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2012 SESSION


CHAPTER 432
An Act to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 63.2-905.2, relating to foster children; credit checks.
[H 500]
Approved March 30, 2012

 

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1.  That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 63.2-905.2 as follows:

§ 63.2-905.2. Annual credit checks for children in foster care.

Local departments shall conduct annual credit checks on children aged 16 years and older who are in foster care to identify cases of identity theft or misuse of personal identifying information of such children. Local departments shall resolve, to the greatest extent possible, cases of identity theft or misuse of personal identifying information of foster care children identified pursuant to this section.

2.  That the Department of Social Services shall develop and implement policies and procedures designed to protect personal identifying information of children aged 16 years and older in foster care in order to prevent identity theft by foster care providers and others who may have access to personal identifying information of such children. In doing so, the Department shall include policies and procedures for (i) assigning unique identifying numbers other than social security numbers to children entering foster care; (ii) limiting, to the greatest extent possible, disclosure of foster children's social security numbers and other unique identifying information to foster parents or other persons who may have access to personal identifying information about a child in foster care; and (iii) responding to valid requests for information regarding a foster child's social security number or other personal identifying information from individuals and entities having a legitimate need for such information. The Department shall also develop policies and procedure s for conducting annual credit checks on foster children.

3.  That the Department shall report to the General Assembly on its activities to implement provisions of this act, including any recommendations for legislative or regulatory action necessary to enable the Department to implement the provisions of this act, no later than December 1, 2012.