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HB 651

Social Services, Department of; family assessments, face-to-face interviews with victim children.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Hillary Pugh Kent

Requires Virginia's Department of Social Services to conduct mandatory face-to-face interviews with alleged child victims during family welfare assessments and investigations.

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Bill Summary · HB 651

Legislative bill overview

HB 651 mandates that the Department of Social Services conduct face-to-face interviews with child victims during family assessments in child welfare cases. The bill establishes a requirement that caseworkers directly meet with and interview alleged victim children as part of their investigative process, rather than relying solely on collateral contacts or reports from others.

Why is this important

Direct interviews with child victims can strengthen evidence gathering, improve accuracy of assessments, and ensure children's voices are heard in investigations affecting their safety and welfare. However, the bill also carries implementation costs and may affect investigation timelines, caseworker caseloads, and the availability of trained personnel to conduct trauma-informed interviews with vulnerable children.

Potential points of contention

  • Procedural burden vs. child safety: Mandating face-to-face interviews could delay investigations or strain resources, but proponents argue direct contact is essential for child protection
  • Exemptions and discretion: Unclear whether exceptions exist for very young children, severely traumatized victims, or cases where direct contact might be harmful
  • Resource implications: The fiscal impact statement suggests costs; debate may center on whether adequate funding is allocated versus unfunded mandate concerns

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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