Welcome to the Department of Community and Human Services

The Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) provides social services and public benefits assistance; mental health, intellectual disability and substance abuse services; and supports initiatives for women through three direct care centers: the Center for Children & Families, the Center for Adult Services and the Center for Economic Support. Not sure what service you need? See our service chart, visit Call.Click.Connect or contact the DCHS Call Center at 703.746.5700.

The Early Childhood division of the City of Alexandria's Department of Community and Human Services is moving to a new location!

Effective Monday, June 7, they will be open for business at 1900 N. Beauregard Street, Suite 250. The main phone number is 703.746.KIDS (5437). All staff phone numbers will remain the same, however the NEW fax number is 703.746.6028.

 Violence and its Impact on Children: How Do We Respond?

What is the impact of violence on children, whether in the news, the neighborhood or close to home? How do we respond when they have questions or concerns about a violent event? Are there things we can do to help children become more resilient? On Thursday, June 13 from 7 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. at the Charles Houston Recreation Center, 905 Wythe Street, Giordana De Altin Popiolek, a clinical psychologist with the Department of Community and Human Services, will discuss the impact of violence on children and address questions posed by community members. A flyer with more information is available here.

 All that jazz, razzmatazz, bee’s knees and cat’s pyjamas will be on display at the 10th Anniversary Fostering the Future Cruise, to benefit The Fund for Alexandria’s Child. A Little DECOdence - Celebrating 10 Years of Empowering Foster Families tells the story, with a nod to the elegance and glamour of the art deco era of the 1920s.

Come aboard the Cherry Blossom paddle wheel boat on Thursday, June 27, at the City Marina in Old Town Alexandria, Cameron and Union Streets. The dockside reception begins at 7 p.m. The boat departs at 8:30 with full buffet and drinks from Mango Mike’s, dancing and the scenic monument cruise until 10 p.m. Entertainment is provided by the Tower House Band (formerly known as Who’s Ya Daddy), famous for their jazz and contemporary playlist. Tickets are available at the early-bird rate of $75 per person until June 1. After that, tickets are $85 person (for adults only, please). If you purchase via Event Brite (www.decodence.eventbrite.com) you will receive an additional $5 discount until May 5. Cost is tax deductible to the full extent of the law. More complete information is available at alexandriava.gov/TheFundForAlexChild.

We are pleased to present the Department of Community and Human Services Strategic Plan for FY 2013 - FY 2015. The plan is a long-term blueprint aligned with the City of Alexandria Strategic Plan. The plans work to ensure we remain sound financial stewards of public resources by improving existing operations and responding to outside challenges while providing effective and efficient safety net services that measurably improve or maintain the quality of life for Alexandrians.

We welcome this opportunity to share our FY 2012 activities.  The Department of Community and Human Services is organized into three direct care centers: the Center for Adult Services, the Center for Children and Families, and the Center for Economic Support, as well as two offices: the Office of Administrative Services and the Office of Strategic Initiatives and Communications. The pages of this annual report highlight our fiscal information along with the accomplishments of our centers, offices and those of the people we serve.

The Department of Community and Human Services welcomes you to the online mental health screening and the screening tool for substance use disorders. This free screening is made available to the general public and is taken anonymously. The screening is provided so that you may find out - in a few minutes - whether or not professional consultation would be helpful to you.

The spring issue of the Department of Community and Human Services newsletter features In Our Own Voice, two personal stories of mental health recovery; a new approach to City homeless services; Child Abuse Prevention Month activities; Children's Mental Health Month events; women honored for their service in Alexandria; alcohol screening and more.