HOUSE BILL NO. 1143 House Amendments in [ ] – February 4, 2008 A BILL to amend and reenact § 63.2-912 of the Code of Virginia, relating to foster care; visitation rights of siblings. ---------- Patron Prior to Engrossment--Delegate Fralin ---------- Referred to Committee on Health, Welfare and Institutions ----------

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1.  That § 63.2-912 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

§ 63.2-912. Visitation of child placed in foster care.

The circuit courts and juvenile and domestic relations district courts shall have the authority to grant visitation rights to the natural parents, [ birth ]  siblings, and grandparents of any child entrusted or committed to foster care if the court finds (i) that the parent, [ birth ]  sibling, or grandparent had an ongoing relationship with the child prior to his being placed in foster care and (ii) it is in the best interests of the child that the relationship continue. The order of the court committing the child to foster care shall state the nature and extent of any visitation rights granted as provided in this section.

HOUSE BILL NO. 1143 Offered January 9, 2008 Prefiled January 9, 2008 A BILL to amend and reenact § 63.2-912 of the Code of Virginia, relating to foster care; visitation rights of birth siblings. ---------- Patron-- Fralin ---------- Committee Referral Pending ----------

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1.  That § 63.2-912 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

§ 63.2-912. Visitation of child placed in foster care.

The circuit courts and juvenile and domestic relations district courts shall have the authority to grant visitation rights to the natural parents, birth siblings, and grandparents of any child entrusted or committed to foster care if the court finds (i) that the parent, birth sibling, or grandparent had an ongoing relationship with the child prior to his being placed in foster care and (ii) it is in the best interests of the child that the relationship continue. The order of the court committing the child to foster care shall state the nature and extent of any visitation rights granted as provided in this section.