Overview

Virginia Department of Social Services is the state agency that designs and administers human-service programs for people and families across Virginia. Its responsibilities include food and energy assistance, foster care and adoption, child support, licensing, and abuse and neglect prevention. The department works with local social-services agencies and community partners to deliver benefits, protection, and family support. The agency spans benefits administration, protection, family services, regulation, and statewide oversight while providing policy, systems, funding, training, and operational support to Virginia’s locally administered social-services network.