http://www.dss.virginia.gov/ Get up-to-the-minute regional and national news from the Virginia Department of Social Services. Our media releases are listed by date of issuance by the Public Affairs Division and provide detailed information on the agency's programs, educational outreach initiatives, community partnerships, special announcements and achievements. For more information, visit the department's Web site at http://www.dss.virginia.gov/. en-us 2008 Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:06:00 EDT public.affairs@dss.virginia.gov http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2008/Heartland_Study.pdf Governor Timothy M. Kaine recently announced that The Heartland Institute's comprehensive study Welfare Reform after Ten Years gives Virginia high marks for the success of anti-poverty and welfare reform policies in the Commonwealth. The Heartland Institute gave Virginia an overall grade of A. The Commonwealth scored an A for its anti-poverty measures, and an A- for welfare reform policies. Tue, 26 Aug 2008 09:43:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2008/Harrisonburg_Advisory.pdf The Governor's Commission on Immigration will hold a public hearing in Harrisonburg on Thursday, Aug. 14. The Commission is seeking public input on how immigration issues are affecting Virginia, particularly the Shenandoah Valley. Mon, 11 Aug 2008 11:39:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2008/Prisoner_Reentry.pdf Each year, 10,000 - 12,000 men and women are released from state correctional centers and return to communities throughout Virginia. Approximately 29 percent of released Virginia prisoners are reincarcerated within three years. Norfolk seeks to lower that number by strengthening prisoner reentry programs and will hold a reentry town hall meeting on Sept. 18. Mon, 08 Aug 2008 11:34:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2008/DCSE_Award.pdf The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) and YoungWilliams Child Support Services have been awarded the Commissioner's Award for Exemplary Customer Service by the federal Office of Child Support Enforcement. Virginia's customer call center is a public-private partnership between VDSS's Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE) and YoungWilliams. Virginia has worked with experts in technology, child support and customer service to create a call center that is second to none. For child support questions, call 1-800-468-8894. Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:09:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2008/Harrisonburg_Spanish.pdf Se invita a los residentes a brindar testimonios sobre los temas de inmigración y su impacto en el estado de Virginia. La Comisión de Inmigración del Gobernador llevará a cabo una audiencia pública el jueves 14 de Agosto de las 5:30pm a las 8:30pm en el James Madison University's Festival Conference and Student Center, 1301 Carrier Drive, MSC-4201.Se ruega a las personas que asistan que sus comentarios/testimonios sean específicos al área del Valle del Shenandoah, ya que la Comisión tendrá audiencias en otras partes del estado. Thur, 31 Jul 2008 15:23:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2008/Harrisonburg_pub_hearing_eng.pdf Area residents are invited to present comments to the Governor's Commission on Immigration at its next public hearing, scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 14 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. in James Madison University's Festival Conference and Student Center. The Commission is seeking public input on how immigration issues are affecting Virginia. This is the only hearing scheduled for the Valley. Thur, 31 Jul 2008 15:22:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2008/TANF_Debit_Card.pdf Recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) will soon be able to receive their TANF benefits faster and more securely. Starting Sept. 1, 2008, the Virginia Department of Social Services will begin offering Virginia Debit MasterCard® cards to TANF recipients who choose this new electronic method. TANF payments will be automatically issued each month to a Virginia Debit MasterCard® account. Recipients will be able to retrieve their money through Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), banks or by using the cash back option at retailers. The new program is quicker, safer and more efficient. Those who do not wish to participate should contact their eligibility worker at their local department of social services by Aug. 15. Thu, 31 Jul 2008 10:06:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2008/Volunteerism.pdf Volunteering can help people be healthier, happier and live longer, according to reports by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). In 2007, more than 1.6 million volunteers in Virginia dedicated 233.2 million hours of service to the Commonwealth. CNCS today released its annual Volunteering in America Report, which looks at volunteering trends across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as 50 large and 75 mid-sized cities. Taking the 29th spot in state rankings, Virginia's overall rate of volunteering was 28.3 percent. Mon, 28 Jul 2008 11:31:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2008/DCSE.pdf The Virginia Department of Social Services' (VDSS) announced today that its Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE) has collected $13 million in past due child support payments through intercepted Economic Stimulus Act (ESA) rebates. Since May 2008, more than 23,000 people who owe overdue child support in Virginia have had all or part of their rebate checks diverted to help offset past due arrearages. Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:20:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2008/Norfolk_Advisory.pdf The Governor's Commission on Immigration will hold its only Hampton Roads public hearing on Wednesday, July 16. The public and the media are encouraged to attend. Audio clips are included in this news release. Fri, 11 Jul 2008 10:44:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2008/Nor_Pub_Hearing_Span.pdf Se invita a los residentes a brindar testimonios sobre los temas de inmigración y su impacto en el estado de Virginia. La Comisión de Inmigración del Gobernador llevará a cabo una audiencia pública el miércoles 16 de Julio de las 5:30pm a las 8:30pm en el Sentara Norfolk General Hospital localizado en el 600 Gresham Drive - edificio Raleigh, segundo piso. Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:51:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2008/Norfolk_Pub_Hearing_Eng.pdf Hampton Roads area residents are invited to present comments to the Governor's Commission on Immigration at its next public hearing, scheduled for Wednesday, July 16 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. in the Raleigh Building on the second floor of Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, 600 Gresham Drive. The Commission is seeking public input on how immigration issues are affecting Virginia. This is the only public hearing slated for the Hampton Roads area. Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:48:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2008/TANF.pdf Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that Virginia has been ranked highest in the nation for job entry rates for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients for federal fiscal years 2005 and 2006, by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Additionally, Virginia had the second highest job retention rate for each of those years. This marks the third year in a row that Virginia has ranked so highly. Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:50:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2008/Early_Childhood.pdf The newly created Office of Early Childhood Development is now coordinating state programs aimed at improving the lives and education of the commonwealth's youngest citizens and residents. The office, which was announced on April 3 by Governor Timothy M. Kaine, represents an inter-agency approach to managing services for young children and their families, with Director Kathy Glazer reporting to both the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS). Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:42:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2008/McWhinney.pdf The director of the Richmond Department of Social Services will once again work for the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS). In the Nineties, Paul McWhinney served as northern regional director and briefly as chief deputy commissioner for VDSS. In his new role, McWhinney will lead the state agency's division of family services. Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:15:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2008/FACT.pdf Because of their tireless efforts to make a difference in the lives of families and children by working to prevent family violence, outstanding volunteers and organizations were recently honored by the Family and Children's Trust Fund of Virginia (FACT). Awards were presented during FACT's Conference on Community Collaboration in Preventing Family Violence on June 25. Winners were selected from throughout Virginia, including Henrico, Alexandria, Front Royal, Bedford, Gloucester, Spotsylvania, Lexington, Bristol, Oakton and Roanoke. Thu, 26 Jun 2008 11:01:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2008/WRD.pdf Sami, an Iraqi refugee, was threatened by Al Qaeda for helping U.S. Forces in Iraq. He was given three days to flee his home. He and his family now life in Virginia. June 20 is World Refugee Day. Thu, 19 Jun 2008 11:50:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2008/AmeriCorpsSummer.pdf Virginia is participating in a national initiative, Summer of Service, which is part of the Corporation for National and Community Service's (CNCS) goal of engaging 3 million children and youth from disadvantaged circumstances in service by 2010. Summer is also the primary recruitment period for AmeriCorps State programs. College students interested in earning money for school while bettering their communities have a unique opportunity to do both through national service. Virginians have the opportunity to provide intensive, results-driven service while receiving many incentives, including health insurance, a stipend for living expenses, and work experience. Wed, 17 Jun 2008 10:30:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2008/Cooling_2008.pdf When temperatures and humidity soar, staying cool is not a luxury, but a necessity for health, safety and quality of life. Now through Friday, August 15, local departments of social services throughout the Commonwealth will accept Cooling Assistance applications as part of the Virginia Department of Social Services' (VDSS) Energy Assistance Program. Wed, 17 Jun 2008 10:24:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2008/Roanoke_advisory.pdf You are invited to present comments to the Virginia Commission on Immigration at its next public hearing on Tuesday, June 17 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers in Roanoke. The Commission is seeking public input on how immigration issues are affecting Virginia. The Roanoke public hearing is the only one scheduled for the Southwest Virginia. Wed, 11 Jun 2008 09:18:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2008/Roanoke_Public_Hearing_Spa.pdf Se invita a los residentes del área a presentar sus comentarios durante la audiencia pública de la Comisión de Inmigración de Virginia, que se llevará a cabo el 17 de junio de las 5:30pm hasta las 8:30pm en las oficinas del Consejo de la Ciudad en Roanoke (City Council Chambers). La Comisión solicita comentarios públicos sobre los temas de inmigración y sus efectos en Virginia. Wed, 04 Jun 2008 09:39:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2008/Roanoke_Public_Hearing.pdf Area residents are invited to present comments to the Virginia Commission on Immigration at its next public hearing, scheduled for Tuesday, June 17 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers in Roanoke. The Commission is seeking public input on how immigration issues are affecting Western Virginia. Wed, 04 Jun 2008 09:36:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2008/Foster_Care_Month.pdf Nearly 8,000 children are in foster care throughout the Commonwealth. Approximately 50 percent are 13 and older. These children are in urgent need of foster parents and, for many of them, a "forever family." The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) is asking families, couples and individuals to open up their hearts and homes to a foster child. Tue, 20 May 2008 14:42:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2008/AmeriCorps_Week.pdf Throughout the Commonwealth, organizations are making a difference and touching lives through participation in AmeriCorps. Last year, AmeriCorps*State resulted in nearly $7 million dollars worth of service to Virginia. The state's 17 programs and their 325 AmeriCorps members recruited nearly 7,000 volunteers resulting in more than 368,000 service hours. May 11-18, AmeriCorps members, alumni, project staff members, commission members, friends, and supporters will participate in AmeriCorps Week. The goal is to bring more Americans into service, salute members and alumni, and thank the partners who make AmeriCorps possible. Mon, 12 May 2008 09:38:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2008/GAB_-_Alexandria.pdf The Commonwealth recognizes April as Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month, but for Ann Caulkins of Alexandria, protecting children is a year-round mission. Governor Timothy M. Kaine, along with the Governor's Advisory Board (GAB) on Child Abuse and Neglect, has announced winners of this year's awards for outstanding champions for children. Caulkins is among this year's honorees. The GAB Awards recognize Virginians who have exhibited a strong commitment to advocacy, protection, prevention, treatment and assistance. Caulkins is one of seven Virginians to receive a GAB award this year. Wed, 09 May 2008 11:09:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2008/GAB_-_Hampton_Roads.pdf The Commonwealth recognizes April as Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month, but for three Hampton Roads advocates, protecting children is their mission year round.Governor Timothy M. Kaine, along with the Governor's Advisory Board (GAB) on Child Abuse and Neglect, has announced winners of this year's awards for outstanding champions for children. Three of this year's seven winners are from the Hampton Roads area. The GAB Awards recognize Virginians who have exhibited a strong commitment to advocacy, protection, prevention, treatment and assistance. Wed, 09 May 2008 10:57:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2008/GAB_-_Richmond.pdf The Commonwealth recognizes April as Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month, but for several advocates from the Greater Richmond area, protecting children is a year-round mission. Governor Timothy M. Kaine, along with the Governor's Advisory Board (GAB) on Child Abuse and Neglect, has announced winners of this year's awards for outstanding champions for children. Jeanine Harper and Theatre IV of Richmond and Phyllis Moyer of Hanover are among the honorees, three of seven to receive awards this year. The GAB Awards recognize Virginians who have exhibited a strong commitment to advocacy, protection, prevention, treatment and assistance. Wed, 09 May 2008 10:51:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2008/VCI_Public_hearing_Spanish.pdf La Comisión de Inmigración llevará a cabo cinco audiencias publicas en todo el estado para solicitar testimonios sobre los efectos de la inmigración en Virginia. La primera audiencia pública será el 22 de mayo en la Universidad George Mason en el Cinema del Centro Johnson. Tue, 06 May 2008 15:25:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2008/VCI_Public_Hearing_English_with_Pod.pdf The Virginia Commission on Immigration will hold its first of five statewide public hearings on Thursday, May 22 in the Johnson Center Cinema on the campus of George Mason University. The Commission is seeking public input on how immigration issues are affecting Virginia. Tue, 06 May 2008 14:20:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2008/Governors_Caregiver_Award.pdf Nine outstanding caregivers from throughout the Commonwealth will receive the Governor's Caregiver Recognition Award in a special ceremony on April 23 in Virginia Beach. The annual awards program, in its third year, is sponsored by the Virginia Council on the Status of Women and is designed to honor the more than one million unpaid caregivers in Virginia. Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:21:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2008/GAB_winners_group_release1.pdf The Commonwealth recognizes April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, but for many, protecting children is their mission year round. Governor Timothy M. Kaine, along with the Governor's Advisory Board (GAB) on Child Abuse and Neglect, has announced winners of this year's awards for outstanding champions for children. The GAB Awards recognize Virginians who have exhibited a strong commitment to advocacy, protection, prevention, treatment and assistance. Tue, 08 Apr 2008 09:54:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2008/1-23-08-EITC_Southwest.pdf Many low-to-moderate income working families and individuals in Southwest Virginia qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). An EITC credit can amount to an income tax refund of up to $4,716. Free tax preparation is available; those who qualify for EITC are eligible to have their taxes prepared at no cost. Virginians could see more than $1 billion per year in federal EITC money if everyone who qualified took advantage of the credit. Mon, 03 Mar 2008 14:02:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2008/1-23-08-EITC_Chesterfield.pdf Many low-to-moderate income working families and individuals in Chesterfield County qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). An EITC credit can amount to an income tax refund of up to $4,716. Free tax preparation is available; those who qualify for EITC are eligible to have their taxes prepared at no cost. Virginians could see more than $1 billion per year in federal EITC money if everyone who qualified took advantage of the credit. Fri, 29 Feb 2008 13:46:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2008/1-23-08-EITC_Henrico.pdf Many low-to-moderate income working families and individuals in Henrico County qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). An EITC credit can amount to an income tax refund of up to $4,716. Free tax preparation is available; those who qualify for EITC are eligible to have their taxes prepared at no cost. Virginians could see more than $1 billion per year in federal EITC money if everyone who qualified took advantage of the credit. Fri, 29 Feb 2008 13:45:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2008/1-23-08-EITC_Richmond.pdf Many low-to-moderate income working families and individuals in Richmond qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). An EITC credit can amount to an income tax refund of up to $4,716. Free tax preparation is available; those who qualify for EITC are eligible to have their taxes prepared at no cost. Virginians could see more than $1 billion per year in federal EITC money if everyone who qualified took advantage of the credit. Fri, 29 Feb 2008 13:42:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2008/1-23-08-EITC_Tri_Cities.pdf Many low-to-moderate income working families and individuals in the Tri-Cities area qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). An EITC credit can amount to an income tax refund of up to $4,716. Free tax preparation is available; those who qualify for EITC are eligible to have their taxes prepared at no cost. Virginians could see more than $1 billion per year in federal EITC money if everyone who qualified took advantage of the credit. Fri, 29 Feb 2008 13:39:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2008/2_14_08_eitc_event_alert.pdf The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is the largest poverty-fighting program in the country. According to the Internal Revenue Service, the EITC could bring $1 billion into the Virginia economy each year. Free tax preparation is available for low-to-moderate income working families and individuals; those who qualify for EITC are eligible to have their taxes prepared at no cost. The media is invited to an EITC awareness event on Tuesday, Feb. 19 at 1:30 p.m. in downtown Richmond. Tue, 15 Feb 2008 10:27:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2008/mand_report_course.pdf Registration is now open for a new online training course to become certified as a mandated reporter of suspected child abuse and neglect. This self-paced, interactive, free online training offers an overview of indicators of child abuse and neglect and the responsibilities of reporting. Tue, 12 Feb 2008 14:27:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2008/1-23-08-EITC_overview.pdf Many low-to-middle income working families and individuals may qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which can amount to a cash refund of up to $4,716. These same people may also qualify to have their 2007 income tax returns prepared for free. Virginia could see more than $1 billion per year in federal EITC money if everyone who qualified took advantage of the credit. Governor Timothy Kaine has proclaimed January 31 as Earned Income Tax Credit Kickoff Day. Future events are planned to raise public awareness. Thu, 31 Jan 2008 12:00:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2008/1_25_08_gov_care_awards.pdf Public Service Announcement - The deadline for nominations for the Governor's Caregiver Recognition Award (GCRA) is Feb. 4. Consider nominating someone you know who voluntarily and lovingly cares for a friend or relative. Mon, 28 Jan 2008 11:20:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2008/Nominations_for_2008_Govs_Volunteerism_and_Community_Service_Awards.pdf The deadline to nominate a person or group from your community for the Governor's Volunteerism and Community Service Awards is Jan. 31. Awards will be presented in several categories, including youth, senior, faith-based organization, non-profit organization, emergency preparedness and disaster recovery, business, individual volunteer, national service and more. Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:14:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2008/Nominations_for_2008_Govs_Volunteerism_and_Community_Service_Awards.pdf Nearly two million Virginians volunteered their time and talents last year. To recognize their significant contributions, nominations are now being accepted for the 2008 Governor's Volunteerism and Community Service Awards. Awards will be presented in several categories, including youth, senior, faith-based organization, non-profit, emergency preparedness and disaster recovery, business, individual volunteer, national service and more. The nomination period ends at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 31. Winners will be honored during an awards ceremony in April at the Virginia Conference on Volunteerism and Community Service in Virginia Beach. Fri, 11 Jan 2008 14:52:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2008/Caregiver_Awards_nominations_sought.pdf To honor the more than one million Virginians who lovingly serve as caregivers for family and friends, nominations are now being accepted for the 2008 Governor's Caregiver Recognition Award. The Commonwealth ranks 12th in the nation for the number of people caring for relatives. The nomination deadline is Feb. 4. Wed, 09 Jan 2008 09:37:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2007/12-20-07_psa_va_commission_on_immigration_meeting.pdf The Virginia Commission on Immigration will hold its next meeting on Friday, Jan. 4 at 10:00 a.m. in Senate Room A of the General Assembly Building. As agreed upon by the Commission members, there will be presentations from the Virginia State Crime Commission, the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, Virginia Employers for Sensible Immigration Policy, the Virginia Municipal League and the Virginia Association of Counties. Thu, 20 Dec 2007 15:00:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2007/Burkholder_Craig__11_28_07_.pdf For his attempt at making a $52,000 fraudulent child support payment, a Suffolk, Va. man was sentenced today to 16 months in prison. The United States Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Virginia, provides more information about this case in this media release. Wed, 28 Nov 2007 16:45:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2007/11_20_07_Innovation_award_-_Governor.pdf Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that the Virginia Department of Social Services' (VDSS) Division of Child Support Enforcement has received the Council of State Governments' (CSG) Innovation Award for the Southern Region for its innovative Cell Phone Initiative. The initiative works with cell phone carriers to obtain billing addresses and cell phone numbers for parents who owe child support. Virginia was the first state to initiate such a program to find hard-to-locate delinquent parents. Tue, 27 Nov 2007 11:30:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2007/11-07-Adoption-Governor.pdf Governor Timothy M. Kaine commemorated Adoption Awareness month in Virginia as part of a national effort to raise awareness of the needs of children in foster care. As Virginians enter the holiday season, more than 900 children in the Commonwealth are waiting for a permanent, loving home. An extensive database allows prospective adoptive parents to search for children by age, region, gender and other demographics. "Meet the Kids" is a user-friendly feature on the Virginia Department of Social Services' Web site (http://www.dss.virginia.gov/family/ap/children_for_adoption.html) and is a complete database of all children in Virginia awaiting adoption from foster care and group homes. Tue, 27 Nov 2007 11:30:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2007/11-07-_EITC_Volunteer_Tax_Preparers_Needed.pdf Many gainfully employed and hard-working Virginians still have trouble making ends meet. The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) is now recruiting volunteer tax preparers throughout the Commonwealth to assist these individuals and families with their income tax returns and to help determine if they qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Tue, 20 Nov 2007 16:00:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2007/11-6-07-heating_assistance_application_deadline_is_Friday.pdf The deadline for low-income Virginians to apply for Fuel Assistance is this Friday, Nov. 9. Those who think they may qualify, especially the elderly and disabled, are encouraged to apply at their local department of social services by close of business on Friday. All households that meet the eligibility requirements and apply by the deadline will receive a heating assistance benefit. Wed, 07 Nov 2007 12:55:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2007/2007_AmeriCorps_launch.pdf This news release details recent AmeriCorps events. AmeriCorps service is an excellent opportunity for college students looking to earn money for school while bettering their communities. Recently, hundreds of Virginians were sworn in as AmeriCorps members during ceremonies in Richmond and Abingdon. Their commitment to one year as an AmeriCorps volunteer offers them the opportunity to provide intensive, results-driven service while receiving many incentives, including education awards for tuition or to pay back qualified student loans, a stipend for living expenses, health insurance and work experience. This year's ceremonies also included the presentation of the first ever Robert E. Wone Award for Exemplary Service. Tue, 06 Nov 2007 12:00:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2007/10_31_07_Virginia_Commission_on_Immigration_meeting.pdf The Virginia Commission on Immigration will hold its second meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. in House Room C of the General Assembly Building in Richmond. The Commission is charged with studying, reporting and making recommendations to address the costs and benefits of immigration on the Commonwealth, including the impact on education, health care, law enforcement, local demands for services and the economy, and the effect on the Commonwealth of federal immigration and funding policies. Tue, 30 Oct 2007 12:30:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2007/AmeriCorps_Abingdon_Media_Advisory.pdf Virginians ready to serve their communities as AmeriCorps members will be sworn in Oct. 31 at Highlands Virginia Community College in Abingdon. There will be media availability. Mon, 29 Oct 2007 12:30:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2007/10_22_07_fuel_assistance_deadline.pdf Applications for Fuel Assistance through the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) Energy Assistance Program are being accepted through Friday, Nov. 9, at local departments of social services. Families and individuals must apply at their local social services office. While temperatures have been warm lately, officials encourage those who may qualify to apply now. Applications must be received by the deadline. Wed, 24 Oct 2007 12:00:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2007/10_17_07_AmeriCorp_kickoff_media_advisory.pdf Virginians ready to serve their communities as AmeriCorps members will be sworn in Oct. 18. The Robert E. Wone Award for Exemplary Service will also be presented for the first time. There will be media availability. Wed, 24 Oct 2007 12:00:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2007/AmeriCorps_Recruitment_Release.pdf College students interested in earning money for school - and bettering their communities - have a unique opportunity to do both through AmeriCorps service. Applications are now being accepted for AmeriCorps members in the Commonwealth. Hundreds of Virginians will have the opportunity to provide intensive, results-driven service while receiving many incentives, including health insurance, a stipend for living expenses and work experience. Participation is open to all Virginians age 17 and older, legally residing in the Commonwealth. Wed, 24 Oct 2007 12:00:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2007/9_24_07_domestic_violence_pitch_advisory.pdf October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The Virginia Department of Social Services' (VDSS) Office of Family Violence can help your media outlet raise public awareness with a wide variety of story angles and interview opportunities. Wed, 24 Oct 2007 12:00:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2007/9_26_07_advisory_prisoner_reentry.pdf Interviews are available with officials from law enforcement, social services, public safety, the Office of the Attorney General, Department of Corrections, the Commonwealth Attorney's office, and community and service agencies during a forum on Thursday, Sept. 27. The Richmond City Prisoner Re-entry Forum will examine ways to reduce the rate of recidivism in the city and to coordinate re-entry programs to help ex-offenders settle back into their communities after leaving prison. Wed, 24 Oct 2007 12:00:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2007/8_29_07_VDSSofferspodcasts.pdf The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) now offers podcasts and interactive news releases for use by the media. The newly-launched VDSS podcasting network can assist reporters in gathering audio and background information. Wed, 24 Oct 2007 12:00:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2007/8-23-07_find_childcare.pdf As parents prepare for back-to-school, many will be seeking before and after school care. Others may be researching child care facilities for the first time for their pre-school age children. The Virginia Department of Social Services' (VDSS) Web site is a useful tool for empowering parents to make informed decisions about child care. Wed, 24 Oct 2007 12:00:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2007/07-20-07_dcse_award.pdf The Virginia Department of Social Services' (VDSS) Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE) is setting an example of how to innovatively and creatively collect past due child support payments - and the nation is noticing. Wed, 06 Aug 2007 12:00:00 EDT http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/pa/news_releases/2007/07-23-07_putative_registry.pdf Could you be a father? A new program through the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) can help protect the rights of men who may have fathered a child. Wed, 23 Jul 2007 14:00:00 EDT