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Facts About Child Welfare

in Fairfax County
including the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church

Child welfare services are provided in our community to protect children from harm; prevent abuse and neglect; support and enhance families’ capacity to care for and nurture their children; and ensure the well-being of Fairfax County’s children.

The Department of Family Services partners with the community to achieve these goals:
The following statistics are from Fiscal Year 2009 (July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009). For more information see the Children, Youth and Families section of the  Advisory Social Services Board Annual Report.

Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect
Child abuse prevention programs support families, particularly those at risk of child abuse or neglect, through community-based, family-focused and early intervention services.

• 617 families received first-time parent services (home visits from a social worker and nurse).
• 370 families participated in parenting classes.

Support and Preserve Families
Family preservation programs are designed to help families who are at a moderate to high risk of child abuse and neglect, to improve family functioning and strengthen family supports.

• An average of 408 families (including 940 children) received services in their homes each month.

Keep Children Safe from Abuse and Neglect
Child Protective Services protects children from abuse and neglect by assessing their safety, risk of harm, and the family’s strengths and needs; providing services and support to families; and taking action if necessary to assure the children’s safety.

• 25,072 calls were made to the Child Protective Services Hotline/Helpline (703-324-7400; TTY 711).
  
  
  • 14,543 of the calls were for information and referrals.
  • 10,529 calls reported concerns about child abuse and neglect.
    
    
    • 8,242 of these calls did not require Child Protective Services intervention. Callers received information and referrals related to their concerns.
    • 2,287 of these calls resulted in families receiving a CPS assessment or an investigation.

Serve Children in Foster Care and Achieve Permanency
When children cannot safely remain with their families, they may enter foster care and live with a foster family or in a group home or residential facility. Services are provided to enable children to return home safely or to be placed in another permanent living arrangement such as with an adoptive family.

• 132 children entered foster care.
• An average of 399 children were in foster care each month.
• 182 children left foster care.
  (74 reunified with parents; 25 placed with relatives; 42 adopted; 41 left foster care to live independently as adults)
• 42 children were adopted from foster carea; as of June 30, 2009, 16 children were waiting for an adoptive home to be identified.

More foster and adoptive families of all cultural backgrounds are needed for children in foster care. Call 703-324-7639; TTY 711 for more information.

For more information about child welfare in
Fairfax County, call or write:
Fairfax County Department of Family Services
12011 Government Center Parkway
Fairfax, VA 22035
703-324-7800 • TTY 703-222-9452 • Fax 703-222-9487