Bold Leadership for Human Services
Vision Statement
A healthy community of productive, self-supporting, and self-sufficient citizens, free from violence and dependency on public assistance.
Mission Statement
To enhance the quality of life by strengthening families and individuals, promoting safety and self-sufficiency through agency programs and community partnerships.
Leadership Philosophy
The leadership of Isle of Wight Department of Social Services empowers employees, motivates staff to succeed, models professionalism, and is committed to providing service with excellence to our community. We recognize that each employee is a leader who takes ownership of their area of service. Our leadership promotes customer service, accountability, and embraces professional growth and development.
Service Philosophy
“We are here to serve the Citizens of Isle of Wight County! You the citizen are the most important visitor on our premises. You are not dependent on us, we are dependent on you. You are not an outsider in our agency, you are a important part of it. We are not doing you a favor by serving you, you are doing us a favor allowing us to serve you.”
Non-Discrimination Statement
​
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
​
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
​
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form,(AD-3027) found online
at: How to File a Complaint, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
- Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
​
- Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
- email: program.intake@usda.gov.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
​
Isle of Wight County Department of Social Services (IOWC-DSS) does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision and delivery of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients
We are an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
The most common type of maltreatment is neglect. In Federal fiscal year 2020, about 3.9 million referrals were made to child protective services concerning the safety and well-being of approximately 7.1 million children. Last year, an estimated 618,000 children were found to be victims of child abuse or neglect nationwide.
Source: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Children’s Bureau. (2022). Child Maltreatment 2020.
Virginia Lifespan Respite Voucher Program
Respite is defined as a short period of rest or relief from something difficult. Caring for a loved one can be very difficult on a caregiver. Respite Care provides temporary relief to a primary caregiver from the continuous support and care of a loved one who has a disability or medical condition. Respite will be most helpful if you use it before you become exhausted, isolated, and overwhelmed by your responsibilities. Respite services can be beneficial, meaningful, and enjoyable to both the caregiver and the care recipient.
​
The Virginia Lifespan Respite Voucher Program (VLRVP) provides reimbursement vouchers to Virginia caregivers for the cost of temporary, short-term respite care provided to individuals of any age, with a documented disability or medical condition.
​
The goal of this program is to increase access and reduce barriers to respite care, as well as enhance education and awareness about respite care. Respite funding is limited to $595.00 per family through June 30, 2026, or until funds are exhausted. This program prohibits the use of these funds for rent, cleaning, medical supplies, food, or other household expenditures. Due to its limited funding, not all eligible applicants will be approved.