The Shadow
Alleghany County, VA (Virginian Review) — The Local Alleghany-Covington Department of Social Services (local DSS) is facing a Whistleblower and wrongful termination lawsuit from a former employee.
The lawsuit, which names the local DSS, also directly names Director Tammy Wilson, and Chairman David Crosier. The Virginian Review has confirmed the lawsuit’s filing and is investigating the claims. The attorney representing the plaintiff, Thomas Strelka, is noted for his work in employment and civil rights cases, focusing on issues such as discrimination, sexual harassment, and whistleblower protections.
The LDSS has recently come under scrutiny for its performance, particularly in Child Protective Services (CPS) and Foster Care Services. Multiple complaints from constituents, former employees, and foster parents have surfaced, alleging that Director Wilson has fostered an unhealthy and toxic work environment, promoted unqualified employees, and allowed extremely poor responses to citizens attempting to access local DSS services.
One client, who asked to remain anonymous stated, “While I waited [in the Local DSS reception] there were clients who came in. One needed help…the women who were in the reception area told her to contact her assigned person. When the client left the SS workers made highly inappropriate comments about this client. I even know the woman’s name and specifics that should never have been discussed in my presence.”
In one Foster Care claim, the Virginian Review interviewed Corey Bowles, a licensed foster parent for nearly a decade, who raised concerns about the department’s quality of care after 12 social services employees resigned in quick succession shortly after Wilson was hired. Bowles alleges that Wilson retaliated against her for voicing these concerns by revoking her licensed home.The Bowles have taken their concerns to the Piedmont Regional Office and the state but said they have not seen any results to date.
Ms. Bowles recently stated, “I pointed out to the Piedmont Regional Office that there was no one that has been properly trained [at the local DSS.] They told me that we just had to have patience because people were new.” Ms. Bowles furthered, stating to Wilson, “You can’t plead untrained and ignorant forever. Eventually, you have to do the right things.”
Allegedly, the Piedmont Regional Director is reportedly good friends with Wilson, raising concerns of potential collusion between them. This close relationship might explain the apparent inaction from the regional office regarding the issues at the Alleghany-Covington Department of Social Services.
In another related court case, a parent recently was in court claiming a substitute teacher slapped his 10-year-old child while in class. He reports, “The CPS lied and said they went to the school and interviewed students and made a full report, which they did not even go to the school or talk to any student or witnesses.” The substitute was found guilty of assault and battery of a minor, but received no jail time, no probation, and was given a fine of $50.
Another anonymous source expressed concerns about the local department’s performance, attributing many issues to Wilson. It is believed that Wilson was hired with no real managerial or leadership experience. “She barely had two years with DSS when she was promoted into leadership and was allowed to reside outside of the county,” the source stated, even though it is allegedly a requirement to live in Alleghany County.
The informant stated further, “Wilson’s lack of experience is demonstrated by excessive resignations (10 of 12 in a very short time) including CPS workers; granting unauthorized computer access; not distributing work correctly; having people without CPS training or experience perform contact visits, investigations, and court appearances; promoting employees who are unqualified; and targeting and retaliating against employees who seem to demonstrate greater working knowledge than she.”
Several LDSS employees have expressed many of these concerns and more to Board Chair, David Crosier, which are believed “to have fallen on deaf ears.” The seven-member board of LDSS has been described as apparently operating in unison between Crosier and Wilson, with other members typically concurring.
Crosier is also facing harsh criticism for his alleged inaction and failure to adequately address the concerns raised by former employees and clients. The department has consistently fallen short in meeting state-mandated performance benchmarks, raising questions about potential gross negligence and failure of duty on Crosier’s part. His alleged lack of response to the serious issues within the LDSS seems to be echoed by the growing number of claims now being voiced.
The Virginian Review has filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with the state and local DSS offices to obtain official records supporting these claims. As of publication, no response has been received from Wilson.
