Carter v. Ancel

BUMGARDNER, Judge.

Clarence H. Carter, Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Social Services (DSS), appeals a decision by the circuit court that DSS lacked jurisdiction to decide that a complaint of sexual abuse against Patrick J. Ancel was “founded.” The Commissioner contends that the circuit court erred when it ruled that DSS lacked authority to act upon a complaint after forty-five days without having written justification to extend the time as required by Code § 63.1-248.6(E)(7). Finding that the trial court erred in its ruling, we reverse the decision.

The Gloucester County DSS…