Title IV-E of the Social Security Act is the largest federal funding stream for child welfare, and Virginia has passed a federal review for Title IV-E funding. This is a major and significant accomplishment for the Virginia Department of Social Services and all of the local departments of human and social services as well as a first for the Commonwealth. Periodic and systematic review of State Title IV-E foster care eligibility programs are conducted by the United States Department of Health and Human Services’ Children’s Bureau to ensure federal funds are used for intended purposes and to recover any improper expenditures.

During these reviews, the Children’s Bureau examines child and provider case records as well as payment documentation to validate the accuracy of a state's reimbursement claims of foster care payments. Each eligibility review details the strengths and weaknesses of a state's program and identifies technical assistance that may be needed for program improvement.

A national payment error rate is calculated annually using data collected in the most recent eligibility review of each state and a corrective action plan is developed to strategically reduce or eliminate improper payments. The dollar error rate for Virginia is .0001%. This was achieved by the prudence, persistence and preparation of the Virginia Department of Social Services staff at all levels, including the Newport News Department of Human Services staff.