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VDSS Staff Made a Big Impact Volunteering Last Year

In 2016, 115 DSS staff volunteered at four service projects and contributed more than 450 volunteer hours. Service projects included work at Habitat ReStore, Pocahontas State Park, Richmond Public Schools Homeless Education Program Back to School Event, and FeedMore.

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three women and one man studying in a library

Child Welfare Stipend Program

The new and improved Child Welfare Stipend Program immerses students in the most current best practice methods such as trauma informed practice, family engagement, and cultural and diversity competence.

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VDSS Presents Real Stories of Adoption and Foster Care

Real Adoption & Foster Care Stories

"The Real Stories of Foster and Adoptive Families" is a compilation of compelling anecdotes of how real Virginia families were started, reunited and strengthened through foster care and adoption.

If you or someone you know is willing to share an adoption or foster care story, please email public.affairs@dss.virginia.gov.

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Adoption Matters

Adoption Matters

You don't need to own your own home, be wealthy, have children already, or be a stay-at-home parent to adopt. There are over 800 children in Virginia waiting for a loving home - find out how you can become their forever family by calling 1-800-DO ADOPT.

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MoneyGram at CVS and Walmart

CVS & Walmart now accept cash for child support

Need to pay child support? Spread the word: Most CVS & Walmart MoneyGram locations accept cash for a $3.99 fee. Click here to learn more.

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Write your own success story!

Write your own success story!

Are you required to register for work in order to receive SNAP Benefits? Would you like to receive training that may improve your employment skills and help you find a job? We may be able to help you reach your employment goals.

Click HERE for more information!

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Every Child Needs Support

Every Child Needs Support

That includes "increasing trust and confidence" in the Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE) and its processes by parents to encourage them to "increase their voluntary compliance with child support orders." Click here to learn more about a new grant that DCSE was selected for.

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Pearl Harbor 75th Anniversary

Pearl Harbor's 75th Anniversary and a birth of Service and Volunteerism

Feel free to read an op-ed by Virginia Governor's Advisory Board on Service and Volunteerism member Omari Faulkner. He shares his perspective on how the spirit of service and volunteerism rose in America, even during a tragic time.

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 Million

Citizens Served

$ Million

child support collected

$ Million

Disbursed in Adoption Assistance Payments

Commissioner Schultze

Margaret Ross Schultze
Commissioner

WELCOME to the Virginia Department of Social Services
It is our pleasure to offer this website as a resource to connect our programs and services to the individuals and families we serve. It is our hope that we advance our mission of helping people shape strong futures for themselves, their families and communities, through the delivery of essential services that help them triumph over poverty, abuse and neglect.

VDSS is one of the largest Commonwealth agencies, partnering with 120 local departments of social services, along with faith-based and non-profit organizations, to promote the well-being of children and families statewide. I proudly serve alongside 1,650 (state) and 8,500 (local) human services professionals throughout the Social Services System, who ensure that thousands of Virginia's most vulnerable citizens have access to the best services and benefits available to them.

Together, we work each day to serve, empower, and create opportunities for brighter futures.

VDSS News

  • Oct
    21

    Low Income Home Energy Assistance Available Now

    Applications are now being accepted for the Virginia Department of Social Services' (VDSS) Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Through Monday, November 14, individuals may apply for fuel assistance at all local departments of social services and online.

    Read More >>

  • Sep
    14

    Virginia Selected to Participate in National Governors Association's Three Branch Institute

    Virginia was selected as one of eight competitively-selected states to participate in the National Governors Association's (NGA) Three Branch Institute, which focuses on improving child safety and preventing child fatalities. The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS), which is leading the effort, will be working closely

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  • Aug
    1

    Child Support Awareness Day at South of the James

    What do squash, squirrels, and state licenses have in common? On Saturday, August 6, the Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE), DMV2Go and Nutzy (Richmond's favorite mascot) will team up to celebrate Child Support Awareness Day at the South of the James (SOJ) Farmers' Market...

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