FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  September 4, 2025

JOINT RELEASE BY NELSON COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES AND SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT

Since the previous press release on August 20, 2025, Nelson County’s Department of Social Services has made strides in several key areas.

The referral hotlines are being utilized and in August, the Agency received 23 Child Protective Services referrals, 15 were validated/accepted (65%) and 8 were screened out (35%). Of the 15 validated/accepted referrals, 4 were assigned as investigations (27%) and 11 were assigned as family assessments (73%).

County Administrator, Candy McGarry says “this data is in positive contrast with Nelson’s SFY2024 data, which shows that 26% of Child Protective Services referrals were validated/accepted, 74% were screened out, 0% were assigned as investigations, and 90% were assigned as family assessments. This is more in line with Piedmont Region data for SFY2024 where 42% of Child Protective Services referrals were validated/accepted, 58% were screened out, 19% were assigned as investigations, and 78% were assigned as family assessments. Our staff is diligently working through all referrals and the data is reflecting that commitment.” says Administrator McGarry.

The Agency is also progressing in staff fulfillment and recruiting. “A Family Services Specialist and Benefits Programs Specialist began work on September 1, 2025 and advertisements have been posted with VDSS for the vacant positions of Social Services Director I, Family Services Supervisor, and Administrative Coordinator II”, reported Interim Director, Allison McGarry adding that “Family Services staff continue to complete training and engage with regional VDSS practice consultants and our neighboring agency partners for assistance.”

Administrator McGarry expressed her appreciation for the renewed vital coordination of the Agency with community partners, such as the Sheriff’s Department; with Sheriff Embrey adding “The Nelson County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Interim Nelson County DSS Director Allison McGarry for her leadership during this transitional period.  The communication and collaboration between our Offices has dramatically increased, allowing all allegations of abuse and neglect towards our County’s youth and elderly, to be fully investigated by members of our Office.  The Nelson County Sheriff’s Office is fully committed to fostering a growing relationship with members of Nelson County DSS, as together we will rebuild the community’s trust.”

Administrator McGarry concluded by advising that “implementation of a Local DSS Advisory Board is in its beginning phases with initial member recruitment slated to begin in late September.”  The Local DSS Advisory Board is appointed by the Board of Supervisors and will consist of at least five members, one from each election District, with Administrator McGarry serving as an Ex Officio, non-voting member. “Quality Advisory Board members are those who are interested in assisting the broad spectrum of community members served by DSS, who represent the general population while being protectors of their privacy and confidentiality, and who will bring their own experience and ideas to the Board” says Administrator McGarry.  The County plans to begin advertising for Advisory Board members in late September and interested citizens may contact County Administration at 434-263-7000 for more information.

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