2.

Letters

Richmond

Ombudsman

Roanoke

The Board of Supervisors

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to formally request a review of conduct by a Child Protective Services (CPS) worker involved in my case, as well as clarification regarding my case status, oversight, and access to court-ordered visitation.

By way of background, I was previously informed that my CPS case had been closed approximately three years after its initiation. However, despite this representation, I continue to receive services through CPS-related providers, including supervised visitation. This ongoing involvement has created confusion regarding the actual status of my case and the authority under which these services are being maintained.

Additionally, I became aware of a public statement indicating that all parents involved were receiving visitation with their children. My situation does not reflect that representation, which raises concerns about whether my case is being accurately tracked or reported within the system. To my knowledge, my child is not currently in CPS custody, further contributing to the lack of clarity regarding continued CPS involvement.

With respect to the current issue, there is an active court order establishing in-person visitation. For a period of time, transportation assistance was offered and utilized without issue. Recently, however, the assigned CPS worker began requiring that I provide a doctor’s note explaining why I am unable to walk to visitation. This requirement was not previously communicated and does not appear to be part of any court order, case plan, or written policy provided to me.

I have requested clarification regarding the legal or policy basis for this requirement, but no documentation or authority has been provided. As a result, transportation assistance that was previously available is now being withheld unless I submit medical documentation. This effectively conditions my ability to attend court-ordered visitation on the disclosure of personal medical information without a clear legal or procedural basis.

Additionally, the worker offered to walk with me to visitation as an alternative. While this may have been intended as support, it raises concerns about informal observation or assessment of a medical condition without appropriate clinical authority or formal evaluation.

I want to emphasize that I am not refusing to cooperate. Rather, I am requesting that:

• Any requirements affecting visitation be clearly authorized and documented

• Any requests for medical information be made through appropriate legal or formal channels

• My current case status be clearly defined, including the authority under which services continue

• I not be subjected to requirements outside of an active or properly documented case

In light of these concerns, I respectfully request that your office review:

• Whether it is appropriate to condition transportation or access to visitation on a doctor’s note under these circumstances

• Whether proper procedures are being followed in requesting medical information

• Whether my case is being accurately tracked and managed

• Whether the actions described create an undue barrier to court-ordered visitation

I remain willing to cooperate with any legitimate and properly documented requirements. I am also working with legal counsel and can provide additional documentation upon request.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Amira Badarin