Effective January 25, 2021, the Department of Human Services will be temporarily closed to the public. A reopening timeline will be announced at a later date. Our 24/7 programs and emergency services will continue to operate and staff will be working remotely to the greatest extent possible. We will continue working to meet the needs of our community and serve the individuals who depend on our agency. To learn more about the closure and how to connect with our programs and services, please visit our COVID-19 Operations page.

 Department of Human Services Reopening Guidelines and Procedures
The Department of Human Services is currently open to the public, with some exceptions outlined below. Please note, however, that there are some changes to how we interact with our clients.

As of Monday, July 6, all of our locations, except for the Behavioral Health & Developmental Services Day Programs, have reopened to the public from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday. Our staff have been working behind the scenes since we closed to the public in March, and we're very excited to take this step forward towards serving our clients in a more traditional way. More information about specific programs, and what you can expect during a visit to one of our facilities, can be found below.

As we move through the phases of the Forward Virginia plan laid out by Governor Northam, this page will be updated with additional information about changes to programs and services. We encourage our citizens to connect with us through electronic or telehealth methods as much as possible, though we will see clients in person, by appointment.

​What we ask of you

  • Wear a face covering, if you are able
  • Do not come in if you are sick, not feeling well, or have been around someone known to have been exposed to or tested positive for COVID-19, or are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
    • ​Cough
    • Shortness of breath
    • Fever
    • Repeated shaking
    • ​Muscle pain
    • Chills
    • Headache
    • Sore throat
    • Loss of taste or smell
  • Observe physical distancing markers in our facilities
  • Use electronic means, whenever possible, to do business with the Department
  • If you would prefer a face-to-face meeting, you may request an appointment

​What you can expect from us

  • Frequent sanitizing of our facilities, especially high-touch points such as doorknobs, handrails, bathrooms, and water fountains
  • Social distancing will be followed to the greatest extent possible, and may include physical barriers such as sneeze guards or plexiglass
  • Staff will wear face coverings when conducting business in person
  • Capping our building capacity to 50% to encourage physical distancing between visitors and staff
  • Clients and family members may be asked to wait in their vehicle until the appointed time if building capacity has been reached
  • Exceptional customer service

 Behavioral Health & Developmental Services
  • Same Day Access assessments will continue to be provided to those in need; however we ask that you preschedule any appointments whenever possible.
  • Developmental Services Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs) and Group Homes will remain open with staff reporting to work each day providing direct care to clients; however they are currently closed to visitors. 
  • Pathways Center will remain open with staff reporting to work each day providing direct care to clients, but at a reduced count (8 of 16 beds) to allow each client to have their own room. The Center is not open to visitors at this time.
  • Community Corrections & Pretrial Services are open, with an emphasis on high risk clients and new intakes at this time.
  • Jail-Based Behavioral Health Services will continue to provide sessions at the attorney panels. Futher opening will be based on the Sheriff’s direction as well as state and local guidance. 
  • Day Programs are closed and will continue to follow state and local guidance regarding congregate settings. 

BHDS Contact Information

Phone numbers:
​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 
(available 24/7)
​757-385-0888
​Informational Warmline 
(available M-F 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
​757-385-0978

Email addresses:
​​VB Behavioral Health (Adults & Children)
​VBBH@vbgov.com​
​VB Developmental Services 
​​VBDS@vbgov.com​
​VB Adult and Aging Services
​VBAAS@vbgov.com​

 Social Services
  • Child Welfare will conduct virtual visits between families and may be able to resume in-person visitation in larger spaces with limited numbers of staff and family members, with some telephonic support. Home compliance visits and all other work will continue via video or onsite visits. Visits will proceed after completing a screening by reviewing self-reporting questions and enhanced/continued use of PPE and cloth face coverings.
  • The Housing Resource Center (HRC) staff will serve clients both by distance (phone, email, or online) and in person while wearing a face covering/mask andpracticing six-foot social distancing. 
  • Adult & Aging staff serve clients both by distance (phone, email, or online) and in person while wearing a face covering/mask, and practicing six-foot social distancing. Due to our elderly population being a high-risk factor for catching COVID-19, we encourage clients to access services remotely as much as possible.
  • ​The Juvenile Detention Center (JDC) is operational; however it is not open to visitation at this time. Visitation modifications will continue until social distancing restrictions are eased.
  • The Children’s Services Act (CSA)/The Family Assesment Planning Team (FAPT) will operate telephonically, still involving families and provider participation. FAPT and electronic payment authorizations cannot resume fully until courts and schools are open. 
  • The Community Planning Management Team (CPMT) will meet in person with social distancing guidelines applied. Utilization reviews and on-site visits will resume when residential facilities have lifted restrictions on visits to the facilities. Desk reviews will continue until businesses re-open.  

Social Services Contact Informaiton

Phone numbers:
​Adult Protective Services (APS)
To report suspect neglect or abuse of adults
757-385-3550 (M-F, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
888-832-3858 (available 24/7)
​Child Protective Services (CPS)
To report suspected abuse or neglect
of children
​757-385-3400 (M-F, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
800-552-7096 (available 24/7)

Email addresses:
​VB FAPT
(Family Assessment and Planning Team) 
VBFAPT@vbgov.com​

 Financial Assistance
  • ​The Financial Assistance Division (FAD) will continue to process benefit applications. Clients are encouraged to apply online at CommonHelp.Virginia.gov instead of applying in person. Paper applications can be returned to the outside mailbox at 3432 Virginia Beach Blvd. The mailbox will be disinfected daily and staff will wash/sanitize hands prior to and after handling mail. Public access to the building will be monitored and limited to 50% capacity. Clients will be encouraged to wait in their vehicle until they are called in, and other systems will be put into place to allow for visitor distancing. 
  • EBT pickup will be available curbside from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday.
  • The COVID-19 Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Relief Program is accepting applications through Jan. 30, 2021. Please visit the program's webpage for eligibility information and how to apply.
  • For more information about our Financial Assistance programs, please visit our webpage.

Financial Assistance Contact Information

Phone number:
​Financial Assistance Division
​757-385-3200

Email address:
​​VB Benefits
(SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, Energy, and
Water Assistance)​
​VBBenefits@vbgov.com​

 Looking for another department's reopening page?
​Please visit the City's emergency page for more information.