The Department of Social Services (DSS) works to ensure that individuals and families in Albemarle County can meet their full potential and plan for their future. To realize this vision, the mission of DSS is to provide services that promote self-sufficiency and support individual and family well-being. Services provided by this department to the residents of Albemarle County fall within 2 broad program areas: Casework Delivery and Eligibility Determination. The areas are further expanded into 4 distinct program areas: Protective & Support Services; Education, Prevention & Early Intervention Programs; Employment & Child Care Services; and Benefit Programs.