Virginia Beach Human Services to Implement Modified Operations Beginning Monday, March 30
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​​​​​In order to accommodate the most recent recommendations of the Virginia Department of Health and the Governor of Virginia regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the Virginia Beach Department of Human Services (VBDHS) will discontinue public access to building facilities effective Monday, March 30, 2020. Essential services will be provided as outlined below.

Staff will continue to work on site at various locations as well as from remote locations to meet the service needs of our citizens via telehealth (video), by phone, or out in the ​community in low exposure settings where social distancing is possible. 

The hotlines listed below will be staffed to answer calls, as well as our main program phone numbers during regular business hours Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ​We are committed to providing a timely response to all citizens.

Emergency Hotlines:

  • Adult Protective Services (APS) – to report suspected neglect or abuse of adults
    • 757-385-3550 Monday thru Friday 8 AM to 5 PM
    • 888-832-3858 for all calls outside of regular business hours
  • Child Protective Services (CPS) - to report suspected neglect or abuse of children
    • 757-385-3400 or 800-552-7096 Available 24/7
  • Emergency Mental Health Services 757-385-0888

For Financial Assistance:

​To file a new application:
  • Medicaid (Medical Assistance) apply online at www.CommonHelp.virginia.gov​ or call Cover VA at (855) 242-8282 or the Enterprise Call Center at 855-635-4370.
  • Food Assistance (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Child Care Subsidy, and Energy Assistance apply online at  www.CommonHelp.virginia.gov​ or call 855-635-4370. Paper applications for SNAP benefits are available near the drop box at 3432 Virginia Beach Blvd. for those who cannot apply online or by phone.
  • City of Virginia Beach Water Assistance Program, call 757-385-3431
​To report case changes, inquire about the status of benefits, and for general questions regarding SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, and Energy Assistance, call 757-385-4306. To ask general questions about Child Care Subsidy, call 757-385-3351.

For Behavioral Health & Developmental Services:

  • Adult Outpatient Mental Health Services (including Same Day Access) 757-385-0511
  • Child & Youth Mental Health Services (Including Same Day Access) 757-385-0850
  • Developmental Services 757-385-0600
  • Emergency Mental Health Services 757-385-0888 (available 24/7)
To address the routine and non-emergency needs of our citizens, VBDHS has created additional pathways for citizens to communicate with our essential service staff members by util​izing the email addresses listed below. These accounts will be monitored daily Monday - Friday and responses will be provided within one business day. 

​Modified Services

​We will offer appointments for curbside pick-up of SNAP EBT cards and continue accepting paperwork at our drop box at the front door of the Social Services Building located at 3432 Virginia Beach Blvd. ​

24/7 residential programs including the Juvenile Detention Center, Pathways at Birdneck Crisis Stabilization Center, Intermediate Care Facilities, and Group Homes will remain open, however visitation has been suspended until further notice. Our currently closed day programs will remain closed with staff keeping in frequent contact with participants of the SkillQuest, Beach House and Day Treatment programs.

Emergency Services, Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, and the Program of Assertive Community Treatment (PACT) will continue to provide community-based services on an individualized basis, as safety allows. These services will increase the use of telehealth and telephonic  platforms to connect with vulnerable adults, children, and families in the community. 

Same Day Access for Behavioral Health for children and adults will be provided primarily via virtual assessments. Appointments can be scheduled by calling the numbers listed above. Case managers in Behavioral Health and Developmental Services will continue to be available to their clients using virtual methods, telephonic contacts, and community appointments in low exposure settings that allow social distancing, when necessary. 

The health and safety of our citizens and staff members are of utmost importance. We ask that you call or email to connect with one of our staff members so we can assist you quickly. While we are making every effort to protect everyone’s health and well-being by reducing our face to face contact and practicing social distancing, we remain available to assist you during these difficult times.

Additional information and resources are available online at www.dss.virginia.gov​ and dbhds.virginia.gov.​ 

For citywide updates visit https://emergency.vbgov.com/coronavirus​.

​We hope you remain safe and healthy during this time! 

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Contact Information