Department of Family Services – Children, Youth and Families

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
Oriane Eriksen
Director

Department Resources

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Father Engagement

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adult and two children on skateboardFathers, like mothers, play a significant role in their children’s psychological and emotional development. When fathers are actively involved, children are less likely to experience:

  • Mental illness
  • Juvenile delinquency
  • Youth sexual activity
  • Teenage pregnancy
  • Substance use
  • Childhood poverty
  • High school drop out

We Believe:

  • Fathers are irreplaceable in the lives of their children
  • There is a direct link between positive father involvement and child well-being
  • Fathers contribute to their children’s safety and stability.

June is Fatherhood Awareness Month

Fatherhood Awareness Month is the time to recognize the important role fathers play in their children’s development and well-being, from birth through adulthood. For children, having an involved father increases the likelihood that they will experience positive education, health, self-esteem, and social outcomes. Check out our Fatherhood Awareness Month resources for more information.
 

The 2026 NOVA Regional Fatherhood Workshop Series Returns

All Northern Virginia fathers, father figures, and those who work with fathers are invited to these virtual discussions about mental and physical health, parenting and relationship skills, and access to community resources. If you or your child live in Northern Virginia, or you work with fathers in Virginia, you are welcome to join any sessions, each Tuesday in June from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Learn more about these workshops and other events this Fatherhood Month!

It's a fact — fathers are important to their children. Their positive involvement contributes to child safety and well-being. Dads Parenting Groups focus on self-awareness, self-care, parenting skills and relationship skills.

Do You Want to Improve Your Parenting and Fathering Skills?
Our Father Engagement Unit sponsors the services and activities below to enhance fathers’ parenting and fathering skills, and to promote and celebrate the importance of fathers in Fairfax County.

Program Includes

  • 24/7 Dad™ parenting group
  • Meals
  • Access to Fairfax County resources
  • Access to father-child friendly community activities

Characteristics of a 24/7 Dad™

  • Self-awareness
  • Caring for self
  • Fathering skills
  • Parenting skills
  • Relationship skills

12 Sessions and One Orientation Meeting – Free for all participants!

2026 Sessions

Sessions in Spanish

  • April-June Sessions start Tuesday, April 7, 2026 (6-8:30 p.m.) (Virtual)
  • Sept.-Nov. Sessions start Wednesday, Sept. 9 (6-8:30 p.m.) Virtual

Sessions in English

  • May-Aug. Sessions start Tuesday, May 19 (6-8:30 p.m.) Virtual
  • Sept.-Nov. Sessions start Monday, Sept. 7 (6-8:30 p.m.) In-Person

 

Pre-registration is required. Enroll by completing this form. (For Fathers Only)

For more information, contact us via email or call 703-324-7720.

Pocket Dad Video

Challenging Teen Behaviors
Is your teenager’s attitude or behavior making you frustrated? Bennie Herron and Champana Bernard are back with a new Pocket Dad video about showing love to your teens at their most challenging times.

(Check out more Pocket Dad videos!)

Father Engagement Unit Helps Strengthen Families

Exploring the Importance of Active Fathers

Bennie Herron, Father Engagement Unit supervisor, was the guest speaker for OKK Chapter Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated’s kickoff event for their Annual Achievement Week 2026. Herron addressed the crucial role fathers play in shaping the lives of their children and families. Learn more about this event and the opportunities with this program.

Father Engagement Podcasts

On this edition of Unscripted, host Kendra Lee talks with Ricardo Sanchez, Resident in Counseling in Domestic and Sexual Violence Services ADAPT (Anger and Domestic Abuse Prevention and Treatment) program; and Bennie Herron, Father Engagement Supervisor in the Department of Family Services Children Youth and Families Division; about the role fathers can play in modeling healthy relationship behavior for their children.

DFS staff, Marcus Garr of the Parenting Education Programs and Bennie Herron of the Father Engagement Program made a joint appearance on the June 5, County Conversation podcast with host Jim Person to talk about dads! Listen to their conversation to learn how each program’s classes and other services help dads to embrace their role in the family and parent with confidence! Tune in to the interview through the SoundCloud podcast.

County Conversation Dads and Parenting group photo

La Voz del Condado de Fairfax – WUST’s Spanish-Language Program 1120 AM 

On Tuesday, March 17, Yuri Villacorta and Mercedes Alonzo from the Children, Youth and Families Division were guests on “La Voz del Condado de Fairfax” discussing Fairfax County services that support families and prevent child abuse and neglect. They focused specifically on our Father Engagement Program and issues in parenting that are specific to dads. If you missed it, you can listen to the interview

Become A Volunteer Facilitator

We are looking for committed fathers or father figures to co-facilitate the Dads Parenting Groups. Volunteers:

  • Co-lead one Dads Parenting Group from 6:30-8:30 p.m., one evening a week for 13 weeks.   
  • Must be reliable, accepting, patient, honest, flexible, motivated, and cooperative. 
  • Are highly encouraged to apply if bilingual (English/Spanish speaking).
Learn more about this opportunity!

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