VDSS
Virginia Department of Social Services
Agency Overview
The Virginia Department of Social Services is one of the largest Commonwealth agencies, partnering with 120 local departments of social services, along with faith-based and non-profit organizations, to promote the well-being of children and families statewide. We proudly serve alongside nearly 13,000 state and local human services professionals throughout the Social Services System, who ensure that thousands of Virginia’s most vulnerable citizens have access to the best services and benefits available to them.
Together, we work each day to serve, empower, and create opportunities for brighter futures.
Division of Licensing Programs
The Division of Licensing Programs (DOLP) strives to protect the safety, health, and well-being of children, youth, and adults receiving care in non-medical day facilities and residential programs. Assisted living facilities (ALF), adult day centers (ADC), children’s residential facilities (CRF), and licensed child placing agencies (LCPA) are the main programs licensed through DOLP.
Please visit the following webpages to learn more about each program type and the processes for becoming licensed:
Assisted Living Facilities
Assisted living facilities are congregate residential settings that provide or coordinate personal
and health care services, 24-hour supervision, and assistance (scheduled and unscheduled) for the
maintenance or care of four or more adults who are aged or infirm or who have disabilities and
who are cared for in a primarily residential setting.
Assisted Living Facilities (ALF) - Virginia Department of Social Services
Adult Day Centers
Adult day centers are facilities that are either operated for profit or that desires licensure
and that provides supplementary care and protection during only part of the day to four or more
adults who are aged or infirm or who have disabilities and who reside elsewhere.
Adult Day Centers (ADC) - Virginia Department of Social Services
Children’s Residential Facilities
Children’s residential facilities are any facility, child-caring institution, or group home that is
maintained for the purpose of receiving children separated from their parents or guardians for
full-time care, maintenance, protection and guidance, or for the purpose of providing independent
living services to persons between 18 and 21 years of age who are in the process of transitioning out of foster care.
Children's Residential Facilities (CRF) - Virginia Department of Social Services
Licensed Child Placing Agencies
Licensed child placing agencies means any person who places children in foster homes, adoptive homes, or independent living arrangements.
Licensed Child Placing Agencies - Virginia Department of Social Services
Contact Information
Division of Licensing Programs
Virginia Department of Social Services
Tara Davis Ragland, Division Director
Home Office Address
5600 Cox Road
Glen Allen, VA 23060
Phone Number
(800) 543-7545