SERVICE PROGRAMS AVAILABLE THROUGH
CITY OF ROANOKE SOCIAL SERVICES
Child Protective Services – Through our CPS hotline, 853-2245, the department receives and screens calls alleging child abuse and/or neglect. Social workers respond to valid complaints by conducting investigations and family assessments. Prevention services may be offered when a valid complaint does not exist but where there are indications of family problems that could place the child at risk of future abuse, neglect, or foster care placement. Where indicated, risk assessments and safety plans are developed. Services are provided both directly by the social workers and by referral to other agencies. Additional information about Child Protective Services is available on the Virginia Department of Social Services web page.
Domestic Violence – Individuals who are affected by domestic violence are offered case management, advocacy, and supportive services. Victims can receive help assessing their risk and making and carrying out a safety plan. Offenders may be referred to batterer intervention programs or for other service interventions. Local services offered are confidential and nonjudgmental. (see our brochure) . Additional information about Domestic Violence is available on the Virginia Department of Social Services/Domestic Violence web site.
Foster Care – Children are transferred to the legal custody of the DSS for the purpose of a temporary placement in an out-of-home setting. The courts may place a youth in foster care after finding that the child is abused and/or neglected, “in need of services” (CHINS), delinquent, or upon a parent’s petition for relief of custody. Social workers attempt to reunify the child with his/her family or to move the child into some other permanent placement. For older teenagers the department will help the youth prepare for transition to independent living. The department recruits and trains foster parents. Additional information about foster care and adoption is available on the Virginia Department of Social Services/Foster Care web site.
Adoption – Children in foster care, for whom return home or placement with a relative are not viable alternatives, are often placed for adoption. A social worker strives to match the child and prospective adoptive families to find a home that will meet the needs of the child. Support services are offered to help maintain the adoptive placement. A financial subsidy for the adoptive family is available in many cases. More information about Adoption is available on the Virginia Department of Social Services/Adoption web site.
Court Services – The department conducts home studies for the juvenile and circuit courts to help the judges determine custody and visitation issues. The department’s social workers in the court services unit provide some mediation services in an effort to more amicably resolve custody disputes outside of the courtroom setting.
Child Care and Development – The department determines eligibility for assistance with the costs of obtaining child care. TANF recipients who are employed or in the VIEW program, are eligible for this assistance. Child care assistance may also be provided on a fee system basis, if funds are available.
Adult Protective Services and Adult Services – Through our hotline, 853-2245, complaints of adult abuse, neglect or exploitation are received and screened. Investigations are conducted, and when needed, services are offered to the adult. The department assists in the screening and placement of adults in nursing homes or assisted living centers. The implementation of home health care may also be facilitated. Additional information and brochures can be found on the Virginia Department of Social Services/Adult Services web site.
Services Intake – Emergency assistance is offered, as funds are available, to assist citizens experiencing a temporary crises such as food shortages, utility cut-offs, and potential eviction. Clients are counseled about ways to resolve a variety of crisis problems that they face.