RD52 - Annual Report for the Board of Protection and Advocacy


Executive Summary:
Virginia Office for Protection and Advocacy (VOPA) was created by statute effective July 2002, by § 51.5-39.2 of the Code of Virginia. VOPA has been an independent agency with a Governing Board for more than five years.

The Board of VOPA, consisting of eleven members, is appointed according to § 51.5-39.2 of the Code of Virginia and, as required by statute, met quarterly.

During FY 2007, the Governing Board approved finalized procedures for VOPA’s fiscal operations and was pleased to see VOPA have a strong positive review by the Auditor of Public Accounts. The governing Board improved its process for evaluating the Executive Director, refined the Director’s job description, and developed a succession plan. The Board also reviewed and refined its own operating procedures as well as continuing its review and approval of all agency procedures. Members of the Governing Board receive continuing education throughout the year to enable them to perform their statutory duties, including new member orientation and legal rights training.

Additionally, one of the major activities for the Board each year is the development of goals and priorities. For federal fiscal year 2008, the Board adopted the following goals and focus areas (see attached report for complete details).