Fairfax 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, our theme for National Child Abuse Prevention Month is Family Matters. There are all kinds of families, but one thing is universal. Families make a vast difference in their children’s lives. The values learned in a loving family provide the guidance a child needs to make life’s tough decisions. We encourage parents and caregivers to explore fun ways to share their family history and values to help provide children a sense of direction, connection, and belonging. Learn more about our theme.
Over 259,000 children live in Fairfax County; and in FY 2023, more than 3,700 of those 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 maintaining 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!
Join the Department of Family Services Volunteer and Partner Services program during Child Abuse Prevention Month as we collect new, unused baby supplies such as high chairs, strollers, car seats, cabinet safety latches, door knob safety covers, crib sheets, baby gates, etc. If you are interested in helping to make sure that local families have some basic necessities for their children, please email Samantha Carrico, call 571-536-8192, or 
This April during Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Department of Family Services is reminding parents and caregivers that Family Matters. Spending time together building connections through sharing family stories and traditions can create a sense of belonging and help set your children up for success. 
Pinwheels are the national symbol for child abuse prevention. They symbolize a happy, healthy childhood. During Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, we want to show kids we’re here for them by displaying pinwheels across our county! 
Children’s lives can be positively changed and even saved by active and aware community members. Help us spread awareness of community programs and resources. Check out our easy-to-use toolkit filled with messages and graphics you can share through social media or in your newsletters during Child Abuse Prevention Month this April.
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!