The Shadow
Alleghany County, Va. (Virginian Review) — A family has lost their license to foster children in Alleghany, Botetourt, and Rockbridge counties, a decision they attribute to unilateral decisions made by the local Alleghany-Covington Department of Social Services (ACDSS).
Corey Bowles and her husband have fostered over two dozen children across the three counties since August 2014. As a parent representative, Bowles raised concerns to the board after 12 Social Services employees resigned in a short period, questioning the quality of care for children. Bowles believes this prompted ACDSS Director Tammy Wilson to “try to close down her foster care home.”
The Bowles received a letter dated Feb. 9, 2023, signed by Wilson, stating ACDSS’s intent to close their home to foster children. The letter cited records showing that “no children from this locality have been placed in your home since June of 2021” and requested the Bowles to indicate their intent to continue fostering.
In a letter dated Feb. 15, 2023, the Bowles expressed their intent “to have our home remain open to serve additional children.”
About a year later, Bowles raised concerns about the Safety Plan, which aims to keep children safe by placing them with friends or family members to avoid foster care. Bowles believes ACDSS was placing children with individuals who were neither friends nor family, which she felt was not in the children’s best interests.
A letter dated Feb. 20, 2024, informed the Bowles that despite several attempts to meet with them, they had not responded. The letter outlined DSS’s concerns that Bowles’s public comments undermined the agency’s goals and mission and highlighted an “inability to work together as a member of a professional team.” Wilson and the board decided to “revoke your approval and close your home.” The letter was signed by Tammy Wilson, Director II.
On Feb. 26, 2024, Bowles, with her lawyer, appealed to the ACDSS Board to reconsider the decision to revoke their approval as a resource home. However, a certified letter dated Feb. 28, 2024, to Melinda Hinkle, the Bowles’s attorney, stated that the ACDSS Board upheld its decision. The letter was signed by David Crosier, Chairman.
The Virginian Review reached out to Director Wilson for comment but has not received a response by the time of publication.
The Bowles have taken their concerns to the Piedmont regional office and the state but have not seen any results to date. They are currently awaiting a response from Senator Christopher Head’s office.
