Services
Child Protective Services
Through our CPS hotline, 540-853-2245, the department receives and screens calls alleging child abuse and/or neglect. A family services specialist responds 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 family services specialists and by referral to other agencies. Additional information about Child Protective Services is available at the Virginia Department of Social Services.
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. The family services specialists 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 from the Virginia Department of Social Services.
Adoption
Children in foster care, for whom returning home or placing with a relative is not a viable alternative, are often placed for adoption. A family services specialists 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 from the Virginia Department of Social Services.
Children in foster care, for whom returning home or placing with a relative is not a viable alternative, are often placed for adoption. A family services specialists 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 from the Virginia Department of Social Services.
Child Care & 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.
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
Through our hotline, 540-853-2245, 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.
Through our hotline, 540-853-2245, 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.