The Human Services Portfolio

The Human Services portfolio encompasses four city agencies dedicated to enriching the quality of life for all Richmond residents. The mission of the Human Services portfolio is to enhance economic stability and improve health outcomes and the overall well-being of Richmonders across all stages of life. 

Guided by a shared commitment to economic stability, improved health outcomes, and overall well-being, this portfolio delivers essential services that support the City’s mission of being a City where all people and places thrive.

The City of Richmond's Human Services agencies include:

Department of Justice Services promotes a safe and healthy community through evidence-based practices that empower participants to achieve measurable success.

• Located within the Department of Justice Services, the Office of Gun Violence Prevention aims to implement a coordinated and holistic approach to reducing community violence by enhancing its multi-partner strategy to intentionally disrupt community violence by investing in prevention, healing, and opportunity creation. 

Department of Neighborhood and Community Services collaborates across City departments, agencies, and with the community to advance best practices, co-create solutions, and improve access to services. Through community-centered approaches, NCS strengthens connections between people, neighborhoods, and local government.  There are six interconnected offices within NCS that work to ensure residents remain a top priority and receive coordinated, responsive support.

• Office of Aging and Disability Services is dedicated to supporting older adults and individuals with disabilities so they can live as independently, safely, and fully as possible in the Richmond community.

• Office of Children and Families works to make Richmond the best phomelace to grow up and raise a family.

• Office of Equity and Inclusion equips city government with tools and cultural competency to embed equity and belonging into all policies and services.

• Office of Homeless Services works to provide critical services and resources to individuals and families experiencing a housing crisis in the City of Richmond.

• Office of Immigration and Refugee Engagement works to improve the quality of life for immigrants and refugees by expanding access to city and community services.

• Office of Opioid and Substance Use Response coordinates citywide efforts through collaboration with health providers, public safety agencies, and community organizations to reduce the impact of substance use disorders.

Department of Social Services improves the quality of life for all people of the City of Richmond by strengthening families and individuals through prevention, intervention, and support services that foster self-sufficiency and resilience. 

Richmond Public Library enriches the lives and expands opportunities for all residents by promoting reading and the active use of cultural, intellectual, and information resources through a dedication to excellence and professional service.  

The City of Richmond's Quasi-Governmental Agencies include:

Richmond Behavioral Health Authority promotes health, wellness, and recovery of Richmond City residents through crisis intervention, mental health services, development support, primary medical care, substance use treatment, and prevention. 

Richmond Henrico Health District protects and promotes the health of Richmond City and Henrico County residents by promoting healthy lifestyle choices that combat chronic disease, educate the public about emergency preparedness and threats to their health.  

Richmond Public Schools serves as the school division for the City of Richmond and serves more than 22,000 students in grades PreK-12 across 25 elementary schools, one charter school, seven middle schools, five high schools, three speciality schools, and five pre-schools.

Virginia Career Works provides oversight and policy direction for the utilization of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds in the Capital Region, which is comprised of the jurisdictions of Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, Powhatan, and Richmond City. Virginia Career Works governs three workforce center locations in the Capital region that exist to service local businesses and job seekers by providing them with the resources necessary to succeed.

Virginia Cooperative Extension offers a comprehensive collection of resources, programs, and services that are research-proven, accessible, and contain actionable information that supports the success and resilience of individuals and communities throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia and beyond.