Restorative justice practices; definitions, effect of participation, immunity from civil liability.

The bill now amends an existing child abuse reporting statute (§ 63.2-1509) in addition to adding new restorative justice sections, changing it from a standalone restorative justice bill to a hybrid bill affecting child welfare.

Restorative justice facilitators are now legally required to report suspected child abuse or neglect, overriding the confidentiality protections that previously applied to their work.

Confidentiality for restorative justice communications now requires a written agreement between the victim, defendant, and attorney to be fully protected in legal proceedings.

A new exception was added allowing restorative justice facilitators to testify about the practice if called by a party, provided their testimony is limited to the fact that the practice occurred and its success.

The definition of a 'restorative justice facilitator' was updated to explicitly state they cannot serve as legal counsel, investigators, or advocates for any party.

Failure to report suspected child abuse by a required person is now punishable by a fine of up to $500 for the first offense and at least $1,000 for subsequent failures, or a Class 1 misdemeanor for serious sexual offenses.