Virginia

Youngkin rolls out $50 million roadmap to reform Virginia’s child welfare system

Published

4 months ago

December 17, 2025

Youngkin rolls out million roadmap to reform Virginia’s child welfare system

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — A $50 million statewide initiative is looking to reform Virginia’s child welfare system.

In a release shared by the governor’s office on Tuesday, Dec. 16, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced the Safe Kids, Strong Families roadmap, which aims to strengthen child safety, expand permanency and support the Commonwealth’s child welfare workforce. The initiative is a collaboration between the governor’s office and a coalition of state, local and community partners.

The proposed $50 million investment from the governor’s budget would go toward several key objectives in the plan. The roadmap builds on several initiatives to strengthen child safety and permanency that were launched since 2022.

Per the release, $10 million would go toward increasing the minimum salary for local family services specialists to $55,000 to address high vacancy and turnover rates.

An allocation of $424,000 would go toward priority response within 24 hours for children ages 3 and younger. With 81% of last year’s child fatalities involving children under 3 years old, the age group is at the highest risk of maltreatment, per the release.

The initiative also calls for a $32.7 million investment and 132 positions to create a centralized intake system. The 24/7 hotline would handle reports of child abuse and neglect and connect them to local departments.

Youngkin said the initiative reflects years of efforts from the state to strengthen child welfare.

“This roadmap builds on the progress we’ve made and sets a clear direction for a system designed to protect children and support families for generations,” Youngkin said. “It reflects the Commonwealth’s enduring commitment to every child’s well-being and future.”

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Virginia

Denver police arrest man suspected in fatal shooting on E. Virginia Avenue

Published

11 hours ago

April 6, 2026

Press Room

Denver police arrest man suspected in fatal shooting on E. Virginia Avenue

Denver police have arrested the man they believe was responsible for a fatal shooting on E. Virginia Avenue on Thursday afternoon.

According to an arrest affidavit, the Denver Dispatch Center received a 911 call around 12:35 p.m. to report a shooting in the 10100 block of E. Virginia Ave. The caller told dispatch workers that a white SUV was fleeing the scene.

Responding officers found a man who was critically wounded. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

Investigators reportedly discovered a handgun, the victim’s cellphone and money in the area where the shooting happened. They also located surveillance footage in the area, which appeared to show the victim exiting a white Chevrolet Tahoe as gunshots could be heard. He walked to the east, looking for help, before collapsing on the ground.

The affidavit says a conversation was discovered on the victim’s Instagram account in which he was speaking with another person who was selling a firearm.

Aurora police assisted investigators using the Flock License Plate Reader system, identifying the Tahoe at several locations. Police said the vehicle had unique characteristics on the passenger rear wheel. The affidavit says that, before the shooting, the vehicle had a rear license plate, but after the shooting, it was missing.

Daniel Villegas

Denver Police Department

Investigators found the vehicle, executed a search warrant and found a fired cartridge case in the back seat. A person connected to the case reportedly told officers that he drove his friend, later identified as Daniel Puga Villegas, to meet a person to collect money from him. However, he says an argument took place, and Villegas shot the victim, then ripped off his temporary rear license plate and, while still holding the gun, told him to drive.

Villegas was arrested on Sunday with assistance from the APD and is facing charges of first-degree murder.

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Virginia

Southwest, Central Virginia Weather | 7:15 a.m. – April 6, 2026

Published

23 hours ago

April 6, 2026

Press Room

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