The House Appropriations Committee invests in Virginia’s social services system to promote the well-being of children and families statewide.
The social services system covers a wide array of services, including child support, child and adult abuse and protective services, foster care and adoption, and provides public assistance to families in need.
Budget Overview
While the state contributes to the social services system, the Department of Social Services is heavily dependent on federal funding for programs. Historically, the primary general fund budget driver for DSS has been the child welfare and support enforcement system; however, with the recent passage of H.R.1, states will now be required to contribute to federal benefits programs such as SNAP, which will drive general fund spending for social services in the future. The table below shows state and federal funding in key social services programs in recent years.
| Program Area ($ in millions GF & NGF) | FY 2025 | FY 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Program Management | $61.0 | $64.8 |
| Self-Sufficiency Programs | 150.0 | 249.7 |
| Local Social Services Operations | 639.3 | 662.3 |
| Child Support Enforcement | 781.7 | 762.1 |
| Adult Programs and Services | 62.7 | 62.7 |
| Child Welfare Services | 288.9 | 293.3 |
| Supplemental Assistance Services | 263.4 | 260.9 |
| Community Human Services Organizations | 72.9 | 74.6 |
| Regulation and Licensing of Public Facilities | 16.0 | 16.0 |
| Emergency Preparedness | 0.9 | 0.9 |
| Administrative and Support Services | 158.3 | 157.8 |
Program/Policy Highlights
- Foster Care and Adoption
Foster care is intended to be a temporary solution when children must be removed from their home due to neglect, abuse, or abandonment. The primary goal is to find a safe, permanent home for the child, whether it is through reunification with the birth family, placement or custody transfer to a relative or fictive kin, or through adoption
- Abuse and Neglect Services
Local Child Protective Services (CPS) receive reports of potential child abuse and neglect and conduct investigations to ensure child safety. DSS has a statewide CPS Hotline that operates 24/7 to receive reports of abuse and to direct individuals to the appropriate local department for further action. Adult Protective Services (APS) investigates reports of abuse and neglect of adults aged 60 years and older, as well as incapacitated adults aged 18 or older. Domestic violence prevention programs provide emergency housing, transportation, crisis intervention, counseling, and support to survivors of domestic violence and their children
- Child Support
The Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE) at DSS works with parents to establish and receive financial, medical, and family support. While financial support is a large aspect of child support, DCSE also offers engagement services to promote access and visitation, responsible parenting, employment services, and prisoner reentry programs
- Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
LIHEAP offers energy assistance to low-income households by providing crisis assistance for heating emergencies, fuel assistance to offset heating fuel costs, as well as cooling assistance for cooling utility bills and necessary equipment. To be eligible, the household’s gross monthly income may not exceed 150% of the federal poverty level.
- Public Benefit Programs
Local departments of social services are responsible for the administration and eligibility for all benefit programs – including those administered by other agencies. Individuals can apply for the following benefit programs through their local department of social services or through the online portal CommonHelp
The state offers these benefit programs for qualifying families:
| Child Care Subsidy Program (CCSP) | Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) |
| Food Benefits: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT)/SUN Bucks | Medical Assistance: Medicaid and Family Access to Medical Insurance Security Plan (FAMIS) |
| Workforce Programs: Virginia Initiative for Education and Work (VIEW) and SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) | Energy Assistance Programs (EAPs): Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Percentage of Income Payment Program (PIPP) |
Reports and Presentations
Resources and Deep Dives
Staff Contact
