Virginia Department of Social Services Policy Regarding the Handling of FSP Civil Rights Complaints
Any person or representative alleging discrimination based on a prohibited basis has the right to file a complaint within 180 days of the alleged discriminatory action. The local agency must advise the complainant of confidentiality and Privacy Act applications.
Within five work days of receipt, all complaints, written or verbal, must be forwarded to:
Civil Rights/EEO Director Mid-Atlantic Region
300 Corporate Blvd
Robbinsville, NJ 08691-1598
(609) 350-9783
or
USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights,
1400 Independence Avenue, S. W.,
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410
(800) 795-3272 (voice)
(202) 720-6382 (TTY)
Within the same time frame a copy of the complaint must be sent to:
VDSS Civil Rights Program Administrator
7 N. Eighth Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
Both the local agency and the Civil Rights Program Administrator must immediately log the complaint and track it through resolution.
The following 
complaint form is available, but the use of this or any complaint form is not a prerequisite for acceptance of a complaint.
In the event a complainant makes the allegations verbally or in person and refuses or is not inclined to place the allegations in writing, the person to whom the allegations are made must write up the elements of the complaint for the complainant. Every effort should be made to ascertain the following information:
- Name, address, and telephone number or other means of contacting the complainant,
- The specific location and name of the State agency, local agency, or other sub-recipient delivering the service or benefit
- The nature of the incident or action that led the complainant to feel discrimination was a factor, and an example of the method of
administration that is having a disparate effect on the public, potential eligible persons, applicants, or participants
- The basis on which the complainant believes discrimination exists. The bases for discrimination are race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. The FSP also prohibits discrimination on the basis of religion and political beliefs
- The names, telephone numbers, titles and business or personal addresses of persons who may have knowledge of the alleged discriminatory actions
- The date(s) during which the alleged discriminatory actions occurred or, if continuing, the duration of such actions
"In accordance with the Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, political beliefs, or disability."
"To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (ITY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer."