Jason Madder, director of Amherst County Social Services, presented the department’s annual report on Dec. 2 and asked the Board of Supervisors to consider modest staff increases to keep pace with growing referrals.

Madder said the department has 51–52 filled positions and serves roughly 10,548 residents through major benefit programs (SNAP, TANF, Medicaid) in state fiscal year 2025. He reported about 584 protective‑services investigations (child and adult protective services) for the year, approximately 19 children in foster care, ongoing foster‑care supports including fostering‑futures participants, and active fraud and overpayment investigations (roughly 50 fraud referrals, including cases with potential recoveries around $7,000–$11,000). Madder said the department produces substantial federal and state revenue — he cited an approximate $115 million figure for program dollars served through local administration — and asked the board for the minimal local match required by law.

Board members asked about trending needs and whether referrals were rising; Madder said adult protective‑services referrals have increased and recommended additional family‑services and benefits staff to protect eligibility integrity and reduce error rates that can increase local share liability. Madder also noted that in‑home prevention and collaboration with schools are critical but often rely on voluntary participation by families.

Board members thanked the department for its work and signaled willingness to review staffing requests in the upcoming budget process.