The Subcommittee on Placement of Children of the House Committee on Health, Welfare and Institutions began its study in 1976 pursuant to House Resolution No. 8 agreed to by the House of Delegates during the 1976 Session. The Subcommittee continued its work in 1977 pursuant to the authority of Rouse Resolution No. 41 agreed to by the House during the 1977 Session.

Pursuant to the direction of the House of Delegates to continue the study of the placement and institutionalization of children, Delegate Donald G. Pendleton of Amherst, then Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Welfare and Institutions reappointed the existing subcommittee to fulfill this responsibility. Delegate Frank M. Slayton was reappointed chairman of the Subcommittee. The following Delegates served as members of the Subcommittee: Richard W. Elliott of Rustburg, Evelyn M. Hailey of Norfolk, Johnny S. Joannou of Portsmouth, Joan S. Jones of Lynchburg, Mary A. Marshall of Arlington, Owen B. Pickett of Virginia Beach, Norman Sisisky of Petersburg and C. Jefferson Stafford of Pearisburg. Citizens who were appointed to serve as members of the Subcommittee are as follows: Virginia M. Babcock of Appomattox, Virginia Crockford of Richmond, Jane Hotchkiss of Richmond, William B. Leaman of Roanoke, Dr. Martin R. Mayfield of Berryville, Mrs. Woodriff Sprinkel of Richmond, and Louise Toney of Richmond.