The county’s Child Abuse Prevention efforts seek to Build Stronger Families that can provide safe and healthy childhoods and lead to creating a strong, thriving community.
This year’s theme for Child Abuse Prevention Month is Words Matter. We are challenging parents and caregivers to be intentional every day to speak encouraging words that build up children’s sense of worth.
In Fairfax County alone, in 2021, more than 2,600 children were involved with Child Protective Services. Child abuse and neglect cuts across all demographic areas and impacts our entire community. We know through research that adverse childhood experiences like child abuse result in long term health impacts and increased costs to society. Child abuse and neglect affects us all.
Fairfax County continues to be a community that is absolutely dedicated to the safety of children and to providing the appropriate supports to parents to keep families healthy. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, so learn more about county resources, and visit our community engagement toolkit for ways you can share the message!
Children’s lives can be positively changed and even saved by active and aware community members. Many situations and conditions are preventable once community programs and systems are engaged. Check out the easy-to-use tools to help you join the conversation on social media.
Fairfax CASA hosts this annual 3K charity race on April 30, 2022. It's fun for the whole family.
On Wednesday, March 23, County Conversation Host Jim Person interviewed Sam Carrico, Child Protective Services Supervisor with the Fairfax County Department of Family Services’ Sexual Abuse Unit. Sam explains the work involved in sexual abuse investigations, signs to look for, and what to do if you suspect a child is being abused. Sam also talks about what motivated her to do this work, handling her facility dog, Rylynn, the ways Rylynn supports children during an investigation, and what Rylynn does after work.
Check out our collection of parenting resources, articles, podcasts, and video series Parenting 101, addressing the most pressing frequently asked parenting questions about discipline, self-care, family routines and more! 
Pinwheels are the national symbol for child abuse prevention. They symbolize a happy, healthy childhood. During Child Abuse Prevention Month, we want to show kids we’re here for them by displaying pinwheels across our county! 
Looking for some ways to make a difference in your teen’s life? Overwhelmed by their attitudes? Struggling to connect? Or perhaps you want to help a teen who needs support. Check out these ways to make a difference in a teen’s life.