Facts About Child Welfare

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 2007 (July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007).

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.

• 638 families received first-time parent services (home visits from a social worker and nurse).
• 174 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 425 families (including 936 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.

• 29,684 calls were made to the Child Protective Services Hotline/Helpline (703-324-7400; TTY 711).
  
  
  • 14,683 of the calls were for information and referrals.
  • 15,001 calls reported concerns about child abuse and neglect.
    
    
    • 12,917 of these calls did not require Child Protective Services intervention. Callers received information and referrals related to their concerns.
    • 2,084 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.

• 209 children entered foster care.
• 184 children left foster care.
  (66 reunified with parents; 35 placed with relatives; 35 adopted; 33 went to independent living; 15 other)
• An average of 464 children were in foster care each month.
• As of June 30, 2007, 24 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