Stronger services.
Better outcomes.
Virginia Alliance of Family Services Practitioners (VAFSP) supports the people who help Virginia’s families every day. Our members work in local Departments of Social Services and are often the first people families meet when they need help. We learn together, connect by planning districts, and support policies that improve services statewide.
At a glance
Practitioner‑led network across Virginia’s planning districts and regions
Organized in 1989; re‑organized in 2025 (formerly VASWP)
501(c)(4) nonprofit (effective July 1, 2025)
Empowering Virginia's Family Services Practitioners
We help make Virginia’s social services strong, efficient, and fair.
Promote strong services
We work together to keep Virginia’s social services sound and efficient, so families get skilled, consistent help across the Commonwealth.
Support good laws & policy
We propose and back legislation that improves public welfare and supports family services practitioners in local DSS.
Connect partners
We build cooperation among local, regional, and state DSS—and with public, private, and government organizations—so policy and practice stay aligned.
Grow
the Alliance
We encourage active member participation—through districts, committees, and meetings—to develop professionals and strengthen our shared work.
Make your voice heard statewide
If you work in family services at a Virginia local Department of Social Services (or a comparable leadership or supervisory role) you’re eligible to become a member. As an active member, you’ll get a statewide voice and vote, opportunities to lead in districts and committees, access to membership meetings, and practical updates that support day-to-day work.
What our committees are working on
membership
2026-2027 Membership Application & Payments
We are aware of the payment issue on the website. We are currently working to rectify the issue.
Your locality can always send a check to: **Please confirm membership fee with joly.nield@dss.virginia.gov **
Joly Nield, Treasurer
FIPS: 187 Warren County Dept. of Social Services
465 W. 15th St, Suite 100
Front Royal, VA 22630
Status:
Updated:
Jul 2026
Professional Development
Bi-Annual Conferences
The Professional Development committee is responsible for managing the upcoming Bi-Annual Conferences. Currently, the PD Committee is vetting conference speakers, researching the next conference location, and formulating the conference theme. If you are interested in joining the Professional Development Committee or have ideas to share, please contact the Executive Team Member-2nd Vice President.
Status:
Planning
Updated:
Mar 2026
Child & Family
Opposing Bill HB266
In December 2025 and January 2026, the Child and Family Committee held urgent meetings regarding Bill HB266, which proposed centralized intake and validity determination for CPS referrals. The committee reviewed the bill, gathered LDSS experiences with the CPS hotline, and compiled questions and concerns. These were presented to the VLSSE legislative liaison and incorporated into VLSSE’s formal opposition to Bill HB266 as written. To join this committee, contact the Executive Team–1st Vice President.