This report addresses the requirements of the enactment clause of SB435 and HB427 (2022 Session. The legislation made amendments to sections 2.2-5205 and 2.2-5207 concerning the "characteristics and qualifications of individuals allowed to serve as parent representatives on Community Policy and Management Teams (§ 2.2-5205) and Family Assessment and Planning Teams (§ 2.2-5207) under the Children's Services Act.

The Office of Children's Services surveyed local CSA programs regarding their efforts to recruit and retain parent representatives. Of the 130 local CSA programs, there were 84 unique (93 total) survey responses. CSA Coordinators were 75 percent of respondents, 14 percent were CPMT Chairs, and 11 percent were in other roles in the local CSA program.

The results indicated that:

• Eighty-one percent (81%) of responding CSA localities have a parent representative on their FAPT

• Over 75% of responding CSA localities have a parent representative with lived experience navigating the child-serving systems

• Sixteen percent (16%) of responding CSA localities offer a stipend or financial incentive to their parent representative

The Office of Children's Services reviewed national literature about best practices for including and elevating parent voices. Five standards were identified:

• Comprehensive Family Engagement
• Intentional Recruitment
• Compensation
• Preparation
• Family Partnership

The report was reviewed and approved by the State Executive Council for Children’s Services on September 8, 2022.