SCAN Loans Executive to Richmond Social Services

Mayor Dwight C. Jones announced today that the Executive Director for Greater Richmond SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now), Inc. has agreed to work as an executive-on-loan to the Richmond Department of Social Services. Jeanine Harper has served as Executive Director of SCAN since 1999. SCAN was founded in 1991 to prevent and treat child abuse and neglect in the city of Richmond and the surrounding counties of Chesterfield, Hanover, and Henrico. The purpose of SCAN’s services is to promote positive parenting, strengthen families and help create a community that values and cares for its children.

“Ms. Harper has agreed to specifically help us retool the City’s Child Protective Services unit,” said Mayor Jones. “While matters of compliance have been heavily reviewed, serious operational concerns plague this agency and I believe that her leadership will go a long way toward strengthening the division’s operations. We’ve simply got to do a better job with respect to protecting the safety of vulnerable children and I want to thank the board of SCAN for allowing Ms. Harper the opportunity to bring us her expertise.”

Mayor Jones named his senior policy advisor, David Hicks, as interim director of the Department of Social Services in February. Ms. Harper will serve as special assistant to the director and will augment the support being provided by the Virginia Department of Social Services.

“Jeanine’s passion and expertise are a welcomed addition as we work to rebuild this essential component of our agency,” said Hicks. “Coupled with the support we have been receiving from the Commonwealth, I’m optimistic that we will meet the Mayor’s goals for turning around this critical agency.”