Frequently Asked Questions

Who do I call if I suspect a child is being abused or neglected?

Call or visit Winchester Department Social Services during regular working hours. After 5:00 PM, weekends and holidays contact the Winchester Police Department at 540-662-4131 and ask to speak to the On-Call Social Worker. You can also call the Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline at 1-866-217-8166. If a child is in immediate danger, dial 911.

Who do I call if I suspect an adult is being abused or neglected?

The adult must be at least 60 years of age or at least 18 and impaired by reason of mental illness, mental retardation, physical illness or disability or by other cases that prevents the adult from having sufficient understanding or capacity to make, communicate or carry out responsible decision for his/her well being,

Follow the same procedure as Child Protective services. The hotline will also take Adult complaint calls. If the adult is in a Nursing Home, you can call the Center for Quality Health Care Services & Consumer Protection at 1-800-955-1819 and the local Ombudsman at 1-800-883-4122. If the adult is in an Assisted Living Facility, you can also contact the Department of Licensing at 540-332-2330.

How do I have someone screened for Nursing Home or Assisted Living placement?

Call or visit the Winchester Department of Social Services during regular business hours and ask to speak to an Adult Services Worker.

Who do I contact to learn about In-Home services for an adult?

Call or visit Winchester Department of Social Services and ask to speak with an Adult Services worker.

Who can I talk to about possible services for myself or my family?

Call winchesterva.gov :: Department of Social Services

Will they take my house if I have to go to a nursing home?

No. After 6 months in a nursing home, your home’s equity value may be counted as a resource and you may need to see the home and use the proceeds for the cost of your care. This may not happen if you have a spouse, minor children or disabled parent or disabled child of any age that lives in the home.

How long will it take to process my application for benefits?

Expedited Food Stamp applications must be processed within 7 days and Non-expedited applications must be process within 30 days. Applications for TANF must be processed within 30 days and Medicaid applications must be processed within 45 days.