Child Protective Services at the Virginia Department of Social Services collaborates with existing networks of public and private non-profit child abuse and neglect prevention programs to provide child abuse and neglect prevention services to families throughout Virginia. Some examples are listed below.

Program Funding & Collaboration

• Community Based Child Abuse Prevention (CBCAP):
  The Virginia Department of Social Services receives federal CBCAP funds from the Office of Child Abuse and Neglect (OCAN), Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Funds awarded to Virginia through this grant are used to support the development, operation and expansion of community-based, prevention-focused programs and activities. For FY 2008, a total of $591,802 was awarded to 13 projects.
  
  
• Healthy Families:
  Healthy Families is a national program model designed to help expectant and new parents get their children off to a healthy start. Families participate voluntarily in the program and receive home visiting and referrals from trained staff. By providing services to overburdened families, Healthy Families fits into the continuum of services provided to families in many communities.
  
  
• Hugs and Kisses:
  Celebrating the 25th year of operation, this nationally acclaimed, award-winning child sexual abuse prevention program for children K-5 tours local schools in Virginia annually. The production by Theatre IV is supported through funds allocated from the Virginia General Assembly for awareness and prevention. Safety messages are presented to as many as 50,000 children in up to 159 performances per school year.
  
  
• Virginia Family Violence Prevention Program (VFVPP):
  Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention
  VFVPP Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention funding was established by the Virginia legislature to assist in the development of programs focused on primary and secondary child abuse and neglect prevention. For FY 2008, a total of $500,000 was awarded to 11 projects.
  
  

Public Awareness through Publications

• The Blue Ribbon Plan to Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect in Virginia 2005-2009:
  In 2004 the Virginia Department of Social Services and Prevent Child Abuse Virginia partnered with public and private sector organizations and citizens to develop a state plan for the prevention of child abuse and neglect. The plan contains nine comprehensive strategies to increase child safety and family and well-being.
  
  
• CPS Publications:
  CPS distributes handbooks to mandated reporters about recognizing and reporting child abuse and neglect. These reporters include Virginia educators, childcare providers and medical professionals. For law enforcement, special educators and child protective services, CPS provides a publication on the abuse and neglect of children with disabilities.
  
  
• Virginia Child Protection Newsletter: The Virginia Child Protection Newsletter (VCPN) is published by James Madison University through a contract with the Virginia Department of Social Services. Each newsletter is focused on one or more topics in child welfare. The articles provide a survey of literature and also address current practice issues.
  
  
• Virginia Coalition for Child Abuse Prevention Month: This statewide child abuse and neglect prevention effort promotes public awareness through printing and distribution of materials to approximately 2,000 individuals and agencies in local communities every April.