Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) Podcasts
The Virginia Department of Social Services podcasts take a closer look at the personal stories behind the agency's programs. A unique mix of one-on-one interviews will feature topics including poverty, domestic violence, adoption, foster care, assisted living and insight into self-sufficiency for individuals and families throughout the Commonwealth. For more information, visit the department's Web site at http://www.dss.virginia.gov/.

• Volunteers needed to help the working poor with tax preparation
  News Talk WLFS of Fredericksburg interviews VDSS' Peggy Friedenberg about the need for volunteers across the state to help hard working, low income families prepare their tax returns and determine if they are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Podcast provided courtesy of WFLS.
• How you can help hard-working families
  Listen and learn how you can help hard-working families and individuals in your community with the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). For many low-income working families, the EITC refund can set them on the path to self-sufficiency. The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) is now recruiting EITC volunteers to serve as greeters, screeners, tax preparers and reviewers throughout the state during tax season. All you need are a few extra hours and the desire to help. [All music is made possible through a Creative Commons license.]
• Domestic Violence is a Leading Cause of Homelessness
  Studies indicate a clear link between domestic violence and homelessness. Listen to the story of a domestic violence survivor who has found herself homeless, living in a shelter, attempting to make a fresh start. Professionals who work with abuse survivors also speak about the problem and resources for those looking for a life free of violence. [This interview features the songs PodeQueimar by Altcontroldelete, Cidade Sol (Tube Groove mix) by Mister C feat Curve and India (Treatment) by Fourstones, courtesy of CCMixter. All music is made possible through a Creative Commons license.]
• Volunteerism - You Can Make a Difference
  Did you know that AmeriCorps is a national service program that connects more than 70,000 Americans to meet our country's critical needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment? This interview reveals resources for volunteering in Virginia through AmeriCorps. [This interview features the songs Good Morning by Pitx and Waiting by Teru, courtesy of CCMixter. All music is made possible through a Creative Commons license.]
• Choosing Child Care
  You know you need child care - so how do you choose the right one for you? This interview reveals resources, publications and ways to search for child care near you. [This interview features the songs PodeQueimar by Altcontroldelete, Cidade Sol (Tube Groove mix) by Mister C feat Curve and India (Treatment) by Fourstones, courtesy of CCMixter. All music is made possible through a Creative Commons license.]
• VDSS Uses Cell Records to Track Child Support Evaders - WRVA Radio Interviews Nick Young
  VDSS' Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE) was recently honored with the Council of State Governments Innovation Award. DCSE Director Nick Young spoke with WRVA 1140 host Jimmy Barrett about using cell phone records to locate parents who are delinquent in paying child support. [This interview has been posted with permission of News Radio 1140 WRVA. Other podcasts are available at www.wrva.com]
• Putative Father Registry - WRVA Radio Interview
  Richmond Virginia's WRVA Radio interviews Virginia Department of Social Services'(VDSS) adoption program manager Pam Cooper about the Putative Father Registry (PFR), a new program administered by VDSS and designed to protect the rights of men who may have fathered a child, even if they do not know it. The PFR allows potential fathers to sign up to be notified if a child they may have fathered is placed for adoption or if parental rights are about to be terminated. The registry is free and confidential and it protects the rights of possible biological fathers, birth mothers and adoptive parents. [This interview has been posted with permission of News Radio 1140 WRVA. Other podcasts are available at www.wrva.com]
• Life as a Refugee - "Lost Boy" of Sudan Interview
  Did you know that Virginia has become home to thousands of refugees who have legally settled here after leaving their home countries due to war, political unrest or religious persecution? To commemorate Virginia and World Refugee Day, the Office of Newcomer Services (ONS) of the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) held a special Richmond premiere of the documentary, God Grew Tired of Us, an award-winning documentary that explores the journey of three of the "Lost Boys" of Sudan. This podcast includes interviews with Lost Boy Maker Abraham Jok, ONS' Kathy Cooper and Bebe Tran of Commonwealth Catholic Charities.