Welcome

Human Services clients are spread across the entire age continuum from birth to 100+ years. Although many clients’ needs are financial, we provide a broad range of services for citizens with a much broader income range. The scope of our programs is extensive: services for seniors, career changers, immigrants seeking access to City services, programs that support our young people, and protect the most vulnerable Alexandrians. Neglect and abuse cross socioeconomic lines and we are first responders, whether the victims are children or adults unable to protect themselves due to age or infirmity.

The Department of Human Services is tasked with making sure this wide spectrum of needs are being met in the most efficient and effective manner. In partnership with the network of faith-based and non-profit organizations, philanthropic and community foundations, our colleagues in other City departments and the school system, DHS supports the needs of children, youth, families and individuals in our community. Our goal is to increase the collaborative partnerships we have formed throughout the City.

Our Mission

• To facilitate the ability of Alexandrians to function successfully in our society and improve the quality of their lives;
• to provide services that are responsive to individual, family, and community needs;
• to expedite and advocate access to opportunities, services, and resources; and
• to serve Alexandrians with special needs.

Our Goals

• To ensure that low-income individuals and families receive needed assistance quickly and courteously;
• to ensure the safety and well-being of children at risk of abuse and neglect, and foster permanent connection to family;
• to link good people to good jobs;
• to help seniors and disabled adults maintain their independence;
• to create opportunities for low-income children to be successful in school and life; and
• to help low-income residents stabilize and enhance their lives.

What's New

• A Snapshot of Human Development in Alexandria: A Needs Assessment of the Alexandria Human Services System - The Alexandria Council of Human Services Organizations (ACHSO) commissioned this Citywide needs assessment of Alexandria’s human service system, which includes an articulation of the needs, gaps, challenges, methods of service delivery, and the types of populations served by the various service providers.  View the Assessment 
• City Celebrates Adoptions - Each year Alexandria celebrates the adoption of children from foster care at a special ceremony at the Alexandria Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. For more information about foster care and adoption or regularly scheduled public information sessions for those who want to become foster/adoptive parents, please contact the City’s Department of Human Services at 703-519-3318 x200. View the Video Gallery