4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT • The City of Newport News through Virginia Cooperative Extension, offers youth, ages 5 through 19, fun and learning experiences through camp programs, learn-by-doing programs such as horse and pony clubs, shooting sports club, community clubs, enrichment programs with the Newport News Public Schools such as public speaking contests and biology experiments, talent shows, presentation contests with opportunities to participate in district, state and national levels. For information, visit Virginia Cooperative Extension located at 739 Thimble Shoals Boulevard, Suite 1009, online at www.ext.vt.edu or call 591-4838.

ADOPTION • The Department of Human Services provides services to families who want to adopt children. Records of families who have been evaluated and approved for adoption and of children who are available for adoption are maintained while the Department works to bring these families and children together. For more information, visit the Department of Human Services located at 6060 Jefferson Avenue, online at www.nngov.com/human-services or call 926-6300.

BOYS/GIRLS ORGANIZATIONS • For information and referral on programs such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCA, YWCA, Big Brothers & Big Sisters, call the United Way First Call information and referral line at 594-4636.

CHILD CARE CENTER LICENSING • The Virginia Department of Human Service’s Peninsula Office of Licensing also maintains a list of licensed facilities in the area. Individuals may operate family daycare services of no more than five children, in addition to their own, without being required to have a state license. For information, call the state licensing office at 594-7594. For information on local certification for operating a home child care center for under five children, call the City’s Department of Human Services at 926-6300 or visit www.nngov.com/human-services.

CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES • Child Protective Services has staff available 24 hours a day to investigate reports of child abuse and neglect. In addition to investigating reports, Child Protection Services helps families find services from the community that will enable them to solve problems and remain together. All children residing in Newport News are eligible for this service. The hotline phone number is 926-6600.

FINGERPRINTING • Through the Keeping Kids Safe program the Newport News Sheriff ’s Office fingerprints children at numerous community events and gives the fingerprint cards to the parents. For more information, contact the Newport News Sheriff ’s Office at 926-8747.

FOSTER CARE • Temporary substitute care is arranged for children who cannot stay with their own family. The goal of foster care is to find a permanent home for each child. For more information, visit the Department of Human Services located at 6060 Jefferson Avenue, online at www.nngov.com/human-services or call 926-6300.

HEALTH
Information on many of the services offered by the Peninsula Health Center can also be found online at www.vdh.virginia.gov.

— CHILD DENTAL SEALANT PROGRAM • The school-based dental sealant program provides treatment to elementary school age children during the school year. Dental sealants are placed on permanent molars to help prevent tooth decay and to help ensure that the child’s dental health remains in good condition. For information, call 594-7424.

— CHILD DEVELOPMENT CHECKS • This program is operated by the Virginia Department of Public Health and provides diagnostic services for children who are developmentally delayed or disabled. Children between birth and 21 years of age are served, with priority given to younger children. A fee is charged, based on level of income. For more information, call the Department of Public Health at 594-7319. Residents may also call the Infant and Toddler Connection of Hampton-Newport News at 726-4012, for information about services and a sliding scale fee.

— CHILDREN’S SPECIALTY SERVICES • Administered through the Virginia Department of Public Health, this federally-funded program assists in the rehabilitation of children with medical conditions requiring specialized care such as orthopedic, neurological, surgical, cardiac and urological. For information, call 594-7311.

— HEALTH CHECKS • For information about the numerous health services and check-up programs available to children, call the Infant and Toddlat 726-4012, or the Department of Public Health at 594-7319. In addition, children enrolled in the Newport News Public Schools are screened at various age levels during the school year for vision, hearing, scoliosis (spine), height and weight and blood pressure problems. For more information, call your local school.

— HEALTHY FAMILY CENTERS • Healthy Family Centers in each Newport News library have a variety of information available about parenting and children. Topics include child psychology, memory, learning, education, sexual development, childhood diseases, toys, technology and helping children cope with parents’ divorce, adoption or disabilities. Parent support and informative classes are also available. For more information, call the Healthy Families Initiative at 926-6480.

—IMMUNIZATIONS • State-required immunizations for children are available at no cost to Virginia residents regardless of income. (Adults age 19 and older may also obtain immunizations, for a fee.) The purpose of the immunization program is to help prevent serious childhood diseases. Immunizations are available at:

Peninsula Health Center,
416 J. Clyde Morris Boulevard, 594-7410

East End Health Facility,
1033 28th Street, 247-2170

— INFANT/CHILD HEALTH • Infant and child health information is available at the Peninsula Health Center. For information, visit the Center at 416 J. Clyde Morris Boulevard or call 594-7311.

— INSURANCE, FAMIS (FAMILY ACCESS TO MEDICAL INSURANCE) • This is a state program that offers low cost health insurance for the children of working families. For more information call 1-866- 873-2647 or visit www.hhr.virginia.gov.

— LEAD POISON PREVENTION PROGRAM • The Virginia Department of Public Health serves as a resource for awareness, education, testing and outreach activities. Parents and other care givers can learn about sources of lead poisoning and how to reduce the risk to children. For more information, call 594-7427 or 594-7340.

— PRENATAL CARE • For maternity and child health information, call the Peninsula Health Center at 594-7311.

— WOMEN, INFANTS & CHILDREN PROGRAM (WIC) • The WIC program is offered through the Department of Public Health to qualified residents. WIC provides nutritional education, nutritious foods to pregnant, post partum or breast-feeding women, and to infants and children under five years of age with special nutritional needs. The program provides milk, cheese, eggs, cereal, juice, formula, baby cereal and juice for infants. There are three convenient locations in the city. For more information, call the Peninsula Health Center at 594-7502.

KEEPING OUR KIDS SAFE:THE NEWPORT NEWS VIOLENCE PREVENTION NETWORK • A community-wide effort to develop and implement an array of strategies that insures a violence-free environment for our children at home, in schools, and in our neighborhoods. The Initiative is based upon a proactive plan to create a culture of non-violence by aligning supports, services and opportunities for children, youth, and families around the common theme of violence prevention. Opportunities include the Neighborhood Leadership Institute, parenting classes and other skill building opportunities. For information contact 757-597-2801.

MAYOR’S YOUTH COMMISSION • The Mayor’s Youth Commission involves students who act as liaisons between the youth of the City and City Council, and participants in a variety of projects throughout the City. For information, contact the Office on Children, Youth and Families at 597-2801 or visit www.nngov.com/children-youth-families/mayors-youth-commission.

MENTORS, VOLUNTEERS AND TUTORS • The Office on Children, Youth and Families is working in conjunction with the Court Services Unit to locate mentors, volunteers and tutors for the youth involved with the Juvenile Courts. If you are interested in participating, contact 597-2801 or visit www.nngov.com/children-youth-families.

MENTORSHIP PROGRAM, HYPE (HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE EXCEL) • Employees of the Newport News Department of Juvenile Services volunteer and are positive role models for the children. The HYPE mentorship program is designed to reduce juvenile delinquency by at-risk youth to improve the academic performance of youth and to assist youth in developing job-searching skills. For more information, contact the Department of Juvenile Services at 926-8452.

PARENTING EDUCATION CLASSES • The Office on Children, Youth and Families offers quality parenting education classes, prevention and personal growth information to adults, children and youth of the community. The classes will enhance parenting skills and focus on developing assets in children and youth. Classes are available for new and experienced parents, teens and fathers only. For information, call 597-2801 or visit www.nngov.com/children-youth-families.

PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS
The following are in addition to those offered by Newport News Public Schools.

— FIRST STEP • First Step is a voluntary Title 1 program that prepares four- and five-year olds for kindergarten. First Step is free for children who qualify based on a preschool screening test, and transportation is provided. Call 881-5461 ext. 183 to make an appointment for a preschool screening or if you have questions.

— STORY-TIME SESSION • The Department of Libraries & Information Services provides story-time sessions for young children. For information, call 247-8875 or visit www.nngov.com/library.

SCHOOL-AGE PROGRAMS
— BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL • Before-and after-school, summer and holiday programs for children ages 4 to 15 are held at various locations throughout the City. For information, call the Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism at 926-1400 or visit www.nngov.com/parks-and-recreation.

— PROJECT DISCOVERY • The Office of Human Affairs operates Project Discovery which is an award winning, after-school program that assists select middle and high school students in reaching a higher level of personal motivation and teaches them how to set and achieve educational goals. For information, contact a school guidance counselor or call the Project Discovery office at 247-0379 ext. 327, or visit www.ohainc.org.

SUMMER CAMPS • Funfilled summer camps are offered by the Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism. Call 926-1400 or visit www.nngov.com/parks-and-recreation.

SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS • Newport News Public Schools offers courses each summer for youth including computer college, art, drama, TV broadcasting, cooking, foreign language, and more. Call 591-4988 for course offerings and registration information or visit www.nnschools.org.

SUMMER LUNCH PROGRAM • The Office of Human Affairs operates a Summer Lunch Program, which begins the week after school ends and lasts for 10 weeks. Youth under the age of 18 and disabled youth of any age can eat summer lunches at various schools, churches, boys and girls clubs and recreation centers. For information, call 247-0379 or visit www.ohainc.org.

SUMMER READING PROGRAM • The Summer Reading Program is held during June and July to promote reading for enjoyment and to keep up reading skills during the summer. It is held at all Newport News public libraries and the Bookmobile for ages preschool through 12. There are also Summer Reading Programs for teens and adults. For information, call 926-1350 or visit www.nngov.com/library.

TEENAGE MOTHERS • The Office of Human Affairs offers a Resource Mothers Program for teenage mothers who have babies under the age of one. This program works with the teenage mothers to teach them parenting skills and to help them stay in school. For information, call 245-3271 or visit www.ohainc.org.

BOARDS, COMMISSIONS & COMMITTEES • Newport News has more than 40 boards, commissions and committees whose members are appointed by City Council. Applications can be obtained from any City library or the City Clerk’s Office, which is located on the 9th floor of City Hall, 2400 Washington Avenue. Applications are kept on file for two years. For information, call 926- 8634 or visit www.nngov.com/city-clerk.

-Animal Review Committee
-Architect-Engineer Selection Committee (Engineering)
-Architect-Engineer Selection Committee (Public Utilities)
-Board of Appeals
-Board of Trustees – Pensions & Retirement
-Cable Television Advisory Committee
-Commemoration Advisory Committee
-Commission on Youth
-Committee on Investments (Retirement Fund)
-Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center Board
-Eastern Virginia Health Care Systems Agency
-Eastern Virginia Medical School Board of Visitors
-Hampton Newport News Community Criminal Justice Board
-Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board
-Hampton Roads Tunnels Advisory Committee
-Hilton Village Architectural Review Board
-Human Services Advisory Board
-Industrial Development Authority
-Insight Enterprises, Inc./Peninsula Center for Independent Living
   Board of Directors
-Law Library Advisory Committee
-Newport News Arts Commission
-Newport News Human Rights Commission
-Newport News Mayor’s Committee on Disabilities
-Newport News Occasions
-Newport News Planning Commission
-Newport News Public Library – Board of Trustees
-Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority
-Newport News Wetlands Board
-Newsome House Museum & Cultural Center Foundation, Inc.
   Board of Directors
-North End/Huntington Heights Architectural Review Board
-Peninsula Agency on Aging
-Peninsula Airport Commission
-Peninsula Disability Services Board
-Peninsula Institute for Community Health
-Reservoir Protection Appeals Committee
-Sports Authority of Hampton Roads
-Thomas Nelson Community College Board of Directors
-Towing Advisory Committee
-Transportation Safety Commission
-USS Newport News Liaison Committee

CITIZEN POLICE ACADEMY • The Citizen Police Academy provides an opportunity for citizens to learn firsthand about police operations. Through a series of demonstrations, lectures, and hands-on exercises, the class members will gain a “birds-eye” perspective of the police. Classes and tours cover a wide range of experiences which may include touring the City Jail facilities, learning about criminal investigations, experiencing high risk encounters (without the risk), and shooting a police weapon. The Newport News Police Department offers three Citizen Police Academy formats: regular, senior citizens, and youth. Call Community Programs at 928-4295 for more information or visit www.nngov.com/police.

LEADERSHIP INSTITUTES • The Office on Children, Youth and Families offers two leadership programs. For information for either leadership institute, call 597-2801 or visit www.nngov.com/children-youth-families.

1. The Community Leadership Institute is an eight-week course held twice a year for adults that want to make a difference in their neighborhoods and communities.
2. The Youth Leadership Institute is designed for junior and senior high school students to learn how the City works and how to become an involved community youth leader.

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH • There are over 200 Neighborhood Crime Watch programs throughout the City through which citizens work together with the Police Department to reduce crime in their neighborhoods. For information on upcoming meetings and activities or to establish or revitalize a Crime Watch Group, call Police Community Programs at 928-4295 or visit www.nngov.com/police.

CITY CODES • For information concerning current City ordinances, visit the City Clerk’s Office located on the 9th floor of City Hall, call 926-8634, or visit any Newport News Public Library. The Newport News City Code of Ordinances is also available online at www.nngov.com.

CITY COUNCIL • The Newport News City Council regularly meets at 7:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. A meeting is held at 7:00 p.m. prior to the regular Council meetings for the purpose of making and accepting presentations. Agenda information for each meeting can be obtained from the City of Newport News at www.nngov.com/city-council, at your local library, and on Newport News TV (Cox 48, Verizon 17) beginning on the Friday before the Council meeting. Council meetings are held in the City Council Chambers located at 2400 Washington Avenue. Citizens are invited to attend City Council meetings and to participate in the affairs of the Newport News government.

CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS/RECORDS • Information concerning action taken by City Council can be obtained from the City Clerk’s Office located on the 9th floor of City Hall, online at www.nngov.com/city-council or call 926-8634.

COMPLAINTS - CITY SERVICES & EMPLOYEES • Residents who have a complaint about a City service or the professional conduct of employees while on the job are encouraged to contact the department director that is responsible for that service for assistance. You may also call the Newport News Citizen’s Assistance Line at 926-8000, the City Manager's Office/Office of Communications & Community Relations at 926-8501, or e-mail city@nngov.com.

INFORMATION LINE, CITY – Information Assistance, call 926-8000.

INFORMATION, PUBLIC •The Office of Communications & Community Relations located within the City Manager's Office provides information on local City-related meetings, projects and other activities; and coordinates media relations. Call 926-8501. For information and referral on state government offices or agencies, call the Virginia Information Providers Network at 1-877-482-3468 or visit www.virginia.gov.

TOURS • To arrange group tours of City facilities, contact the City Manager's Office/Communications & Community Relations at 926-8501.

ATTORNEYS/LEGAL ASSISTANCE
— COURT-APPOINTED • Defendants with low income may qualify for a Court-Appointed Attorney. For information, call the General District Criminal Court at 926-8811. For juvenile defendants, call 926-3603.

— LEGAL SERVICES OF EASTERN VIRGINIA • This organization assists low-income people in such areas as bankruptcy, consumer matters, domestic issues such as divorce, custody/visitation, support, power of attorneys, housing (landlord/tenant), public benefits such as Social Security Disability, Medicaid/Medicare, food stamps and wills. To be eligible a person must fall within the Center’s income guidelines. For information, call Legal Services of Eastern Virginia at 1-866-534-5243.

— VIRGINIA LAWYER REFERRAL SERVICE • Defendants who do not qualify for a court-appointed attorney or any citizen needing to locate a lawyer can call the Virginia Lawyer Referral Service at 1-800-552-7977 or visit www.vsb.org.

BANKRUPTCY • To file a bankruptcy in the United States Bankruptcy Court, contact an attorney. For a list of attorneys, see the phone book, go online to www.vsb.org or call the Virginia Lawyer Referral Service at 1-800-552-7977. Low income citizens may obtain assistance from Legal Services of Eastern Virginia at 1-866-534-5243.

BONDSMAN • The Magistrate’s Office issues criminal warrants and sets the conditions of bail and release of defendants. To comply with the Magistrate’s condition, a defendant might need a bondsman. For a list, see the phone book under Bail Bonds.

CIRCUIT COURT • The Newport News Circuit Court has exclusive jurisdiction over divorce proceedings, wills and estate matters, injunctions, adoption proceedings and civil claims $15,000 or above. For additional information, call 926-8561 or visit www.nngov.com/circuit-court.

CIRCUIT COURT CLERK • The Clerk of the Newport News Circuit Court is an elected constitutional officer for the City. The Clerk has statutory duties in the following areas:

-Business Names
-Concealed Handgun Permits
-Deeds and Mortgages
-Expungements
-Financing Statements
-Fines and Court Costs
-Funds Held for Minors
-Garnishments
-Guardianships
-Judgments
-Jury Duty
-Marriage Commissioners
-Marriage Licenses
-Notaries
-Oaths of Office
-Partnerships
-Search Warrants
-Special Police
-Subdivision Plats
-Wills and Estates

For more information, visit the Clerk of the Newport News Circuit Court’s office located at 2500 Washington Avenue, 1st floor, or call 926-8561. Civil, criminal, and chancery case information is available on line at http://courts.state.va.us and follow the link for circuit court case information.

CIVIL SUITS • Civil suits are filed in the Newport News District Court, Civil Division or in the Newport News Circuit Court, depending on the amount of money involved in the suit. For more information, call 926-8561 or visit www.nngov.com/circuit-court.

COMMONWEALTH’S ATTORNEY • The Commonwealth’s Attorney oversees the enforcement of state laws through prosecution of criminal complaints filed by the police and citizens. For information, call 928-7443 or visit www.nngov.com/commonwealths-attorney.

CONSUMER AFFAIRS • For information from the Virginia Division of Consumer Protection and the Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services line regarding consumer issues, including consumer protection (private citizen complaints against businesses, landlords, etc.) and other information on businesses, charities, consumer laws, health spas and other organizations, call 1-800-552-9963 or visit www.vdacs.virginia.gov.

CONSUMER EDUCATION • For information on purchasing quality household goods at the lowest prices, call Virginia Cooperative Extension at 591-4838 or visit www.ext.vt.edu.

DEEDS • All deeds and mortgages for property located in Newport News are recorded in the Office of the Clerk of the Newport News Circuit Court. All land records are open to the public. For more information, visit the Office of the Clerk of the Newport News Circuit Court at 2500 Washington Avenue or call 926-8561.

DISCRIMINATION • For information regarding employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age or disability, call the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) at 441-3470 or www.eeoc.gov. The Human Rights Commission of the Office of Human Affairs hears complaints on any human and civil rights issues to safeguard all individuals from unlawful discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status or disability. For more information, call the Human Rights Commission at 245-5642 or visit www.ohainc.org.

EXPUNGEMENTS • Citizens who have been charged with a criminal offense may be entitled to have the record of that arrest expunged (erased) from their history if their trial resulted in a verdict of not guilty or if the Commonwealth’s Attorney chose not to prosecute. There is a fee to file for an expungement. Contact the Clerk of the Newport News Circuit Court at 926-8561.

GENERAL DISTRICT COURTS • The three divisions of the General District Court are the Civil Division, Criminal Division and the Traffic Division. The General District Court Civil Division is considered the small claims court in Virginia. For more information, visit the General District Courts located at 2500 Washington Avenue or call the Civil Division at 926-3520, Criminal Division at 926-8811 or Traffic Division at 926-8725.

JUVENILE & DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT • The Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court has jurisdiction over cases involving child abuse and neglect, the custody and support of children, and juveniles charged with law violations. For more information, visit the Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court located at 2501 Huntington Avenue or call 926-3603.

MAGISTRATE’S OFFICE • The Magistrate’s Office issues criminal warrants and sets the conditions of bail and release of defendants. For information, call 926-8475.

MARRIAGE LICENSE • Marriage licenses are issued in the Office of the Clerk of the Newport News Circuit Court located at 2500 Washington Avenue on the 1st floor. For information, call 926-8580.

NOTARY PUBLIC • Applications to become a Virginia Notary Public can be obtained from the Clerk of the Newport News Circuit Court located at 2500 Washington Avenue. When completed, applications are sent to the Secretary of the Commonwealth in Richmond, Virginia along with the required fee. When the Notary Commission is granted, the applicant must appear before the Clerk of the Newport News Circuit Court to take the oath of office and pay a qualification fee. For information, call 926-8561 or visit the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website at www.soc.state.va.us.

TRAFFIC FINES • For information on fees and fines related to traffic infractions, call the Traffic Division of the General District Court information line at 926-8876.

VICTIM-WITNESS ASSISTANCE • The Victim-Witness Assistance Program focuses on follow-up assistance for victims of violent crimes. It is administered through the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office and is designed to assist victims and witnesses as they interact with the Criminal Justice System. For more information about this service, call the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office at 926-7443 or visit www.nngov.com/commonwealths-attorney.