Hanover DSS presents FY25 end-of-year report showing rising caseloads and modest general-fund savings

The Hanover County Department of Social Services presented its FY25 End of Year Report to the Social Services Advisory Board on March 24, 2026, detailing rising caseloads across benefit programs and departmental priorities.

Director Daricka Jones outlined that FY25 spending totaled about $8.0 million for the department, with intergovernmental reimbursements of $5,012,697, local revenue of $30,947 and a general fund allocation of $2.3 million. The presentation noted a projected general fund savings of $17,080, with actual year-end savings of $45,655.

The report highlighted caseload growth: SNAP recipients rose across FY21'FY25 (the slides noted a roughly 28% increase in individuals receiving food assistance from FY21 to FY25), and Medicaid enrollment also increased following Medicaid expansion in mid-FY19. The department reported specific program counts and year-to-year charts for SNAP, Medicaid, and the Family & Children program.

The Children's Services Act was covered separately: CSA expenditures for FY25 were reported at $9,759,132 and the program served 187 Hanover children. The report explained CSA's local governance (Family Assessment and Planning Team and Community Policy and Management Team) and that CSA funds are budgeted independently of Social Services.

Director Jones also summarized operational items: the department staffed three shelters during inclement weather in January, worked with Hanover Food Network to distribute emergency food boxes, and has standardized onboarding materials for CPS and foster-care workers. Staffing figures in the packet showed 66.5 approved positions for FY25 and listed several new hires that began in early 2026.

The packet included detailed slides and dashboards attached to the minutes; board members had copies for review.