Department of Family Services

CONTACT INFORMATION: Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
703-324-7500 TTY 711
12011 Government Center Parkway, Pennino Building
Fairfax, VA 22035
Michael A. Becketts
Director

Department Resources

Related Resources

Community Corner

Translate this page into a different language.

Community Corner banner graphic, text over a variety of stenciled homes

Welcome to the Department of Family Services' Community Corner. Our weekly newsletter, updated each Wednesday, provides information about upcoming events, parenting and wellness tips, programs and services, and more! Share these helpful posts with your family and friends.

Don't miss out on future postings; sign-up today!

Email Updates

To sign up for updates or to access your subscriber preferences, please enter your contact information below.

 

Click here to view the latest Community Corner newsletter!

Community Calendar section title graphic

The Body Safety Program is now offering free virtual classes to any Pre-K through sixth grade students living in Fairfax County. Using the Childhelp® Speak Up Be Safe curriculum, trained facilitators help children build safety skills, preparing them to identify risks such as, child abuse, bullying, and internet predators. If you’re interested in learning more about or scheduling a virtual class(es), please call 703-324-7459 or email DFSBodySafety@fairfaxcounty.gov. Learn more about this program.

These free groups are designed for kinship caregivers, raising a child or children for a family member or a friend, to connect with other families for support and encouragement. Virtual support groups are hosted and facilitated by Formed Families Forward, in partnership with Fairfax County Department of Family Services. This group meets from 6:30-8 p.m. Learn more or Register online.

Do you have children ages 0-4 years old? This FREE parenting class shows parents how to understand child development; create nurturing parenting routines; master infant massage; and develop ways to foster positive self-esteem in themselves and their children. This class meets every Tuesday from 5:30-8 p.m. at Main Street Child Dev. Center. Ready to sign up or have questions? Contact us by email or call 703-324-7720. Check out our online parenting tips and resources including upcoming classes.

Are you ready to become a more confident and effective parent? Join our free multi-week virtual parenting class starting June 11! This class is designed for parents with children aged 5-11 years old and will cover topics such as increasing empathy, encouraging appropriate behaviors, building positive self-concept and self-esteem, and having fun as a family. The class meets every Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. Ready to sign-up or have questions? Contact us by email at or call 703-324-7720. Learn more about the variety of parenting classes available.

As we approach Father’s Day, join us for a discussion on the vital role that fathers play in their children’s development and well-being, including the ways their contributions and influence differ from a mother’s.  Fairfax County parents or guardians with children ages 0-18 years old are welcome at this group which meets from 6:30-8 p.m. Sign up by sending an email or call 703-324-7720 to register at least one business day before the Parent Café date. Learn more about parenting resources.

Learn how to become a dementia friend and turn your new understanding of dementia into a practical action that can help someone living in your community. After participating in a Dementia Friends session, participants can describe dementia and know the most common type of dementia; state the five key messages about dementia; explain one approach to effectively communicate with a person with dementia; and commit to an action as Dementia Friend in your community. This virtual session will run from 12-1:15 p.m. Register to receive access instructions.

The Dementia Caregiver Series are free webinars for family caregivers who are caring for a loved one living with dementia. Learn more about caregiver resources and programs

It's recruitment time again! Sign up for one of two in-person Volunteer Orientation sessions at the Fairfax County Community Services Room in Tysons Corner Center at 4:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. (1961 Chain Bridge Road (2d level outside Nordstrom), McLean, VA 22102). For more information or to register, contact Tanisha Cox.

Do you have children who are 12-18 years old? This multi-week virtual parenting class offered in Spanish shows parents how to learn communication strategies, how to recognize each other’s needs, how to understand the developmental stages of adolescence, and ways to build their children’s personal power, self-concept, and self-esteem. Cultivar relaciones sanas con sus hijos. This class meets every Monday from 6-8 p.m. Ready to sign up or have questions? Contact the Parenting Education Programs by email or call 703-324-7720. Learn more about the variety of parenting classes available.

All dads, their families and professionals are invited to join us from 11:30 a.m.– 2 p.m. in Burke Lake Park to help us celebrate fathers! Families will get to spend time with each other and enjoy nature hikes, a tot lot, frisbee toss, arts and crafts, and giveaways. A cookout with hot dogs, hamburgers, assorted treats, and beverages. Non-Fairfax County residents: Show the event flyer at the front gate for free admission. Register online by June 16.

Caregiving today often involves addressing daily financial tasks and taking on complicated decision-making responsibilities. Caregivers need to have financial and money management strategies to ensure the best decisions are made and reduce stress to protect both the care recipient and the caregivers’ own financial future. Yet, there is often a lack of financial knowledge with no advanced financial planning for circumstances requiring immediate action. This session will explore financial responsibilities and decisions frequently required across the caregiving lifecycle and educate attendees about information and tools available to help caregivers plan ahead. This virtual session will run from 12-1 p.m. Register to receive an email with access instructions. Learn more about family caregiver support programs.

Sexual Violence Tier One is a 16-hour training on understanding sexual violence, systems responding to sexual violence in Fairfax County, and resources available in our community. This training is for professionals, volunteers, and community members looking to learn how and why sexual violence happens; the impact of sexual violence on individuals, families, and communities; and how to support those impacted. It is free, but registration is required. For more information, contact Abby Picard.

This parenting class allows parents and caregivers to share, learn, and find support with raising African American children. Families have a safe space to grow in their parenting skills, explore resources and share wisdom with one another. Open to Fairfax County parents or guardians. This class meets every Wednesday from 5:30-8 p.m. from June 26-Sept. 18. Ready to sign up or have questions? Contact the Parenting Education Programs by email or call 703-324-7720. Learn more about the variety of parenting classes available.

Catch Up Corner section title graphic

CHECK OUT OLDER POSTS!

Cooling Assistance is a program designed to help keep vulnerable Fairfax County residents cool during the summer months. To be eligible, at least one household member must be: 60 or older, 5 or younger, or disabled according to Social Security, Medicaid or 100% Veteran’s Administration. 

Applications for Cooling Assistance will be accepted from June 17–August 15. Learn more!

On this episode of Unscripted, host Kendra Lee sits down with Kendal Cristaudo, Hospital Accompaniment specialist in Domestic and Sexual Violence Services; therapist Gabriella Jack; and Kimberly Bell, retired Air Force veteran; to talk about what the Pentagon has called a “tragic” rise in cases of interpersonal violence among the military’s ranks and what’s being done to support survivors.

Community Corner Categories

Opportunities
Services
Stories
Tips
Wellness

Community Conversations section title graphic

newsletter graphicFoster Family News for Current and Potential Fairfax County Foster Parents – June 2024

Our monthly Foster Family Newsletter shares resources and experiences relevant to foster and adoptive parents, children in care, and the resource workers who support them. Check out the June 2024 newsletter. This month we focus on the Foster Parent of the Year, the Foster Parent Appreciation Dinner, annual data, and more.

newsletter graphicGolden Gazette Newsletter Covers a Variety of Topics Concerning Older Adults and Caregivers in Fairfax County

Check out the June 2024 Golden Gazette, featuring Christopher Johnston, the long-time music director and conductor of the NOVA Symphony Orchestra, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. You’ll also learn how caregiving can impact men’s health and resources that can help; how virtual reality is helping caregivers better understand older adults as they experience challenges in their lives; and more. 

newsletter graphicThe Volunteer Post Newsletter

We have many wonderful volunteers and donors helping children and families in Fairfax County. Our Volunteer Post Newsletter provides a glimpse into the many ways to get involved in making a difference and supporting families in our community. Check out the March 2024 Issue to learn about one of our long-standing partners and some of our newest volunteers, opportunities to support local children and families, and what’s happening for Volunteer and Social Worker Appreciation months. 

newsletter graphicVolunteer Voices Newsletter

Check out the June 2024 Volunteer Voices, where you’ll meet Justina Johnson, Hospital Accompaniment Support Advocate and ADAPT co-facilitator; see how Domestic and Sexual Violence Services observes Pride and Fatherhood Awareness months; check out DSVS staff on both the Unscripted: Conversations about Sexual and Domestic Violence and the Dialed In with DCJS Victims Services podcasts. Plus, get the scoop on teens and strangulation during sex, sign up for trainings, and more.

Join the Community section title graphic

Department of Family Services logoThe Department of Family Services (DFS) promotes the well-being of the County's diverse community by protecting and improving the lives of children, adults and families through supportive services, education and advocacy.

Fairfax County Health and Human Services LogoThis Department of Family Services agency is a part of the Fairfax County Health & Human Services System (HHS). The HHS System is a network of county agencies and community partners that support the well-being of all who live, work and play in Fairfax County.

stock photo of employeesJoin Us! Learn about job opportunities in the Department of Family Services.

Back to top

Close
Fairfax Virtual Assistant

Related Resources