Here in Virginia, unless it is an emergency removal, there's a gradual transition.
The above statement is DEFINATELY not true. I live in Virginia too. We had a baby from birth to 6 months old. We were told from the day we got her that there were no family members who wanted her or were fit to take her so that we would adopt her once termination of parents were completed. After having her for six months I got a call from social worker and said we are coming to get her. Her aunt wants her. My attorney told them that they at least had to give us a couple of days to say goodbye. My husband was in the military at the time and had to get emergency leave to come home to say goodbye to his daughter. The next day the social workers came and just took her. The aunt had never even laid eyes on this child. She screamed when they took her out of my arms and according to the aunt she screamed, refused to eat or sleep for 3 days. Now you tell me how this is good for the child? Also I had a 2 1/2 year old son who saw his baby sister being taken away. How do you explain that to him? He had to be taken to therapy for months to get over it. He wouldn't leave my side for even a minute he was affraid they were taking him away too.
So you see Virginia doesn't go by the laws they make their own.
Will never do foster care here again!!! With DSS it is all about the money.