Family Services Programs

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Are you concerned about the safety or wellbeing of a child?

Child Protective Services - Child Protective Services (CPS) identifies, assesses, and provides services to children who have been abused or neglected and to their families. It is designed to preserve families whenever possible yet protect children and prevent further maltreatment. 

How To Report Suspected Child Abuse

Call 540-662-3807 to report suspected child maltreatment to the Winchester Department of Social Services (Mon-Fri, 8.30am-4.30pm). After-hours reports can be made by calling (540) 662-4131. If a child or adult is in immediate danger, dial 911.

Other ways to report:

  • Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline: (800) 552-7096
  • Mandated Reporters Only: Online portal

Are you concerned about the safety or wellbeing of an adult?

Adult Services / Adult Protective Services - The Adult Services Program assists adults with an impairment who need services or support to enhance self-sufficiency and improve their quality of life. Adult Protective Services (APS) receives and investigates reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of adults 60 years of age or older and incapacitated adults aged 18 or older.

How To Report Suspected Adult Maltreatment

Call 540-662-3807 to report suspected adult maltreatment to the Winchester Department of Social Services (Mon-Fri, 8.30am-4.30pm). After-hours reports can be made by calling (540) 662-4131. If a child or adult is in immediate danger, dial 911.

Other ways to report:

  • Adult Protective Services Hotline (888) 832-3858

 

Are you interested in learning about becoming a local foster parent for a child in need?

Foster Care and Adoption - Foster Care provides services, substitute care, and supervision for a child on a 24-hour basis until the child can return to his or her family or be placed in an adoptive home or another permanent placement. Foster care is intended to be a temporary rather than a long-term solution for children who have been removed from their birth family homes for reasons of neglect, abuse, abandonment, or other issues endangering their health and/or safety. Adoption is one of many possible outcomes of providing foster care.

To learn more about becoming a foster or adoptive parent visit Foster Families of Clarke, Frederick and Winchester (CFW) or Virginia’s Faster Families Highway.

General Resources

Safe Sleep 365
Child Supervision Guidelines(PDF, 8MB)  
Hot Car Safety - English(PDF, 107KB)  | Spanish(PDF, 209KB)  
Never Shake Your Baby

Mandated Reporter Resources

Mandated Reporter Training
Mandated Reporters - What You Need to Know

Careers and Internships

The Winchester Department of Social Services is seeking Family Services Specialists and interns (Child Welfare Stipends welcome!) to join our team. But we have to warn you...when you work here, it's more than just a job. Our Family Services Specialists and interns have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. To bravely and proudly do what's needed to keep children, seniors, individuals, and families safe. To be a part of a team that supports each other through the highs and the lows and has a whole lot of fun in between. 

Family Services Specialists at Winchester Department of Social Services work in three main program areas: 

Our Programs: 

  • Protect children and strengthen families 

  • Protect adults who are elderly or have disabilities and support adults' right to self-determination 

  • Provide and manage community-based services and supports to prevent abuse, neglect, and exploitation of children and youth 

  • Provide and manage community-based services and supports to the elderly and adults with disabilities to maintain their dignity and independence as much as possible 

Explore your interest in becoming a Family Services Specialist. Complete our self-assessment tools to find out if a position in child or adult welfare is right for you.  

 

Click here to apply to become a Family Services Specialist today! Serve your community and make a difference! 

Click here to apply for an internship. We are looking for motivated students who want to leave their mark!  

 

Resources:  

 

 

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