Code of Virginia § 2.2-441. Individuals making complaint to Children's Ombudsman.
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A. Any of the following individuals may make a complaint to the Ombudsman with respect to a particular child, alleging that an administrative act is contrary to law, rule, or policy; imposed without an adequate statement of reason; or based on irrelevant, immaterial, or erroneous grounds:
1. The child, if the child is able to articulate a complaint, in accordance with the provisions of subsection A of § 2.2-446 ;
2. A biological parent of the child;
3. A foster parent of the child;
4. An adoptive parent or a prospective adoptive parent of the child;
5. A legally appointed guardian of the child;
6. A guardian ad litem for the child;
7. A relative of the child or any person with a legitimate interest as defined in § 20-124.1 ;
8. A Virginia legislator;
9. An individual required to report that a child is alleged to be an abused or neglected child under § 63.2-1509 ; and
10. An attorney for any individual described in subdivisions 1 through 7.
B. Any individual may submit a complaint to the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman has the sole discretion and authority to determine if a complaint falls within the Ombudsman's duties and powers to investigate and if a complaint involves an administrative act. The Ombudsman may initiate an investigation upon receipt of a complaint from an individual not meeting the definition of complainant. An individual not meeting the definition of complainant is not entitled to receive information under this chapter as if such individual is a complainant.
The individual is entitled to receive the recommendations of the Ombudsman and the Department or local department's response to the recommendations of the Ombudsman in accordance with state and federal law. During the course of an investigation, the Ombudsman may refer a case to a child-serving agency if the Ombudsman determines that such agency received a complaint on the case but did not conduct an investigation. If the Ombudsman refers a case to a child-serving agency, such agency shall conduct an investigation of the case or provide notice to the Ombudsman explaining why an investigation was not conducted or what alternative steps may have been taken to address the situation.
If an investigation has been conducted, the child-serving agency shall report the results to the Ombudsman.
2020, c. 1090 ; 2023, c. 750 ; 2025, cc. 200 , 223 .