Youngkin rolls out $50 million roadmap to reform Virginia’s child welfare system

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — A $50 million statewide initiative is looking to reform Virginia's child welfare system.

In a release shared by the governor's office on Tuesday, Dec. 16, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced the Safe Kids, Strong Families roadmap, which aims to strengthen child safety, expand permanency and support the Commonwealth's child welfare workforce. The initiative is a collaboration between the governor's office and a coalition of state, local and community partners.

The proposed $50 million investment from the governor's budget would go toward several key objectives in the plan. The roadmap builds on several initiatives to strengthen child safety and permanency that were launched since 2022.

Per the release, $10 million would go toward increasing the minimum salary for local family services specialists to $55,000 to address high vacancy and turnover rates.

An allocation of $424,000 would go toward priority response within 24 hours for children ages 3 and younger. With 81% of last year's child fatalities involving children under 3 years old, the age group is at the highest risk of maltreatment, per the release.

The initiative also calls for a $32.7 million investment and 132 positions to create a centralized intake system. The 24/7 hotline would handle reports of child abuse and neglect and connect them to local departments.

Youngkin said the initiative reflects years of efforts from the state to strengthen child welfare.

"This roadmap builds on the progress we've made and sets a clear direction for a system designed to protect children and support families for generations," Youngkin said. "It reflects the Commonwealth’s enduring commitment to every child’s well-being and future."