Virginia's child welfare leaders are dedicated to supporting the child welfare system, with a strong focus on high-acuity youth in foster care. To address the critical problem of high-acuity youth in unsuitable conditions, including sleeping in offices or hotels, Governor Youngkin initiated the Safe and Sound Task Force on April 1, 2022. The initiative aligns with the Commonwealth's vision of safe, stable, and nurturing families. The Task Force's three phases aim to secure safe placements for displaced youth, expand kinship placements, and implement policy changes to address root causes of gaps and needs in the child welfare system that affect all youth and families.
For questions or more information about the Safe and Sound Task Force contact HealthAndHumanResources@governor.virginia.gov
Resources
- Safe and Sound Task Force Overview (PDF)
- Safe and Sound Task Force Manual 2023 (PDF)
- SSTF Universal Referral for Residential Services (DOCX)
- SSTF Universal Referral Common Questions 2023 (PDF)
- SSTF Manual for Localizing Go Team Model 2023 (PDF)
- SSTF High Acuity Flow Chart VDSS Broadcast Process (PDF)
- Overview-Licensed Sponsored Residential for Youth in Foster Care without ID or DD Waiver (PDF)
