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

June is Fatherhood Awareness Month

June is Fatherhood Awareness Month

Fathers matter. Whether it’s giving his baby a bath, learning how to braid a daughter’s hair, helping with virtual schooling, eating together with family, or cheering from the stands, dads are vital in the upbringing of their children. 

A father’s influence continues to be important as children grow up. When dads talk with older kids about their daily lives, help them with college and career decisions, and share parenting wisdom with their adult kids, the impact is immeasurable.

Research tells us when dads are involved in the lives of their children, those children tend to be more psychologically and emotionally balanced and tend to have better social skills, higher grades and stronger parenting skills when they start their own families. When fathers are involved, children are less vulnerable to childhood poverty, substance abuse, juvenile delinquency and teen pregnancy.

June is Fatherhood Awareness Month, and Fairfax County is taking this opportunity to celebrate fathers. Join us!


Virtual Parent Café: How Engaged Fathers Support Children’s Positive Outcomes, Tuesday, Jun. 11

As we approach Father’s Day, join Bennie Herron from the Father Engagement Unit along with  Parenting Education Programs staff for a discussion on the vital role that fathers play in their children’s development and well-being, including the ways their contributions and influence differ from a mother’s.  Fairfax County parents or guardians with children ages 0-18 years old are welcome at this free group which meets from 6:30-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Jun. 11. Sign up for any Virtual Parent Café by sending an email or calling 703-324-7720 at least one business day before the Parent Café date listed. We look forward to you joining us!

Virtual Parent Café: How Engaged Fathers Support Children’s Positive Outcomes


Fathers Matter Cookout - Cancelled Due to Heat Advisory

Fathers Matter CookoutSaturday, June 22, 2024, 11:30 a.m.– 2 p.m. 
Burke Lake Park 
7315 Ox Road, Shelter A
Fairfax Station, VA 22039

 
All dads, their families and professionals are invited to help us celebrate fathers at this free cookout! Families will get to spend time with each other and enjoy nature hikes, tot lot, frisbee toss, arts and crafts, and giveaways. A cookout with hot dogs, hamburgers, assorted treats and beverages.


Proclamation

Fairfax County sealThe Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will be proclaiming June 2024, as Fatherhood Awareness Month, a time to raise public awareness of the importance of a father’s engagement with his children and family. Check back for photos of this ceremony.


Community Engagement Toolkit

message cloudsFathers are irreplaceable in the lives of their children. They contribute to their children’s safety and stability, and there is a direct link between positive father involvement and child well-being. Share these easy-to-use social media tools as a way to recognize dads for all they do. 


Dads Group Dynamics Spark Growth

Youseph Sadeghi“Every class is different. The material may be the same, but depending on the dynamics of the group, there are new experiences that we all share with each other.” Ali Sadeghi, a participant and big supporter of our Dad’s Parenting Groups shared some of his reflections on what makes the groups work so well and how they help dads grow on their parenting journey. Check out the video.


Pocket Dad Fatherhood Advice Videos

Pocket Dad Video graphic logoIt's a fact – fathers are important to their children! Their positive involvement contributes to child safety and well-being. Through each Pocket Dad video, our Father Engagement team members talk about relevant, timely and interesting topics to help dads be better dads. New videos are added each month on topics such as discipline, co-parenting, self-care, and more.


Family Matters!  Giving Children a Sense of Direction, Connection, and Belonging

dad playing guitar with sonFamily Matters! When loving families spend time together, they build connections that create a sense of belonging. 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 family stories, traditions, and values to help give children a sense of direction, connection, and belonging. Learn more.

Fairfax Virtual Assistant