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Disaster Plan 2021: Annual Progress and Services Report 2021 [Virginia].
Virginia. Department of Social Services. Division of Family Services.
State Resource
Technical Report
Annual Report
6 p.
Public Domain
Published: October 2021
Virginia Department of Social Services
801 E. Main Street
Richmond, VA 23219-2901
Tel: 804-726-7000
800-552-3431
Fax: 804-786-6227
citizen.services@dss.virginia.gov
Available From:http://www.dss.virginia.gov/
Download: https://dss.virginia.gov/files/division/dfs/cfs/apsr/2021/2021_Disaster_Plan.pdf
This document presents the continuations of operations (COOP) plan for the Virginia Division of Family Services (DFS) for 2021 in case of disasters. It begins by explaining Virginia’s child welfare services are carried out in a State-supervised and locally-administered system, and that local departments must develop individual emergency procedures as they are aware of emergency resources and supports within their area. The report notes if the State office is forced to close or relocate due to a disaster, service provision will continue to be offered through local departments of social services. It is explained the Virginia Department of Social Services continually maintains the Active Foster Care Report in an Excel file on an external hardware jump drive that ensures information regarding children in foster care will be available outside of the automated child welfare database. The response of DFS to the COVID-19 pandemic is described including publications, funding for personal protective equipment, the implementation of virtual visitation, and regulatory waivers. The disaster plan also reports findings from a survey of local stakeholders on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic that indicates domestic violence programs reported an increase in demand for services while the child welfare programs reported a slight decrease in demand. Adaptations by local domestic violence programs in response to the pandemic are described. Finally, the disaster plan highlights the development and implementation of online learning opportunities.
Keywords:
STATEWIDE PLANNING; CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES REVIEW; STRATEGIC PLANNING; POLICY FORMATION; PROGRAM IMPROVEMENT; CHILD WELFARE REFORM; CHILD WELFARE SERVICES; VIRGINIA; STATE DISASTER PLANS; STATE DISASTER RESPONSE