Virginia Department of Social Services

NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

This institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex and, in some cases, religion or political beliefs.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture also prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027), found online at:  http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410
Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
Email Program Intake at USDA

About the Virginia Department of Social Services

The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) provides social services assistance to citizens of Virginia to help them live their best lives. One child, one senior citizen, one person at a time, programs of VDSS help people triumph over poverty, abuse and neglect, achieve self-sufficiency, and shape strong futures for themselves, their families and their communities.

The Virginia Department of Social Services promotes the development of healthy families and protects the Commonwealth’s children from abuse and neglect with programs such as Child Protective Services and Domestic Violence Prevention.

Services

  • The Division of Child Support Enforcement locates non-custodial parents, assists in establishing paternity and collects hundreds of millions of dollars in child support for Virginia’s children each year.
  • Units within the Division of Family Services work with the local social service agencies to provide guidance in the support of families.
  • The Virginia Department of Social Services responds to the needs of seniors age 60 and over, adults with disabilities over the age of 18, and other adults with specific needs.
  • VDSS also collaborates with the local departments of social services across the state and other local service providers to offer assistance to elderly citizens in need of protection from abuse; elder adults who require the services of adult care residences; and adults with disabilities who need help with care, transportation and nutrition services.
  • VDSS also helps adults involved in domestic violence situations; adults in need of financial assistance, energy assistance and food stamps benefits; and citizens who believe they have been discriminated against by a social services agency.