How to File a Complaint Against the Virginia Department of Social Services
- 1). Write a rough draft of the complaint that describes what happened, and how you believe your civil rights were violated. Include the name of the Virginia DSS worker involved and the date of the incident. Also include details that support the claim of a civil rights violation. Discrimination isn't always overt. If a Virginia DSS worker displayed unusual gestures, asked inappropriate questions or behaved in an unprofessional way, explain the situation.
- 2). Decide which agency you want to review the complaint. There are several options. The complaint can be sent to the Virginia DSS Office of Civil Rights or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights. If the complaint involves discrimination and denial of benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP, which is more commonly known as food stamps, the complaint should be sent to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Civil Rights Office with a copy forwarded to the Virginia DSS.
Virginia DSS
Civil Rights Program Administrator
801 E. Main St.,
Richmond, VA 23219
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
Office of Civil Rights - Region III
150 S. Independence Mall West
Philadelphia, PA 19106-3499
USDA
Director Office of Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 - 3). Log on to the Virginia DSS homepage, (dss.virginia.gov/index.html) and move the cursor to the "About Us" section on the horizontal menu bar just under the agency's banner. A pull-down menu will appear. Click the "Civil Rights Policy and Procedures" link. Find the "Forms" section at the bottom of the page and click the "Complaint" link. The first page of this section provides the addresses of the three agencies that have the authority to review a complaint.
- 4). Click the "Skip to Form" link at the top of the "Complaint" section. Complaints can be filed using this form, or they can be written or typed on plain paper. If you want the Virginia DSS Civil Rights Office to review the compliant, you can fill in the information online and click the "Submit Form" button. You can also print the form, fill in the information and send or fax it to the Department of Health and Human Services Civil Rights Office or the USDA Office of Civil Rights.
- 5). Send the complaint within 180 days of the incident and submit it to only one of the three agencies. If you are using your own format instead of the complaint form, include your name, address, email address, work and home telephone numbers. Also sign and date the complaint. If the complaint is reviewed, and you are not satisfied with the outcome, you have the right to file a private lawsuit against the Virginia DSS. Consult a lawyer for advice on whether a lawsuit will lead to the type of resolution you are seeking.
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