Department of Family Services

CONTACT INFORMATION: Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
703-324-7500 TTY 711
12011 Government Center Parkway, Pennino Building
Fairfax, VA 22035
Michael A. Becketts
Director

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New Mandated Reporter Portal Released by Virginia Department of Social Services

(Posted 2020 November)

Mandated Reporter Portal graphic - doctor using laptop; Mandated reporters now have a new, secure and fast portal for making reports of abuse or neglect. Visit vacps.dss.virginia.gov today for a new experiencing that includes: reduced report wait times - you can still call the hotline, but the portal is a secure, private and fast way to make a report while avoiding hold timesThe Fairfax County Department of Family Services, and other local departments of social services (LDSS), are responsible for processing and investigating reports of child abuse and neglect.

To support this work, the Virginia Department of Social Services’ (VDSS) Division of Family Services has announced the release of a new Mandated Reporter Portal, which provides a secure, fast, and convenient way for Mandated Reporters in Virginia to submit reports of suspected child abuse and neglect. Watch a brief YouTube video overview of the new portal.

Are you wondering if this applies to you? Simply put, a mandated reporter is an individual who in their professional or official capacity (such as social worker, physician, teacher, counselor, athletic coach or religious practitioner) is legally required to report to Child Protective Services (CPS) any cases of child abuse or neglect that he or she has reasonable cause to suspect.

The general public and mandated reporters can still report child abuse and neglect through the Fairfax County DFS 24/7 CPS Hotline at 703-324-7400; or if you live outside of Fairfax, contact the VDSS statewide 24/7 CPS hotline at 800-552-7096. 

Benefits of using the Mandated Reporter Portal include:

  • Reduced wait time for Mandated Reporters making a report; online offers a quicker, user-friendly option to file a report.
  • Mandated Reporters create a secure account, which will minimize the amount of time needed in making subsequent reports.
  • Information entered directly by the Mandated Reporter may be more accurate.
  • Data from the mandated reporter portal "transmits" the information to VDSS Hotline staff.

VDSS is pleased to make this tool available to all Mandated Reporters across the Commonwealth. We thank you for your partnership in communicating the availability of this tool to support the safety and well-being of Virginia’s children, youth, families, and adults.

Please note that if unable to access the website due to security firewalls, access can typically be requested through agency/organization IT departments to whitelist the Portal website (grant access). 

Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or feedback via VirginiaOnlineReporting@dss.virginia.gov. 

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Mandated Reporter Portal graphic - doctor using laptop; Mandated reporters now have a new, secure and fast portal for making reports of abuse or neglect. Visit vacps.dss.virginia.gov today for a new experience that includes: secure account creation, minimizing the time needed to make subsequent reports; reduced report wait times - you can still call the hotline but the porta is a secure, private and fast way to make a report while avoiding hold times; an intuitive and user-friendly website; user-entered data, minimizing any communication or recording errors

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Mandated Reporter Portal graphic - doctor using laptop; Mandated reporters now have a new, secure and fast portal for making reports of abuse or neglect. Visit vacps.dss.virginia.gov today for a new experience that includes: an intuitive and user-friendly website

Mandated Reporter Portal graphic - doctor using laptop; Mandated reporters now have a new, secure and fast portal for making reports of abuse or neglect. Visit vacps.dss.virginia.gov today for a new experience that includes: secure account creation, minimizing the time needed to make subsequent reports

Mandated Reporter Portal graphic - doctor using laptop; Mandated reporters now have a new, secure and fast portal for making reports of abuse or neglect. Visit vacps.dss.virginia.gov today for a new experience that includes: secure account creation, minimizing this time needed to make subsequent reports; reduced report wait times - you can still call the hotline but the portal is a secure private and fast way to make a report while avoiding hold times; an intuitive and user-friendly website; user-entered data, minimizing any communication or recording errors

Mandated Reporter Portal graphic - doctor using laptop; Mandated reporters now have a new, secure and fast portal for making reports of abuse or neglect. Visit vacps.dss.virginia.gov today for a new experiencing that includes: User-entered data, minimizing any communication or recording errors

This posting is part of the Department of Family Services' Community Corner where you’ll find timely information about upcoming events, parenting and wellness tips, programs and services, and more! Share these helpful posts with your friends and family. Don't miss out on future postings! Sign up today!

For media inquiries, contact Department of Family Services' Public Information Officer Amy Carlini by email, office phone 703-324-7758 or mobile phone 571-355-6672.

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