SOCIAL SERVICES
Contact Us
6641 Short Lane
Gloucester, VA 23061
Phone: 804-693-2671
Fax: 804-693-5511
Hours
Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Services
The Department of Social Services works to design and deliver high-quality human services that help Virginians achieve safety, independence and overall well-being. Social Services strives to build a Commonwealth in which all Virginians have the resources and services they need to shape strong futures for themselves, their families and their communities.
Disclaimer
The information presented on the Gloucester Department of Social Services web pages is for informational purposes only. Due to legislative enactment and changes in policy and procedures, you must contact the agency, program specific area for accurate, up to date information on any particular programs.
Adoption Services
Adoptive placements are made for children whose parental rights are legally terminated. Adoptive home studies are completed according to state standards. Placements are made that are determined to be in the child's best interest. The cultural, ethnic, or racial background of the child and the capacity of the prospective adoptive parents to meet the needs of a child of this background are considered as one of a number of factors used to determine the best interest of the child. The bond between the child and the prospective adoptive parents is also a consideration as is the opportunity for placement of the child with siblings.
Services also include adoptive home study reports for the court related to parental placements, which are those adoptive placements arranged directly between the birth parents and the adoptive parents. Adoptions by stepparents are also completed on order from the court. Fees are assessed for these studies which are based on family size, income and type of report.
Adult Adoptees
For adult adoptees adopted in Gloucester, Virginia, services are provided to obtain and share non-identifying background information from the finalized adoption records. If an adult adoptee adopted through this agency applies to the Virginia Department of Social Services to obtain identifying information about their birth family, this agency completes the search for the birth family to determine if the birth family members consent to the release of their identifying information. Fees based on family size, income and time spent are assessed for searches.
Custody Evaluations
Home Study evaluation services (custody investigations) are rendered for the Courts or other Social Service Agencies, on the Order of their Court, involving child custody matters. The purpose of the home study evaluation is to evaluate the physical environment of the home, the ability of the family to financially support and nurture the child.
Home Studies are also for other states through the Interstate Compact for Placement of Children (ICPC) to approve resource family homes for placement of children in foster care in another state; requests must be court ordered or requested by another Social Service Agency.
Adult Services
Adult Services are provided to impaired persons who are eighteen years of age and older and to persons sixty years or older. Adult services available include the provision of case management, home-based companion services, screening for Medicaid community-based care and nursing home placement, screening for admission to Adult Care Residents (Home for Adults), and other activities to aid the adult and their family.
As funding is available, home-Based Companion Services provides for someone to perform light housekeeping, errands, and some personal care duties for clients who are aged, blind, or disabled. The purpose of this service is to maintain clients in their own homes rather than encourage institutional placements.
Payment
Payments are made to agency approved providers based on approved hours the provider works. The maximum number of hours per week of companion services is determined on an individual basis. No one receives more than twenty hours per week.
Eligibility
Eligibility is restricted to persons who meet income guidelines established by the State or receives Supplemental Security Income. A waiting list is established to remain within the funding allocation of each locality.
Screenings
When a higher level of care may be needed a social worker and a public health nurse complete Medicaid Pre-Admission Screening for Community-Based in Home Services and Nursing Home placements. Approval for these services is determined by the nursing Home Pre-Admission Screening team.
Adult Protective Services
Each year, many older adults, 60 and older and younger adults, 18 years of age or older who are incapacitated are victims of mistreatment by family members, by persons who are responsible for their care, or other care givers.
Responsibilities
The code of Virginia 63.2-1603 through 63.2-1610 mandates that local Departments of Social Services provide protective services to adults. Adult Protective Services is responsible for investigating allegations of neglect and abuse. Adult Protective Services (APS) consists of assessing service needs and coordinating services where they are available. They also refer matters to the appropriate licensing, regulatory agency or legal authority for administrative action or criminal investigation.
Confidentiality
The name of person who makes the report will be held confidential by the local Department of Social Services. The name of the person cannot be revealed. You do not have to give your name when you make a report.
Mandated Reporters
Any person may voluntarily report suspected abuse to Adult Protective Services. Some people are required by the Code of Virginia to report suspected abuse. These people are called mandated reporters and they must report suspected abuse, neglect and exploitation to APS immediately. The Code of Virginia identifies mandated reporters.
Child Protective Services
Virginia law, Chapter 12.1, Section 63.1-248 requires social services departments to investigate all suspected reports of abuse and neglect. Protective Services is a specialized continuum of casework services to abused, neglected or exploited children and families. The focus of the service is identification, assessment and service provision in an effort to protect children, preserve families and prevent further maltreatment. Child Protective Services is non-punitive in its approach and is directed toward enabling families to provide adequate care and nurturing for their children. If this is not possible, then alternative plans for protection may be necessary.
Mandated Reporters
Certain individuals are mandated reporters if they learn of abuse or neglect in their professional capacity. Mandated reporters include:
Any mediator eligible to receive court referrals
Any person associated with or employed by any private organization responsible for the care, custody or control of children
Child care providers
Doctors
Hospital residents or interns
Institutional staff
Law enforcement officers
Mental health professionals
Nurses
Probation officers
Social workers
Teachers in public and private schools
Submit a Report
Anyone who suspects that children are being abused or neglected may call anonymously to the local Department of Social Services or to the State Hotline 800-552-7096 which receives calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week. After the call is received a worker will evaluate the information and determine validity of the complaint. In order for the complaint to be valid the following criteria must be met:
Investigations
If accepted for investigation the worker has 45 to 60 days to complete the investigation and arrive at a finding. In order for the complaint to be Founded a worker must have clear and convincing evidence that abuse and neglect has occurred. If this evidence cannot be established the complaint is classified as Unfounded. An assessment of needs is completed and, if indicated, services are provided to the child and family.
Child Protective Services (CPS) Intervention Services
Services may include social casework, referrals for indicated services, legal proceedings and other activities to support families. Families who are eligible for these services are those involved in a founded case of child abuse and/or neglect, or where there is moderate to high risk of abuse and/or neglect and the parent(s) or guardian(s) sign an application requesting such services, or where a child or family is before the court and the court orders such services through this department.
Child Fatality Prevention Infographics
Categories: Family Services
The purpose of this broadcast is to announce that the Division of Family Services has created two infographics for distribution across communities in Virginia related to water safety and gun safety. The prevention of child maltreatment deaths is essential to ensuring the well-being, safety and permanency of Virginia’s children and remains a top priority for the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS).
Since 2018, the number of child fatalities involving firearms has continued to increase with school-aged children and adolescents at greatest risk. Based on the review of child deaths in State Fiscal Year 2020, Virginia’s five regional Child Fatality Review Teams recommended increased public awareness related to gun safety in an effort to prevent these gun-related child maltreatment deaths and near-fatalities.
VDSS continues to see high numbers of accidental drownings and water-related child deaths during the spring and summer months. In State Fiscal Years 2020 and 2021, there were 13 water-related child fatalities.
Both the Water Safety Infographic and the Gun Safety Infographic can be found on Fusion. The infographics are also available to the public and can be accessed under Related Links on the public website. Local agency staff are strongly encouraged to use these infographics in their local offices and to share them with community partners.
Child Services Act
The Children’s Services Act (CSA) is a state law enacted in 1993 that establishes a single pool of funding to coordinate a system of services for troubled and at-risk youth and their families. State funds, combined with local community funds, are managed by local interagency teams who plan and oversee services to meet identified needs of youth and their families. The local CSA program is made up of the Community Policy and Management Team (CPMT) and the Family Assessment and Planning Team (FAPT) who partner with the family to help address concerns and access services.
Eligibility
Services under the CSA may be available to a child who meets at least one of the following descriptions:
Youth who require private placement for special education
Youth who are eligible for foster care services
Youth who are eligible for services through a Child in Need of Services designation, having significant emotional or behavioral problems and are at risk of out of home placement
Youth who have significant emotional or behavioral problems and may require services of multiple agencies or are at risk of residential placement
How CSA Works
Step One: Referral
A case manager from one of the FAPT member agencies refers a child to the FAPT
Parent/family referrals (are inclusive of any custodian/guardian referral directly to the CSA Office
A family meeting and case staffing is scheduled to review the family’s strengths and needs
Step Two: Case Staffing
The child and family take an active part in the meeting to discuss their needs and strengths
The case manager provides any additional information and outlines the requested services
The team, in partnership with the child and family, develops a service plan that outlines the services it recommends and provides any necessary referrals
Step Three: Funding Approval
The case is reviewed at a CPMT meeting to approve the funding for requested services
Parents may be assessed a co-payment for services
The CPMT must approved services before services begin, except in emergency situations
Family Rights Under CSA
Custodial parents and legal guardians have the following rights and responsibilities:
Right to receive prior notification of any meeting in which the FAPT will be discussing the child and family and right to participate in the meeting in which the child and family will be discussed.
Right to consent to the staffing of the child and family and to inspect and review any records relating to the staffing of the child and family by the FAPT.
Right to request an amendment of FAPT records if information contained therein is found to be inaccurate.
Right to be made aware of recommendations by the FAPT.
Right to appeal the recommendations of the FAPT and receive a written reply. (See process.)
Right and responsibility to participate in developing the Individual Family Service Plan and to acknowledge their agreement by signing the Individual Family Service Plan before services is delivered.
Right to Appeal
Any youth or their legal guardian dissatisfied with the action of the FAPT, including but not limited to assessments, planning or implementation of services may file a written request for a review to the CPMT. The youth and/or legal guardian shall submit a written request for review to the CPMT within 10 calendar days of receipt of FAPT notice. CPMT must hold a review within 45 calendar days after receiving a request for review. The CPMT may uphold or alter the FAPT’s decision and shall respond in writing.
Community Policy & Management Team (CPMT)
The Community Policy and Management Team (CPMT) oversees the administration of interagency efforts; manages the available state pool of funds for approved services; and ensures that eligible youth and their families receive appropriate services. The CPMT includes representatives from:
9th District Juvenile Court Services
An elected official from the governing body
Gloucester County
Gloucester County Public Schools
Gloucester Department of Social Services
MP-NN Community Services Board
A parent representative
A private provider
Three Rivers Health District
The CPMT meetings are held on the first Tuesday of every month at 12:30 p.m. in the Gloucester Social Services conference room.
Family Assessment & Planning Team (FAPT)
The Family Assessment and Planning Team (FAPT) partners with the family to assess strengths and needs and develop an individualized service plan to establish goals for appropriate services that are high quality, child-centered, family focused, community- based and cost effective. The FAPT includes staff and representatives from:
9th District Court Services
Gloucester County
Gloucester County Public Schools
Gloucester Department of Social Services
MP-NN Community Services Board
A parent representative
A private provider
Three Rivers Health District
FAPT meetings are held on the third Wednesday of every month with a time frame to accommodate cases to be reviewed that day.
Additional Information
If you need more information about the Children's Services Act or have questions or concerns, please contact:
CSA Coordinator
Gloucester Department of Social Services
6641 Short Lane
P.O. Box 1390
Gloucester, VA 23061
Phone: 804-693-2671
Fax: 804-693-5511
Custody Investigations
Home study evaluation services (custody investigations) are rendered for the courts or other social service agencies involving child custody matters. The purpose of the home study evaluation is to evaluate the child's physical environment and to reflect the type of parenting the child does or would receive in the home. Home studies are also conducted for other states through the Interstate Compact for Placement of Children (ICPC). Individual requests cannot be accepted for this service, as requests must come directly from the courts or other social service agencies.
Fees
There may be a fee assessed for this service according to family size and income.
Visitation Services
Court ordered supervised visitation services are also provided in custody/visitation disputes. Visitation occurs within agency hours and at the agency.
Foster Care Provider Certification
About Foster Parenting
Foster parenting is caring for a child who has been abused or neglected until his or her parents can resume their caretaker responsibility or until a permanent plan such as placement with relatives or adoption is achieved. The Gloucester Department of Social Services is looking for foster parents who are committed to working with the child through this difficult period in his/her life and who are able to work well with the department in achieving the foster care goal set for the child.
Basic Qualifications Required for Certification
The foster parent must be:
21 years of age or older
Have enough income to meet their own expenses without having to rely on foster care payments
Able to provide a safe and healthy home with enough space for a child, willing to work with the agency, children's families, schools, and others
Able to help a child cope with separation from his family and with the effects of abuse and neglect and able to "let go" when the time comes
Able to attend pre-service training and upon certification attend required in-service training
Qualities Foster Parents Need to Possess
We are looking for people who are good listeners, flexible, realistic, able to laugh, and team players. All these qualities are necessary in order to provide the best possible care for the children who have been put in our care.
Other Specific Requirements or Information
All applicants will undergo a Criminal Records Check as well as a Child Protective Service Release clearance.
All applicants will have current Tuberculosis (TB) tests.
Two references will be required for each applicant.
Applicant must have a telephone and transportation, with appropriate automobile insurance.
Approval Process
Upon inquiring about foster parenting, the foster parent recruiter will send out information on foster parenting. If you are interested in learning more contact the foster parent recruiter who will conduct a short orientation session. This orientation session will enable the worker to ascertain whether the interested person meets the general qualifications as outlined. It also permits prospective foster families an opportunity to determine if they are truly interested in foster parenting.
The initial paperwork is then given to the applicant. Upon satisfactory completion of the initial paperwork the foster home recruiter will conduct intensive interviews of the applicants and inspect their homes for state compliance. If everything is satisfactory after these stages in the process, the applicants will become certified foster parents for a period of three years. Re-certification occurs at that time. During the three year period, foster parents must attend a minimum of ten hours of child related training sessions offered by Gloucester Social Services or another approved training program.