Child Protective Services – If you have a concern that a child is being abused or neglected you may call the office at (804) 785-5977 or (804) 769-5003 during office hours or the State Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline at (800) 552-7096 to report your concerns.

By state law the department is obligated to investigate suspicions of abuse/neglect to determine whether it has occurred, and to offer any needed services to the family. The department maintains 24 hour on call availability to meet the state law requirements to respond to emergency child abuse/neglect concerns.

Once a proven case of child abuse or neglect occurs, the child protective services workers help the family address the issues and correct the problem behaviors. In almost all of these families, the children remained safely in their homes and families were kept intact.

If the family problems are severe and the child (ren) cannot safely remain in their home, the child protective services workers help. If the family refuses, or cannot make other plans, then the department may approach the Juvenile Court and ask that the child (ren) be placed in the department’s custody (foster care).

Foster Care – The first goal of foster care is to return the child to his/her parents. If the issues cannot be solved then the department searches for relatives who will accept custody of the child. If the child has remained in foster care for a long time and no family member is available for the child, the department will ask that the court allow the child to be adopted and to terminate parental rights.

Most children are placed in a family foster home. Foster families are carefully screened and trained prior to a child being placed in their home. The foster family is paid a fixed rate to provide food and shelter. Foster families provide far more than they are paid for; they provide an alternative role model for children and try to provide emotional stability/security. Whenever possible, the department tries to keep siblings together in the same home.

We are always looking for a “Few Good Families” to be foster parents. If you are interested in being a foster parent for King and Queen, or when more information, please call Darlene Burrell at (804) 785-5977 or (804) 769-5003.

Family Services – The department offers a variety of services designed to assist families. Unlike Child Protective Services and Foster Care, the family’s participation in these services is usually voluntary.

Adoption Services – is a growing program. These services are offered when a foster child is adopted. The department continues to assist the adoptive family to facilitate the child’s adjustment into the new family. If the former foster child is determined to be a “special needs” child, the department will assist the family by providing special economic assistance and/or Medicaid. We maintain a list/photo of all foster children in Virginia who are in need of an adoptive home. For more information, please contact Darlene Burrell at (804) 785-5977 or (804) 769-5003.

Mediation – Mediation provides services to families that are involved in custody and litigation before the court. Families are offered several means to settle their disputes, including mediation and home evaluations. All families are provided with written information packets about child custody and visitation and shown a videotape entitled “Spare the Child.”

Court Order Home Studies – The department is ordered by the Juvenile Court or the Circuit Court to do investigation and make reports to the Court. The department’s role is to gather information and make suggestions or recommendations to the Court. By providing the Court with information, the Court can make the better decisions.
Child Day Care Program-Child care is a service that enables families to work, help families become self-sufficient, or help them stay off public assistance. The client has the choice of day care providers, from day care centers to in home family day care providers.

Employment Services – the Employment Services Program offers assistance in becoming self-sufficient for recipients of TANF and Food Stamps. Participants look for and retain employment within certain guidelines.

Adult Protective Services – By law, when an adult over age sixty (or any adult over eighteen who has a disability) is suspected of being abused, neglected, or exploited, the department must investigate and offer services to the adult. The focus is in allowing competent adults to make choices for themselves and selecting services. Services can include mobilizing the extended family, assisting in shopping and meal preparation, assisting in the Court appointment of a guardian for an incompetent adult, and referring the client to other resources.

Adult Services – When an elderly or disabled client requests assistance, those services are called Adult Services. Adult Services include many of those listed above (mobilizing the extended family, referral to other resources).

Companion care is offered for the very low-income client. Companion services consist of paying an individual an hourly rate to assist the client. The companion may assist with shopping, meal preparation, light housekeeping, provided supervision if needed, and attend to some personal care needs (such as assisting with bathing).

Adult services also include assisting the adult and family members in making long-term living arrangements for the adult. This could include referral for an adult home, nursing home, or the decision to reside with a family member. The social workers assist the families in making the best choice for their own individual circumstances.

Medicaid Pre-Screening – If an adult is considering entering a nursing home or desires to have a nursing assistant or companion in their home, the Department of Medical Assistance Services (Medicaid) requires that the client be screened prior to admission. This screening occurs only if the client wishes Medicaid to pay for the services. The information is relayed to Medicaid who makes the final decision if services will be purchased with those funds.

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