Sydney Bernstein-Miller

The meeting commenced with a comment period which included updates from the Executive Director of the VA Community Action Partnership regarding the statewide volunteer income tax coalition program, and the President of the Virginia League of Social Service Executives concerning membership status and legislative package preparations for the 2026 session. Action items approved included the resolution for Benefit Programs Specialist Appreciation Month, the 22VAC40-325 Fraud Reduction/Elimination Effort Fast Track Regulation, a Deviation Request from Orange County DSS, and updates to the LDSS Administrative/HR Manual Chapters 1-3. The 2026 Meeting Schedule was established, noting that the February 2026 meeting would be held in person due to bylaws prohibiting back-to-back virtual meetings. Board members requested follow-up presentations on SNAP Errors/QC data (to be presented in April 2026), a deeper analysis of dollars recovered through the Fraud Program (within six months), and information regarding Survivor Benefits for Children in Foster Care (in April or June). A committee was also appointed to recommend a location for the June meeting.

The meeting commenced with the approval of remote participation for a board member and the introduction of a new board member. The Commissioner provided feedback regarding board emails. During the comment period, a representative from the Virginia League of Social Service Executives discussed the League's focus on the Federal shutdown impact and legislative priorities, specifically advocating for state coverage of SNAP administrative costs. Key action items included approving the minutes from the August 2025 meeting and approving a regulation change for Permanency Services. A closed meeting was held to discuss the legal rationale for withdrawing action on the 22VAC40-325 Fraud Reduction/Elimination Effort, after which the Board requested the Department resubmit a regulatory action for the Fraud Program within 60 days. The Board also approved a request from Wise County DSS regarding local jurisdiction policy for inclement weather and holidays. The establishment of the 2026 Meeting Schedule was deferred to the December 2025 meeting. The agenda also included an overview of the Office of the Children's Ombudsman and a presentation on Executive Directive 13, which was moved to the December meeting. A request was made for a December presentation regarding options to address eligibility errors.

The meeting included comments from the VA Community Action Partnership regarding federal level changes, funding, community assessments, gaps in service delivery, housing needs, and partnerships for universal broadband access and digital training. The Virginia League of Social Service Executives addressed the SNAP error rate and the need for a new case management system, enhanced training, and state assistance. There was a discussion of local disaster recovery efforts and preparation for future disasters. The board discussed DSS email addresses for board members and voted to replace the former secretary to the board. A board member inquired about the status of a constituent case.

The State Board of Social Services virtual meeting included discussions on agency priorities, the potential impact of pending federal legislation on Medicaid eligibility reviews and low-income families, and the need for better understanding of resource needs resulting from new federal requirements. The board received comments on liability insurance regulations and concerns about children in foster care. Updates were provided on the parental child safety placement program, kinship placements, and the Safe Kids, Strong Families Initiative. The Division of Licensing Programs presented an overview of the compliance process. There was also discussion regarding state funding for local department staffing levels and advocacy for increased resources. The meeting concluded with recognition of an outgoing member.

Virginia's Family Engagement Implementation Strategy for Child Welfare aims to establish a consistent method of involving families in decision-making, empower families to take an active role, create a process for local departments to partner with families, and establish criteria for structured sharing and family involvement. The strategy includes collaboration and integration through a Family Engagement Work group and Advisory Committee, information sharing via online overviews and a speakers bureau, local readiness assessment and analysis, training and support for local staff, and DFS guidance and OASIS release. Key activities include disseminating a readiness assessment tool, reviewing existing child welfare guidance, and developing family engagement guidance.