Social Work Services
School Social Workers are certified professionals employed in every Chesterfield County school. They bring expertise in both education and social work, helping students overcome barriers that may interfere with learning and personal growth.
Our Mission
School Social Workers strengthen the partnership between home, school, and community to ensure that every student has equitable access to education. They promote academic achievement, emotional well-being, and a safe, supportive school environment.
What We Do
School Social Workers play a vital role in helping students succeed by addressing academic, emotional, and social challenges.
They work directly with students, staff, and families to identify needs, connect resources, and create solutions that enhance learning opportunities.
Daily Responsibilities Include:
Conducting sociological assessments for students suspected of having an educational disability
Collaborating with school teams to review individual student needs
Consulting with staff on effective social-emotional and behavioral strategies
Addressing barriers between home, school, and community including chronic absenteeism
Providing crisis intervention and prevention services
Assessing student needs through observations, home visits, and interviews
Making referrals to community agencies for additional family support
Coordinating and case-managing with outside professionals and organizations
Offering individual and group counseling for social and emotional skill development
(Adapted from the Virginia Association of School Social Work)
Collaboration and Community Support
Social Workers serve as a crucial bridge between families and resources within the community. They assist parents in navigating the school system and connecting with health, counseling, housing, and social service programs that meet their needs.
For statewide guidance and resources, visit the Virginia Department of Education, which provides additional information on special education and academic support programs.
McKinney-Vento Services
Supporting Students in Transition Toward Stability and Success
The McKinney-Vento Act ensures that every student, regardless of housing stability, has equal access to education. It promotes school stability, academic success, and supportive connections for students and families experiencing homelessness or temporary living situations.
When families face housing transitions such as temporary shelter, doubling up with others, or living in unstable environments academic barriers can arise. The McKinney-Vento program helps eliminate those barriers by assisting with enrollment, transportation, school supplies, and access to educational programs.
If you believe your family may qualify, please contact your school registrar or social worker to complete a McKinney-Vento application.
Eligibility
Students may qualify for McKinney-Vento services if they lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes:
Sharing housing with others due to loss of housing, hardship, or similar reasons
Living in motels, hotels, or shelters
Staying in cars, parks, campgrounds, or public places not meant for living
Youth living apart from parents or guardians due to incarceration, death, or family conflict
Student Rights
Under the McKinney-Vento Act, eligible students have the right to:
Enroll immediately in school, even without required documents
Attend classes while documents are gathered
Continue at their school of origin or enroll in the local school
Receive transportation to and from the school of origin (if requested)
Access free meals and fee waivers
Receive educational services comparable to those provided to other students
Appeal any district decision regarding school placement
If a school denies enrollment or placement, families will receive a written explanation and have the right to appeal the decision.
Community Resources
Families can access community-based counseling and assistance programs through their school social worker.
If you are experiencing an emergency, please contact:
24/7 Crisis Line (Chesterfield): 804-748-6356
Emergency: Call 911
Note: The listed resources are provided for convenience only. Families are encouraged to verify services and coverage directly with providers.
The Search for Child Care web tool provides details on licensed and religiously exempt child care centers, family day homes, and certified preschools, including inspection reports.
Find care: Virginia Child Care Search
Get help: Call Child Care Aware of Virginia at 866-543-7852
Financial Assistance
You may qualify for help with child care costs through the Virginia Department of Social Services.
Apply online or visit Chesterfield DSS for a paper application.
Smart Beginnings
If you live in Richmond City, Chesterfield, or Henrico and need help paying for child care for a 3- or 4-year-old, support may be available.
Contact David Williams for details.
After-School Program Search Tool
Many CCPS schools offer clothing closets for students and families in need. School Social Workers can also provide referrals to Mercy Mall or local clothing programs.
Local Options Include:
Celebration Church – Love of Jesus Thrift Store
5503 Midlothian Turnpike | (804) 230-4144New Life Thrift Store
2501 Turner Rd | (804) 276-9364CHKD Thrift Stores
91 S. Laburnum Ave or 8032 W. Broad St | (804) 437-KIDSRegenesis Thrift
11700 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Chester, VA 23831Catholic Charities Baby Closet
Diapers & clothing (newborn–3T) | (804) 285-5900Webber Memorial Baptist Church
7800 Salem Church Rd | Saturdays, 10–11 a.m.Caring Clothes Closet
By appointment | (804) 360-7779 | [email protected]Redeemer Lutheran Church
9400 Redbridge Rd | 2nd Saturday each month
Looking for job opportunities or training? These organizations can help:
Chesterfield–Colonial Heights Employment Services
Sign up for job leads and workshops via their weekly email list.VA Ready – reskilling for high-demand careers.
VA Career Works Workforce Centers
304 Turner Rd, Chesterfield | (804) 652-3490Virginia Employment Commission: vec.virginia.gov | 1-866-832-2363
Community College Workforce Alliance: ccwatraining.org | (804) 523-2292
CARITAS Works: For individuals facing employment barriers | (804) 612-1752
Programs offering emergency financial support include:
CCHASM
(804) 796-2749 | Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–noonSalvation Army Family Services
(804) 225-7470 | Rent, utilities, food & clothing assistanceCommonwealth Catholic Charities
By appointment | (804) 285-5986Chesterfield DSS
(804) 748-1100 | Emergency & financial aid, CPS, APS, housingEnergy Assistance
(804) 717-6825 or (855) 635-4370
Chesterfield Food Bank
Regular community food distributions are held throughout the county.
Check Chesterfield Food Bank or their Facebook page for updates.
Weekly Distribution Schedule:
Mon (5 p.m.): Journey Christian Church, Midlothian
Fri (4:30 p.m.): 12211 Iron Bridge Rd, Chester
Sat (10 a.m.): Various school and community sites
Other Food Resources:
FeedMore Hunger Hotline: (804) 521-2500
CCHASM: (804) 796-2749 | Mon–Thu, 8:30–1:30
Commonwealth Catholic Charities: (804) 285-5986
Mission Community Church: 2nd & 4th Mondays, 5:30 p.m.
Colonial Heights Food Pantry: (804) 520-7117
Redeemer Lutheran Church: 9400 Redbridge Rd | Thu 3–6 p.m., Sat 11–2
A Place of Miracles Café: Fridays, 4:30–6:30 p.m.
Cover Virginia
Apply for Medicaid and FAMIS programs for children, pregnant women, and adults, or learn about health insurance options through the Federal Marketplace.
855-242-8282 | www.coverva.org
CommonHelp Virginia
An easy way to apply for healthcare coverage, food assistance, child care help, energy support, and cash assistance.
Health Coverage: 855-242-8282
Other Assistance: 855-635-4370
commonhelp.virginia.gov
If you are facing homelessness, eviction, or housing instability, these services can help:
Eviction Helpline: 833-663-8428
Housing Crisis Line: 804-972-0813 (for those homeless or at risk within 3 days)
Housing Resource Line: 804-422-5061 | Online Form
Commonwealth Catholic Charities – Housing Center: (804) 648-4177
CARES (Petersburg): 244 Halifax St | (804) 861-0865 | Shelter for women & children
HomeAgain Shelter: (804) 358-7747 | Emergency & transitional housing for adults and families
Virginia Supportive Housing: (804) 788-6825 | supportworkshousing.org
Chesterfield DSS Housing Voucher Program: (804) 717-6382 (waiting list applies)
HOME (Housing Opportunities Made Equal): (804) 354-0641 | [email protected]
HUD Housing Resources: resources.hud.gov
Virginia Housing Search: socialserve.com
Rent Assistance:
CAPup: (804) 788-0050 | Rental support (TANF required for deposits)
CCHASM: (804) 796-2749 | 11202 Richmond St, Chester | Mon–Thu 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Helpful local resources for parenting, child development, and family support:
Chesterfield CSB – Prevention Services: (804) 768-7800 | Parent education and youth programs
Cameron K. Gallagher Mental Health Resource Center: Free family navigation and mental health support
Partners in Parenting: Family-focused therapy and parenting consultations
Chesterfield County Library: Homework help, early literacy programs, and family activities
Chesterfield Parks & Recreation: Community programs and events
Richmond Family Magazine: Family-friendly events and parenting articles (free copies at major stores)
Children’s Museum of Richmond: Four locations; scholarships and free monthly admission for special-needs families
Community Care Mobile App: Connects Chesterfield and Colonial Heights residents to parenting, disability, and social services
Latinos In Virginia Empowerment Center
Offers financial aid to Spanish-speaking families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in Chesterfield and nearby counties.
(804) 658-3341Waymakers Foundation
Serves the local Latino community with resource assistance.
(804) 920-0179
Reliable transportation options for families in need:
Ride United (United Way): Rides for work, school, or medical appointments when no other transport is available.
Access Chesterfield: Mobility services for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income residents.
(804) 751-2796Dependacare: (804) 745-1818
Roundtrip: (804) 277-4866
UZURV: (804) 655-0255
Medicaid Transportation:
1-866-386-8331 | Available 24/7, including holidays
Public Bus System:
The GRTC Transit System provides bus routes and schedules throughout the Richmond–Chesterfield area. Visit ridegrtc.com.
The United Way maintains a quick-reference guide to local services and volunteer opportunities.
yourunitedway.org
Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211virginia.org for free, confidential assistance finding local resources available 24/7 statewide.