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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About Family Services

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cartoon org chart with facesDFS Organizational Chart

 

Mission

The Department of Family Services (DFS) strengthens the well-being of our diverse community by protecting and improving the lives of all children, adults, and families through assistance, partnership, advocacy, outreach, and quality services.

Vision

Fairfax County is a community where everyone lives their success story and thrives.

Values

Values are the guiding principles that shape our behavior and actions. Together with our Mission and Vision, they serve as the foundation for the Department of Family Services from which structures are built, plans are developed, and services are provided.

People-Focused graphic magnify glass over people

People-Focused graphic magnify glass over people Welcoming Every Voice. 

We take a people-focused approach to community engagement, employee engagement, and workforce development. Each DFS team member is engaged as a valued partner to help achieve our mission. Community members and those with lived experience are embraced to help shape our service delivery system. Each voice is vital. Every person plays a role in the success of the organization and actively contributes to a culture of mutual respect, dignity, and service. 

People-Focused graphic magnify glass over people Meeting People Where They Are. 

We recognize individualism. With empathy, honesty and compassion, we work in partnership with each person to address challenges and respect their lived experiences.

People-Focused graphic magnify glass over people Investing in Employee Growth and Development. 

We invest in employees’ individual successes, professional growth, and development which is central to the success of our organization in providing exemplary service. We focus on retention, recruitment, and investment in our workforce. Our commitment ensures that we have opportunities to be successful in our roles and advance our work.  

Equity word graphic scale balancing

Equity graphic graphic scale Equity

The DFS lens, founded on the principles of the county’s One Fairfax policy, recognizes systemic oppression and institutional racism have contributed to disparities in access and opportunities for county residents and that equity and belonging are fundamental to the physical and psychological safety of our workforce and those who receive our services. To create an environment where everyone can thrive, we must take intentional steps to foster inclusion, fairness, and opportunity for all.

As part of the broader County government, DFS plays a key role in implementing the One Fairfax initiative and the County’s strategic plan. In collaboration with our internal and external partners, we are committed to fostering a sense of belonging, valuing diverse perspectives, and making changes to practices and policies that align with a belonging framework.

We recognize that oppression and discrimination are intersectional and come in a variety of forms. We also acknowledge that belonging is a complex and multifaceted concept that requires intentionality to center the voices of marginalized populations.  To make noteworthy progress toward equity, safety, and belonging, we must take specific actions:

  • Center the voices of those with lived experience: We will amplify the voices of those who have been historically marginalized and excluded.  We will seek community members with lived experience to shape our practice.
  • Cultivate empathy and compassion: We will foster a culture of empathy and understanding, recognizing the unique experiences of everyone.
  • Promote social justice: We will advocate for policies and practices that promote justice, equity, and human rights.
  • Build community: We will create spaces where people from diverse backgrounds can connect, collaborate, and build relationships.

Accountability word graphic clipboard checklist

Accountability graphic clipboard checklist Acting with Integrity. 

We are honest and transparent.  We build trust by engaging and supporting our community.

Accountability graphic clipboard checklist Practicing Good Stewardship.

We exercise great care in our efficient and effective management of fiscal and tangible resources made available by County.

Accountability graphic clipboard checklist Taking Ownership.

We accept responsibility for our work, our decisions, our successes, and our shortcomings. We engage in proactive communication to elevate concerns and potential issues and actively seek the best possible solutions.

Accountability graphic clipboard checklist Managing with Data.

We monitor, adjust, and shift our approach and business processes intentionally based on data. We use data to celebrate successes in achieving goals and to identify areas to improve.  

Innovation word graphic bulb over people

Innovation graphic bulb over people Learning and Continuous Improvement.  

We challenge the status quo and advocate for new and innovative approaches to advance the effectiveness of our work and the wellbeing of our community. We embrace taking responsible risks and learning from mistakes and successes to positively impact the future. 

Innovation graphic bulb over people Embracing New Opportunities.

We cultivate community collaborations, explore new funding sources and implement service improvements to better serve our community.  We adjust to changes in our environment with flexibility and agility.

Innovation graphic bulb over people Encouraging Diversity of Perspectives.

We encourage and actively listen to the diversity of ideas. We intentionally engage our workforce and the community to capture a wide range of perspectives across our service areas.

Partnership word graphic connecting people

Partnership graphic connecting people Embracing Partnership and Alignment.

We recognize that to achieve our mission and make our vision a reality, we must not make system-level or client-level changes in isolation. Strategic partnerships with clients, co-workers, within and across departments, and with community partners and other jurisdictions are required. We seek opportunities to collaborate, plan and align our work at all levels for the benefit of our community members.  
 
To move toward true partnership in dialogue, planning, and management, the following Principles of Partnership are understood, integrated, and acted upon within the department, with other county agencies, with community organizations, and with families. We recognize that true partnership requires:  

  • operating from a place of mutual respect.  
  • listening empathetically.  
  • focusing on the strengths of those involved.  
  • critically analyzing the situations under consideration and reserving judgement. 
  • acknowledging power differentials in relationships and ensuring that all voices are heard in the interactions. 
  • recognizing that achieving true partnership is a process and moving toward true partnership must always be intentional.

 

White Paper: Engaging Men, Decreasing Shame and Stigma

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Fairfax County Department of Family Services graphic logo for Facebook profileLike and Follow us on Facebook at @FairfaxCountyFamilyServices for news, events, tips, stories and training opportunities. We support families and county residents of all ages and stages of life. Join our online community and engage with us through social media. #FairfaxCountyFamilyServices

Health and Human Services System logoAbout the Health & Human Services System

This 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. Learn more about Fairfax County HHS.

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