"Adults and Children Together (ACT) Against Violence" is a new violence prevention project with a focus on adults who raise, care for, and teach children ages 0-8. This is a collaborative effort by the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board in partnership with Fairfax County Community and Recreation Services and in coordination with the County Executive's Office of Gang Prevention. The CSB is seeking organizations to train and implement the program in Fairfax County.

An important goal of the project is to build the capacity of community groups to deliver effective violence prevention programs. Training, materials, ongoing support and a small stipend upon successful program completion will be provided through this initiative.

The ACT Parents Raising Safe Kids is a national anti-violence, research based program, designed by the American Psychological Association, that mobilizes communities and educates families and caregivers to protect children and youth from violence before it occurs.

ACT is designed to raise parent/adult awareness about ways to protect children and youth from violence by improving parenting skills. To promote violence prevention the curriculum addresses four core issues in 8 group sessions: Child Development, Anger Management, Social Problem-Solving, and Media Literacy.

The program is intended to be delivered in community settings and is available with English and Spanish language materials. Partnering organizations can include community-based organizations, faith-based groups, service organizations and clubs, or others interested in getting involved in this community effort.

For more information on ACT and to find out the requirements for partnering organizations, contact Bharati Patel, 703.934.8737, TTY 711, e-mail Bharati.Patel@fairfaxcounty.gov or Jamie MacDonald, 703-934-8770, TTY 711, e-mail Jamie.MacDonald@fairfaxcounty.gov.