More than half of abuse and neglect investigations conducted by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services were handled improperly, according to a Sept. 26 report from Virginia Public Media, a PBS and NPR affiliate.
The Office of the State Inspector General reviewed 190 investigations across 12 state-run facilities overseen by DBHDS and found widespread deficiencies. Eighty-five lacked a comprehensive investigation summary, and 30 had unsupported conclusions, according to the report. Common failures included not interviewing all relevant individuals and improperly collecting statements.
The audit cited insufficient training, limited oversight and underqualified staff as root causes. Most investigators were pulled from existing facility staff and lacked field experience or practical instruction. Investigators were trained via a PowerPoint presentation developed by the Office of Human Rights, which, the audit noted, lacks subject matter expertise.
DBHDS agreed with all 11 audit findings and said it aims to implement corrective actions by the end of 2027.
Becker’s has reached out to the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services for comment and will update this story as more information becomes available.
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