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

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Community Corner

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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.

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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.

Domestic and Sexual Violence Services is looking for a few good volunteers! Sign up to learn about DSVS, the services the division provides and the population it serves. Discover how volunteers can contribute to the DSVS mission and the application process. Orientation is free but registration is required. Multiple dates May 1-30, 2024, are available. Choose the one that works best for you.

Children and young teens need more than a cell phone to keep them safe when they’re home alone. It’s important to develop a family plan to ensure safety, especially in the summer. Join us Tuesday, May 14 for a facilitated discussion on what to consider and how to create family rules and plans. 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. 

Join Elizabeth L. Gray, Esq., CELA and Virgina C. Haizlip, Esq., as they educate family caregivers on what legal considerations they should consider in their caregiving role. They will discuss special needs trusts, when is it appropriate to use a special needs trust, and other tools to help people who care for a loved one with a disability. They will discuss the difference between guardianship and power of attorney and how do you decide the best option for your family. In addition, they will share what legal documents are necessary for family caregivers to be able to provide the most effective assistance to their aging loved ones with a disability. They will also discuss advance medical directives, revocable living trusts, and wills. This webinar is scheduled from 12-1 p.m. on May 15. Register.

Learn more about family caregiver programs and resources for older adults and adult with disabilities.

Join Shannon Royce, NAFC Certified Personal Trainer, Functional Aging Specialist, and Certified Training the Older Adult Specialist, as she provides caregivers with exercises, stretches, and breathing techniques to help strengthen the muscles in their legs, back, and hips. This will assist with maintaining a more upright posture and longer gait steps. She will discuss the purpose of strength training and talk about its importance in overcoming or slowing down conditions that primarily affect adults as they age, such as sarcopenia (muscle loss), osteopenia (bone loss), and obesity. This session runs from 12-1 p.m. Register.

Learn more about programs and services for older adults, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers.

The Fairfax County Commission for Women is hosting a panel discussion on the health and well-being of women and girls in Fairfax County following the release of “The Status of Women and Girls in Fairfax County, Virginia.” Join us from 1:30-3:30 p.m. in the Fairfax County Government Center, Conference Rooms 9/10, for this important conversation! This event is free but registration is required.

Join Stephan Goldberg, founder and president of Optimus Performance, who will inform and provide practical exercises to utilize affirmations as a tool to achieve personal goals and to affect a change in attitude and perspective. The workshop will focus on the purpose of affirmations, the benefits, and how to write and use affirmations to achieve desired outcomes. Participants will be able to ask questions and practice writing affirmations as the workshop progresses. This workshop will run from 12-1 p.m. Register.

Cultive relaciones sanas con sus hijos. Are you ready to become a more confident and effective parent? Join our free multi-week in-person parenting class starting June 3 at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church in Springfield! 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 Monday from 5:30-8 p.m. Ready to sign-up or have questions? Contact us by email or call 703-324-7720. Learn more about the variety of parenting classes available.

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.

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.

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.

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CHECK OUT OLDER POSTS!

May is Older Americans Month when we celebrate the contributions of older Americans and also acknowledge the importance of keeping older adults safe from neglect and abuse. Paying for food can be a challenge for people on a limited income. According to the National Council on Aging, 3 out of 5 older adults who qualify for food assistance (SNAP) are missing out on the benefit. Applying for SNAP is easier than you might think. Learn more and apply for SNAP by calling 1-8335-CALL-VA (1-833-522-5582) or apply online.

Our Parent Support Line is a great resource for parents and caregivers of children. Get help from our staff with parenting advice, support, and tips to navigate emotional and relational parenting issues. Contact the Parent Support Line 703-324-7720 or by email Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Learn more about how we provide support to parents.

Estamos aquí para apoyarle. Podemos ayudar a responder sus preguntas como padres. Llámenos a nuestra línea de apoyo para padres 703-324-7720 o email. Nuestro equipo de apoyo por línea telefónica está disponible de Lunes a Viernes de 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

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newsletter graphicFoster Family News for Current and Potential Fairfax County Foster Parents – May 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 May 2024 newsletter. This month we focus on National Foster Care Month, foster parent recognition, and a national report on kinship care.

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

Check out the May 2024 Golden Gazette, featuring 91-year-old Susan Voss, who 13-year-old Jonathan D’Cruz considers his role model for aging well due to her active lifestyle and positive outlook. You’ll also read about Older Americans Month, Mental Health Awareness Month, the importance of screening for aging-related diseases 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

Find out what Domestic and Sexual Violence Services volunteers are up to in the May 2024 Volunteer Voices! Meet Sudha Bhat, Hotline volunteer and ADAPT co-facilitator; see how Domestic and Sexual Violence Services observes Foster Care, Older Americans, and Asian Americans/Pacific Islander Heritage months; learn more about the partnership between DSVS and the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance; spring into self-care; and learn fascinating facts about the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline. Plus, spend a day with Crisis Response Services Supervisor Debra Ranf, read a review of Perfect Peace, blow out candles with volunteers celebrating a birthday this month, and more.

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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.

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