apply for Medicaid, go online to www.commonhelp.virginia.gov, call 855242-8282, or contact your local agency.
Child Care Assistance (CC)
The Child Care Assistance Program provides funding to enhance the quality, affordability, and supply of childcare available to Virginia’s families. Child Care services are child-centered, family-focused services that support the family goals of economic self-sufficiency and child development by providing for supervision, protection, and well-being of a child while the parent is participating in an approved activity. For more information and to apply, visit http://www.dss.virginia.gov/family/ cc/assistance.cgi
Child Protective Services
24-hour Child Abuse Hotline: 800-552-7096
Virginia statute requires social services departments to investigate all reports of possible child abuse or neglect and to arrange protection for children when protection is needed. The purpose of child protective services intervention is to protect children, to preserve families whenever possible, and to prevent further abuse and neglect. DSS encourages anyone who is aware of possible child abuse or neglect to call the 24-hour child abuse hotline: 800-552-7096 at any time. To get more information about a situation you may be unsure meets the definition of abuse or neglect or to report suspicions of abuse or neglect, call the Fauquier office at 540-422-8400 during office hours. An abused or neglected child is any child under 18 whose parent, or any other person responsible for the care of the child causes or threatens to cause, a physical or mental injury (except for an accident), who fails to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care, or caring support, who abandons the child, who fails to provide the kind of supervision necessary for a child’s age or level of development, or who commits, or allows to be committed, any sexual act involving the child.
Children’s Services (CSA)
Services under the CSA may be available to a child who meets at least one of the following descriptions: youth who require private placement for special education, youth who are in foster care or eligible for foster care services, youth who are eligible for services through a Child in Need of Services determination or youth who have significant emotional or behavioral problems and may require services not available from any single agency, require services of multiple agencies, or may be at risk of residential placement. While most of the children who qualify for CSA services are already under the purview of one of the member agencies (Juvenile Court Services, Social Services, Community Services, or the Public Schools) you may call the Children’s Services Coordinator at 540-422-8400 to find out if you and your child are eligible for services. For more information, visit http://www.csa. virginia.gov/.
Fauquier County Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Advocacy Program 24-Hour Hotline 540-422-8460
See full listing under the Domestic Violence & Abuse section.
Family Services and Foster Care Prevention Services
to 18 years. Some have been victimized by abuse or neglect. Some may be physically or mentally challenged; some may have emotional or behavioral problems. Sometimes, as a result of abuse, neglect, abandonment or a death in the family, courts decide that children must be temporarily separated from their families. A child’s stay in foster care may be as short as overnight or longer depending on the permanency plan for the child. The goal is to reunite the children with their own families. When this is not possible, parental rights may be terminated and adoption becomes the goal for the child. Often, foster parents are the first choice for the child’s adoptive home. In foster care, the department has legal custody of the child and assumes the ultimate responsibility for the child. A family will receive a maintenance payment on behalf of the child to help with expenses while a child is in their home. Children have medical and dental coverage while in foster care. To find out more about becoming a foster parent, visit http:// www.dss.virginia.gov/family/fc/.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - (formerly Food Stamps)
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP, embodies our country’s commitment against hunger, ensuring everyone has access to food. The overall goal of SNAP is to alleviate hunger and malnutrition by increasing resources for the purchase of food for a nutritious diet. Key functions, goals and initiatives: • Improve likelihood that SNAP recipients will make healthy food choices within a limited budget and consistent with the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the USDA food guidance. • As a result of a disaster, family crisis, or temporary periods of unemployment, SNAP responds quickly and effectively to support communities during times of increased need • Boosts state economies throughout local communities. Increase overall purchasing power by allowing SNAP recipients to spend money on other basic needs while these benefits cover food. • Community and public health collaborating with schools and other organizations to improve the school nutrition environment. To determine eligibility and/or apply for SNAP benefits online, visit commonhelp.gov, dss.virginia.gov, or by visiting the local DSS website at fauquiercounty.gov. Phone inquiries can be made by calling 540422-8400.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families – (TANF)
TANF provides temporary financial assistance for eligible families with minor children in the home, who are financially needy and meet other requirements as well. An interview is required. TANF payments depend on the size of the family; a family may qualify while receiving income from other sources. Applicants must cooperate in naming the parents of all eligible children and help establish paternity. Some individuals who qualify for TANF may be required to participate in VIEW, the Virginia Initiative for Education and Work. VIEW participants can earn an income in addition to their TANF benefits but the total income may not exceed the federal poverty level for their family size. To apply for TANF go online to https://commonhelp.virginia.gov or call the Fauquier office.
Family Services are designed to assist children and families resolve crises, connect with necessary and appropriate services, and remain safely together in their own homes whenever possible. The goal is to prevent or eliminate the need for out-of-home placement of children, promote family strength and stability, enhance parental functioning and protect children. Call FCDSS and ask for the Family Services social worker on intake if you, your family or a friend are experiencing difficulties. Call 540-422-8400 during office hours.
Auxiliary Grants – (AG)
Foster Care Services
General Relief – (GR)
DSS also provides services to foster children and their foster parents. Foster parents are professional parents who enjoy parenting and are willing to share their home, time, energy and love with children who have special problems. The children range in age from newborn
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Fauquier Resource Guide
AG is a financial assistance supplement for recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and certain other aged, blind or disabled individuals who are residing in a licensed Assisted Living Facility (ALF) or in an Adult Foster Care (AFC) home approved by Social Services. For more information and how to apply please visit the Virginia Department of Social Services website at http://www.dss.virginia.gov/ GR is a short-term assistance program to help with specific emergency situations related to housing and utilities. This is a local program and application must be made at our local office. You must be a Fauquier County resident and have an emergency need. For additional eligibility