection Date: March 11, 2024

Complaint Related: Yes

Areas Reviewed:

8VAC20-800 Administration 8VAC20-800 Personnel 8VAC20-800 Household Members 8VAC20-800 Physical Equipment and Environment 8VAC20-800 Care of Children 8VAC20-800 Emergencies 8VAC20-770 Background Checks 22.1 Background Checks Code, Carbon Monoxide 63.2 Child abuse and neglect

Comments:

A complaint allegation regarding supervision was received by the Fairfax Licensing office on 3/7/2024. The joint agency investigation was initiated on 3/11/2024. The investigation concluded on 4/3/2024. The investigation included interviews with the caregiver and witness. Local agency reports, children's records, and policies were reviewed. Based on the preponderance of evidence gathered, the complaint is valid. Information gathered during the inspection determined non-compliance with applicable standards or law and violations were documented on the violation notice issued to the program.

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-800-850-A
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on reports from local law enforcement and caregiver interview, the provider failed to report to the department within 24 hours of the circumstance surrounding incidents involving a lost or missing child when local authorities have been contacted for help. Evidence: 1. On 03/01/2024, Child #1 (two years old) was missing from the home for approximately 2 hours during naptime, and law enforcement was contacted by a witness who found child #1 outside along Lorton Road. 2. The Office of Child Care Health and Safety received notification of the incident from Child Protective Services (CPS) on 03/07/2024. 3. Caregiver #1 confirmed they did not report the incident to the department, OCCHS, as required.
Plan of Correction:	We forgot the requirements since we read it last year. However, we are now aware and will be sure to report all future incidents in the required manner and time.
Standard #:	8VAC20-800-850-B
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on caregiver interview, the provider failed to complete and submit a written report to the department within five working days of the date the incident occurred of a lost or missing child. Evidence: 1. On 03/01/2024, Child #1 (two years old) was missing from the home during naptime, and law enforcement was contacted by a Witness who found Child #1 walking alone. 2. Caregiver #1 confirmed they did not report the incident to the department OCCHS.
Plan of Correction:	We forgot the requirements since we read it last year. However, we are now aware and will be sure to report all future incidents in the required manner and time.
Standard #:	8VAC20-800-30-E
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on local agency reports and caregiver interview, the provider failed to ensure that the home's activities, services, and facilities were conducive to the welfare of children when a child was able to leave the house unsupervised and no one was aware of the child?s absence for over 2 hours. Evidence: 1. On 03/01/2024, at approximately 12:50 PM, a Witness found Child #1 (two years old) walking around alone and without shoes close to the Lorton Police Station and called law enforcement. The child traveled an undetermined route to the location down 7 front stairs and approximately .8 miles from the provider?s front door. 2. The Witness contacted law enforcement who took Child #1 inside the police station. 3. House member #1 identified Child #1 at the police station at approximately 2:45 p.m. 4. According to Caregiver #1, they "put the children down for a nap at approximately 12:15 PM and went to do laundry and to prepare snacks."
Plan of Correction:	Additional safety measures have been taken to include child safe locks that were immediately installed in all the doors. We have increased employees hours to have more coverage. Additionally, we have increased training on child supervision and safety. Correction here: .8 miles would be the driving distance. The walking distance to that location is approximately .2 miles not .8 miles
Standard #:	8VAC20-800-260-B
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on observation, drowning hazards were not surrounded by a no climbable barrier of at least four feet. Evidence: A portion of the fence that blocks and surrounds the family day home outdoor pool fence has fallen onto the ground, allowing access within the pool area.
Plan of Correction:	That was during the construction installation of a new fence which was immediately reinstalled securely and safely including an additional child safety lock at 6 feet height. The previous fence and new fence are both not climbable.
Standard #:	8VAC20-800-560-A
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on local agency reports and interviews, the provider failed to ensure that a caregiver was physically present and providing direct supervision of each child at all times by maintaining awareness of each child and being near enough to intervene when a child was able to leave the home unaccounted for approximately 2 hours. Evidence: 1. On 03/01/2024, at approximately 12:50 PM, a Witness found Child #1 (two years old) walking around alone and without shoes close to the Lorton Police Station and called law enforcement. The child traveled an undetermined route to the location down 7 front stairs and approximately .8 miles from the provider?s front door. 2. Child #1 was inside the police station when House member #1 arrived at approximately 2:45 PM and identified Child #1. 3. According to Caregiver #1, they "put the children down for a nap at approximately 12:15 PM and went to do laundry and to prepare snacks." 4. At Approximately 2:15 PM, Caregiver #1 reported that they realized Child #1 was not in their crib. 5. At approximately 2:40 PM, Household member #1 drove down to the Lorton Police Station in search of Child #1. 6. Monitoring sleep checks were not performed by placing Child #2 in a location within sight and sound of the caregiver, performing in-person observations at least once every 15 minutes, or using a baby monitor during the napping hours of 12:15 PM and 2:15 PM, while Child #2 (9 months old) napped in the same room Child #1 was placed for a nap.
Plan of Correction:	All caregivers are aware that they are to adhere strictly to the new schedule and system put in place that ensures and requires full supervision and awareness of each child at all times of the day. We now have baby monitors as well as a system that requires at least one caregiver to monitor children in-person physically at all times. The 9 month old baby was not sleeping in the same room but in the other room.