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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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.

A new series of workshops from the Adult and Aging Division aims to bring family caregivers and their family members of all ages and generations together.

  • Join the low-stakes, lively Modern & Contemporary Family Dance class on July 12 to learn the basics.
  • Get inspired by the Sticky Fingers Cooking Class and celebrate the essential role real foods play in health and wellness on July 19.
  • Explore gentle poses and breathing exercises during Family Yoga: Bonding Through Balance on July 26.

Register and learn more. Learn more about family caregiver resources and programs.

Alzheimer’s Disease has an acute effect on daily life, impacting processing and cognition, social relationships, and emotional well-being. Join this ElderLink Virtual Caregiver Support Call as we use an immersive training platform to gain greater insight and perspective into learning how Alzheimer’s Disease affects communication in the brain and recognizing how changes in auditory and visual processing can impact the ability to complete activities of daily living. This virtual session runs from 7-8 p.m. Register to receive access information so you can join virtually or by phone.

This virtual program is a blend of interactive support and education for caregivers of older adults, focusing on advocacy and care for both the caregiver and care recipient. Facilitated by Inova ElderLink, this signature program of the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers was created to support caregivers, helping them cultivate relationships and develop skills that research has demonstrated to be most beneficial to them and the care recipient. Participants report increased confidence and competence when caregiving. Sessions meet virtually from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Class offered via MS Teams. Contact Julie Mezainis at 571-407-6584 for more information. Register online!

Trust, respect, and safety are important to master healthy relationships online and on social media. Join us July 23 at 2 p.m. to hear from an expert on digital safety who will break down important topics like cyberbullying, how people behave online vs. offline, and what it means to be safe on social media and devices. Come ready with questions! Workshop offered via Zoom and in person. Light refreshments will be served at in-person locations. Simultaneous Spanish interpretation will be provided. Contact Debra Miller or Nora Nieto for more information. Registration required.

Do the teens you work with come to you with questions about social media and dating online? Do you struggle to keep up with the latest changes in technology and how they impact your youth or client’s safety? Domestic and Sexual Violence Services is pleased to invite you to a training that will equip you with the knowledge and tools to recognize, prevent, and address tech-enabled abuse among teens. Join us on July 31 at 2 p.m. to hear from an expert on digital violence and ways to approach this topic with kids. Virtual via Zoom. Register online.

Simultaneous Spanish interpretation will be provided. Contact Debra Miller or Nora Nieto for more information.

In this workshop, participants will explore the messages we are taught about gender and how they can affect our relationships with ourselves, loved ones, and community. We will discuss the impact gender roles and stereotypes have on everyone and how this knowledge can help us prevent violence. This workshop is aimed at grandparents and older adult caregivers to children, teens, and young adults interested in learning how to talk about gender with young people in their life. Parents and youth serving professionals also welcome. Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Ln., Alexandria, VA, 22306, 3-4:30 p.m. Questions? Contact Zayne Reeves.

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CHECK OUT OLDER POSTS!

During Pride—and every month—words matter! And this language guide is an excellent resource to help folks better understand terms related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression used in LGBTQIA+ communities. It is not exhaustive, though, and since people use language in different ways, the best practice is always to honor how an individual identifies themselves.

Find out what immunizations are required by grade level for fall registration, and plan how you will access care during the summer months. Free or low cost medical visits are available through the Medical Care for Children Partnership and Federally Qualified Health Centers for Adults and Children in Fairfax County. Learn more about eligibility and how to access care. 

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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.

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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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