People First
Demonstrating service, respect and compassion in every interaction.
Who We Are
About the Virginia Department of Social Services
The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) operates within a three-part system that includes our 120 local departments of social services (LDSS) and the Virginia Community Action Partnership (VACAP). VDSS proudly serves alongside 13,000 state and local human services professionals who ensure nearly three million Virginians have access to critical services and resources.
Our mission is to design and deliver high-quality human services that help Virginians achieve safety, independence and overall well-being.
Every day, we partner with communities, organizations and stakeholders across the Commonwealth to ensure all Virginians have the resources and opportunities they need to build strong futures.
Grounded in our commitment to public service, our work is guided by five core values:
Embrace Differences
Seeking and honoring the skills, creativity and contributions of others.
Commit to Excellence
Performing high-quality work with integrity, civility and accountability.
Think Bigger
Focusing on opportunities to learn, innovate, improve and transform.
Win Together
Celebrating the successful outcomes of strong and collaborative partnerships.
Leadership
Abigail Spanberger
Governor Commonwealth of Virginia
The Governor of Virginia leads the executive branch, ensuring state laws are carried out, managing the Commonwealth’s budget, and appointing key leaders. The Governor sets policy priorities, oversees emergency response, and represents Virginia at the state and national level. Learn more about the Governor’s role and responsibilities.
Marvin Figueroa
Secretary Health and Human Resources
The Secretary of Health and Human Resources oversees the following 12 state agencies that provide vital services to Virginians, including individuals with disabilities, the aging community, low-income working families, children, and caregivers. In addition, our agencies license health practitioners and ensure safe drinking water in the Commonwealth.
Duke Storen
VDSS Commissioner
Duke Storen serves as Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS), leading programs that help Virginians meet basic needs and support their families. He focuses on improving access to services, strengthening communities and modernizing systems to better serve the people of Virginia.
What We Do
The Virginia Department of Social Services is one of Virginia's largest state agencies. We work alongside 120 local departments, 5 regional offices, and 31 community action agencies to deliver programs across all 134 Virginia localities.
Adoption
The Virginia Adoption Program helps children in foster care find safe, permanent homes when they cannot return to their families.
Child Protective Services
Child Protective Services helps protect children under 18 by responding to reports of abuse or neglect.
Child Support Services
Child Support Enforcement helps parents and caregivers establish and manage child support and paternity cases.
Foster Care
Virginia foster care gives children safe, temporary homes while working to reunite families when it is safe.
Refugee Services
Virginia helps refugees and their families adjust, find stability and build strong futures.
Benefit Programs
Virginia Department of Social Services offers benefits and support to help people meet basic needs and build stability.
Mission, Vision and Values
Mission
To design and deliver high-quality human services that help Virginians achieve safety, independence and overall well-being.
Vision
A Commonwealth where all Virginians have the resources they need to shape strong futures.
People First
Embrace Differences
Commit to Excellence
Think Bigger
Win Together
Contact and Connect
Not sure where to start? Use the options below to find support near you or reach the right team.
Find a local office
Connect with your city or county department for applications, casework, and in-person help.
Apply online
Use CommonHelp to apply for SNAP, Medicaid, childcare, and other benefit programs.
Call Citizen Services
Reach the main VDSS line for questions about programs, eligibility, or where to get started.
Find my local department