About
Uniting and supporting Family Services Specialists across the Commonwealth
VAFSP is a statewide, member‑led alliance of family services practitioners and people working in comparable roles within Virginia’s local departments of social services. We bring practitioners together to share solutions, coordinate across districts and regions, and speak with one voice on issues affecting practice and outcomes.
VAFSP is organized along Virginia planning district lines within five regions: Central, Eastern, Northern, Piedmont, and Western. Every local department has representation and a clear channel for peer connection and advocacy.
Our mission
To promote and interpret a sound, economical, efficient social services program; propose and support legislation benefiting public welfare and family services practitioners; promote cooperation among local, regional, and state DSS and partner organizations; and elevate professional standards through in‑service education, formal training, and professional development while fostering professional identity and support through networking in the Alliance.
Our objectives and impact
Advocacy and public policy
We follow bills and program policy that affect service delivery and the workforce. The Legislative Committee shares updates and coordinates with the Virginia League of Social Service Executives (VLSSE) Legislative Committee.
Professional development
The Professional Development/Program Committee plans the Spring and Fall membership conferences (time, place, content) and supports in‑service education and training.
Networking and identity
Districts, regions, and committees help members share strategies, mentor new practitioners, and build a strong professional identity.
Service committees
Committees include Membership, Legislative, Professional Development/Program, and Service Committees for Child & Family Services and Adult Services. Special committees may be created as needed.
Our history
1986
A statewide training brought practitioners together. They saw common challenges and the need to join forces and speak with one voice.
1989
Built working relationships with VLSSE, BPRO, POSSESS, the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS), and the State Board of Social Services. District meetings and twice-yearly conferences supported learning, networking, and policy input.
1990s
—
2010s
Incorporated as the Virginia Alliance of Social Work Practitioners (VASWP); formed a formal affiliation with the Virginia League of Social Services Executives (VLSSE) and accepted first memberships.
2025
Re-organized as the Virginia Alliance of Family Services Practitioners (VAFSP) to reflect today’s workforce. VAFSP continues to work closely with VLSSE and our partner affiliates in BRPO and POSSESS; the President serves as League Liaison.
Meet the leadership
April White
President
Warren County DSS, Family Services Manager. Worked at the locality since 2015. Experienced in direct practice across all child welfare and supervised Protection and Permanency. Became Program Manager in 2023.
Taneya Walton
1st Vice President
Richmond City DSS, Adult Services. Working as a Family Services Practitioner since 2017 in child welfare and adult services.
Jennifer Wilson
2nd Vice President
Family Services Specialist with Richmond City DSS. Worked for Richmond DSS since 2020. Prior to a career in child welfare, worked in the domestic violence field.
Sarah Warner
3rd Vice President
APS Supervisor for Lynchburg Human Services with nearly 10 years of experience in Adult Protective Services. Previously served as Treasurer for PD 11 (formerly VASWP). Chairs Chronic Case Conferencing through the Central Virginia Continuum of Care, supporting unsheltered individuals through a Housing First approach.
Joly Nield
Treasurer
Joly works at Warren County DSS, as a Family Services Specialist in Prevention. She has been working at Warren County DSS since 2022 in child welfare. Prior to Warren County DSS, worked with United Way NSV as a resource specialist and Cares Act Grant Coordinator.
Get involved
Committees
Committees are where members turn ideas into action. Between the Spring and Fall membership meetings, committees move the work forward—planning learning, following legislation and policy, and supporting members. Committees also coordinate with the Virginia League of Social Service Executives (VLSSE) so frontline insight reaches decision-makers. (Committees share reports at each membership business meeting.)
Active committees
Professional Development
Plans the time, place, and content of the Spring and Fall membership meetings/conferences and supports in-service education and training.
Legislative
Follows proposed legislation and program policy that affect services and the workforce; coordinates with the VLSSE Legislative Committee and keeps members informed.
Membership
Supports member needs and workforce issues; maintains a working relationship with VDSS; advises on personnel matters affecting the Alliance.
Service Committees
Child & Family Services and Adult Services focus on service-area needs and help align improvements across local departments.
Special Committees (as needed)
Created by the Board for specific tasks and dissolved when the work is complete.
Ways to participate
- Join a committee that fits your interests
- Present or help plan a session for a membership meeting
- Share practice needs from your planning district
- Volunteer for a short-term special committee
Interested in joining a committee?
Affiliations & partners
Frequently asked questions
The Alliance is unlike any other social work association. It is specifically designed for the work of Local Department of Social Services Family Services Specialists. We exist to provide peer-to-peer support among the 120 LDSS across Virginia. We propose and support legislation that improves and benefits Virginia’s public welfare system and its Family Services Practitioners. We create conferences with training and knowledge specific to this role. No other professional association is built to meet the needs and concerns of Family Services Practitioners the way we are.
The Virginia Alliance of Social Work Practitioners was formed in April 1989. However, “Social Worker” is a legally protected title, and not every employee at a Local Department of Social Services holds a social work degree. Many professionals in these roles come from various human services backgrounds. The current title for our role at LDSS is “Family Services Practitioner.” In July 2025, members held a vote and agreed to rename the organization the Virginia Alliance of Family Services Practitioners, also known as the Alliance.
The Alliance is a professional association with dues. The majority of Local Departments of Social Services will cover your membership. Speak with your direct supervisor for approval to join. Most LDSS agencies submit a one-time payment for the current year on behalf of their staff.
If your locality does not cover membership or you prefer to manage it individually, you can submit the current year’s application through our website. Click on “Membership” to get started. Once payment is confirmed, you will receive an electronic invitation to create your profile on our website and gain access to everything we are currently doing, upcoming engagements, and past recorded events.
We do a lot, including:
- Meet regularly through our committees
- Monitor legislative activity
- Advocate for our professional needs
- Offer peer-to-peer support across the state of Virginia
- Host conferences specific to our profession
- Serve as an affiliate to the Virginia League of Social Services Executives (VLSSE)