Say hello to Rylynn! Learn more about Rylynn's work with the Department of Family Services (DFS).
Want to know what Rylynn's up to and her experiences with our community partners? We post a variety of updates and stories to DFS' Facebook and Community Corner.
- Like and Follow @FairfaxCountyFamilyServices on Facebook.
- Sign up for Community Corner.
Happy National Dog Day!
We’re celebrating Rylynn, the DFS facility dog, on National Dog Day! She brightens up everyone’s day with her gentle spirit and positive attitude that help sooth the most anxious children and families. Rylynn and her handler Sam Carrico have made an impact for the children and families we serve through the Children, Youth, and Families Division.
(Posted 2024-08-26)
CYF Celebrating Rylynn’s Gotcha Day
The Department of Family Services’ facility dog, Rylynn, has just completed her third year as the first facility dog at a social services agency in the country and she is still going strong! Rylynn, a trained Canine Companions’® facility dog is showing no signs of slowing down as we anticipate all the exciting things happening in our department! Remarkably, in the last 365 days, Rylynn has been able to:
- Offer emotional support for students at 12 schools.
- Participate in 8 Body Safety classes.
- Lend additional time during 20 Body Safety follow-ups.
- Support 4 Fairfax County Public School group sessions.
- Provide court preparation 7 times and appear in a courtroom 3 times.
- Assist with mandated reporter training 20 times.
- Lend a paw during facility dog training 4 times.
- Attend 8 outreach events, 1 career fair, 1 respite night, and 2 conferences.
If you are interested in supporting individuals who have been affected by child abuse and neglect, then check out our openings.
(Posted 2024-05-13)
DFS Canine Ambassador and Handler Visit University of Lynchburg
We are so “doggone” excited about this recent opportunity for Volunteer and Partner Services Supervisor, Samantha Carrico, and the Department of Family Services’ facility dog, Rylynn, to be guest speakers at the University of Lynchburg. Sam shared her experience working in Child Protective Services conducting forensic investigations of child abuse allegations and the role that Rylynn has played in supporting children and families. Learn more.
(Posted 2024-01-10)
Puppy Party Fosters Fun
The Department of Family Services’ Facility dog, Rylynn, hosted a party and invited several of her furry friends from Canine Companions® along with their handlers! The guests of honor were older youth in Fairfax County Foster Care. We would like to extend our thanks to all the volunteers who made this day special. Read more.
(Posted 2024-01-08)
Volunteer and Partner Services Presents at 14th Annual Crimes Against Children Conference
In October, the Volunteer and Partner Services program was honored to send two staff members and Rylynn, the DFS facility dog, to represent Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Services at the 14th Annual Crimes Against Children’s Conference in Virginia Beach. Learn more about their presentation on child abuse prevention.
(Posted 2023-12-12)
Clifton Preschool Students Learn about Body Safety
Body Safety program staff had an opportunity to teach a class at Clifton Presbyterian Church Preschool, where they model and guide children to show respect and kindness to themselves, their classmates, and their teachers. During the Body Safety classes, we reinforced the ideas that children deserve to be respected and safe on the inside and on the outside. Learn more about this program and the difference it makes in our community.
(Posted 2023-09-14)
Prevention Programs Complete First Student Grief Groups in Partnership with Fairfax County Public Schools
Nicole Wilson and Leah Frazier, mental health specialists with the Department of Family Services’ Neighborhood Networks program, recently co-led weekly sessions of a grief group. The participants were London Towne Elementary School students who have suffered unimaginable losses. Children, Youth, and Families’ facility dog, Rylynn, and her handler Sam Carrico, were there to support students. Learn more about this community partnership.
(Posted 2023-05-25)
CYF Celebrating Rylynn’s Gotcha Day
May 13 is Gotcha Day for the Department of Family Services’ facility dog, Rylynn! It’s the 2nd anniversary of Rylynn and her handler Sam Carrico’s graduation as a facility dog team from Canine Companions®. Since then, Rylynn has become such an important member of the Children, Youth, and Families Team! She is instrumental in helping families to openly share positive and negative experiences as well as accept and overcome challenges.
Among Rylynn’s accomplishments this past year were participating in her first grief group with London Towne Elementary School, being interviewed by the local media for two different magazines, attending two college classes on the campuses of George Mason University and the University of Lynchburg, providing two trainings about facility dogs to educate the community on what she does, visiting Deer Park Elementary three times to provide support to their special education students, making four court appearances, attending 14 different community outreach events, helping with 16 Mandated Reporter Trainings, and supporting 25 Body Safety classes to help prevent and interrupt child abuse. What a year it was! Rylynn and Sam are looking forward to what the next year holds.
If you are interested in supporting individuals who have been affected by child abuse and neglect, then check out our openings at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/join-us.
(Posted 2023-05-12)
University of Lynchburg Criminology Class “Studies” DFS Facility Dog
Recently, a freshman criminology class at the University of Lynchburg got a first-hand, interactive lesson on the use of facility dogs within the child welfare system. Sam Carrico with the Children, Youth, and Families Division and Rylynn, her facility dog, taught the class in what they hope is the first of many opportunities to share with college students about careers in child welfare. Want to join our team and make a difference in our community? Check out these openings in the Children, Youth, and Families Division.
(Posted 2023-04-07)
Rylynn Supports Body Safety Classes
Recently, Rylynn was hard at work at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School supporting Body Safety classes. We were excited for such a perfect space to meet with our special new friends and talk with them about what they learned. Thanks Mount Vernon Woods for hosting us and letting us use your Calming Room! If you are available during the day, feel comfortable in a classroom, and want to empower children, we are looking for more volunteer facilitators. To learn more, contact Francesca Lovitt by email at Francesca.Lovitt@fairfaxcounty.gov, call 703-324-7459 or visit https://bit.ly/DFS-VPS-BS-V.
(Posted 2023-03-13)
Rylynn Represents DFS in the Community
Rylynn, and her handler Sam represented the Children, Youth, and Families Division of the Department of Family Services at an event at Providence Community Center along with other community partners in support of the residents from the Trillium Apartments. Want to join our team and make a difference in our community? Check out these openings in our Children, Youth, and Families Division.
(Posted 2023-02-21)
Sam and Rylynn Move to Volunteer & Partner Services
Volunteer & Partner Services has a new supervisor! Samantha Carrico is very excited to be leading the VPS team where she is building relationships with everyone in the community that make this program so successful! Sam and Rylynn are excited to continue making a huge impact with children and families in our community in this new role. Learn more.
(Posted 2023-01-15)
DFS Facility Dog Team, Sam and Rylynn, Shine at DogFest 2022
Check out this new video about Sam Carrico and Rylynn, the Department of Family Services’ facility dog pair. We captured this short talk at Canine Companions® DogFest Washington DC 2022. It’s a feel-good story about the impact Rylynn has made providing paw-sitive reinforcement for families going through challenging circumstances.
(Posted 2022-12-28)
Secret Santa Paws!
Rylynn is enjoying being a part of the Secret Santa Paws gift exchange with other facility dogs working in the United States! She has a huge thank you for these gifts she received from her Santa’s helper all the way in Texas. She’s also in on the action in helping to deliver presents for the Adopt-A-Family Holiday Program with her handler Sam Carrico. The trunk is loaded up and they are off to spread holiday cheer for those families unable to pick up presents. Rylynn wishes everyone Happy Howlidays!
(Posted 2022-12-20)
Rylynn Certified Through 2025!
Congratulations to Rylynn and Sam Carrico, DFS’s facility dog team. They just passed their Assistance Dogs International recertification exam. Now they are set to continue their work supporting children and families served by the Children, Youth, and Families Division for the next three years.
(Posted 2022-12-05)
Children at Annandale Terrace Elementary School Learn about Body Safety
Recently, our staff and volunteers brought the Body Safety program to children at Annandale Terrace Elementary School. Rylynn, the Children, Youth and Families’ facility dog, helped to gently support the school children. School staff pictured from left to right, including the new principal, Ingrid Badia, school social worker and long-term Body Safety supporter, Celia Fruchterman, and others welcomed Rylynn and expressed their appreciation for everyone involved in this program. Interested in bringing Body Safety to your school? Learn more.
(Posted 2022-11-30)
Thank You to Rylynn
Rylynn, the Department of Family Services’ facility dog, and her handler Sam Carrico recently received a touching thank you note from a child that Rylynn supported in court during a sexual abuse case. This sweet pup provided hugs and compassion just when they were needed most. Rylynn clearly made a permanent imprint on this child’s heart. We are all grateful to Sam and Rylynn for the work they do to help children and families. Even as they are transitioning to another program within DFS, they will continue this important work.
(Posted 2022-11-14)
Happy Howloween! Facility Dog Helps Support Vulnerable Children
Supporting vulnerable children and their families can be challenging but imagine having this sweet 3-year-old pup on your team! Rylynn works with her handler in the Department of Family Services Children, Youth and Families Division to reduce trauma and decrease the re-victimization of children and their families. Consider applying for one of these openings and learn more about the work.
(Posted 2022-10-26)
DFS Children, Youth and Families’ facility dog pair, Sam Carrico and Rylynn featured at Canine Companions® DogFest Washington DC 2022.
Rylynn calmly laid at her handler’s feet, while Sam shared the story of Rylynn’s impact on Fairfax County children and families. It was easy for the crowd to understand how Rylynn warms the hearts and soothes the spirits of children she works with. This annual community event brings together furry friends and their families, especially ones involved with Canine Companions who live and work in and around Washington D.C.
(Posted 2022-10-07)
Celebrating Rylynn During National Dog Month
August is National Dog Month, and we couldn’t let it go by without celebrating Rylynn and the work she is doing in the Fairfax County Department of Family Services’ Sexual Abuse Unit to support children and families. No one gives better cuddles! Rylynn’s soothing presence can help children feel more confident in sharing difficult experiences with investigators.
(Posted 2022-08-23)
Rylynn Supports Students in Body Safety Program
Recently Rylynn, and her facility dog handler, Sam Carrico, visited students at Main Street Child Development Center as part of the Body Safety Program. Instructors with this program use the curriculum, Childhelp® Speak Up Be Safe, to give children a comfortable, non-alarming way to talk about the sensitive and complex problem of child abuse. After learning about the 5 Body Safety Rules, the children and staff loved getting some cuddles from such a sweet pup. Our Body Safety Program is always looking for volunteer instructors to help share this message with children. If you are interested, get more information.
(Posted 2022-06-23)
Happy Gotcha Day, Rylynn!
We are celebrating Rylynn’s Gotcha Day! One year ago on May 13, 2021, Rylynn and her handler Sam Carrico graduated as a facility dog team from Canine Companions and Rylynn joined Children, Youth and Families in the Child Protective Services’ Sexual Abuse Unit.
Over the last year, Rylynn has made her mark! She has assisted in two forensic interviews, three Body Safety Classes, 20 court appearances, 36 mandated reporter trainings, six facility dog trainings, one yappy hour, and two photo shoots! Join us in congratulating Rylynn on completing a pawsitively awesome year on the job and wishing her and Sam many more!
(Posted 2022-05-13)
County Conversation Podcast Featuring Sam Carrico and Rylynn
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.
(Posted 2022-04-10)
Happy Birthday to Rylynn!
Join us in wishing Rylynn a Happy Birthday! She turned 3 years old this week! Rylynn is a great ally and friend to children involved with our Children Youth and Families Division. Fun fact! Rylynn loves to cuddle, playing with her lamb chop toy and eating all her vegetables! You can learn more about Rylynn and her work in DFS.
(Posted 2022-03-10)
Rylynn’s First Forensic Interview at SafeSpot
Rylynn’s First Forensic Interview at SafeSpotGuess who aced her first forensic interview at SafeSpot Children’s Advocacy Center of Fairfax? Rylynn handled it like the pro she is! Part of Rylynn’s job as a facility dog with DFS is providing caring support to children during the difficult process of a child abuse investigation. Because the forensic interviewer must remain impartial, Rylynn’s calm loving presence can help children overcome their anxiety about sharing their experiences and make the situation more bearable for them. You can learn more about Rylynn and her work in DFS.
(Posted 2022-02-23)
Work During the Howl-idays
Ho, ho, ho! Yule never guess who was “merry” happy to see Santa on the job at the Herndon Police Department! Rylynn definitely made Santa’s nice list after waiting patiently to help her handler Sam Carrico with mandated reporter training. Learn more about Rylynn.
(Posted 2021-12-15)
DogFest 2021 Features Fairfax County Family Services' Facility Dog Team
Department of Family Services’ Children, Youth and Families’ facility dog pair, Sam Carrico and Rylynn presented at Canine Companions® DogFest Washington DC 2021. Check out the work Rylynn is doing to provide comfort and paw-sitive reinforcement for families going through a ruff time.
(Posted 2021-12-01)
Rylynn Gets Recertified
Rylynn had a paw-sitively fur-bulous week! After passing her Canine Companions recertification exam alongside her best buddy Virgil from SafeSpot, the two dogs had some well-deserved playtime and rest time! Rylynn also spent time interacting with some Fairfax County Police Department victim services specialists prepping for court! Learn more about Rylynn.
(Posted 2021-11-24)
Rylynn Attends Canine Companions® DogFest Washington DC 2021
DFS Children, Youth and Families’ facility dog pair, Sam Carrico and Rylynn were speakers at Canine Companions® DogFest Washington DC 2021. This event for furry friends and their families included fun festivities, canine contests, dog demonstrations, and stories of real graduate teams, like Sam and Rylynn, who live and work in and around Washington D.C. Learn more about Rylynn.
(Posted 2021 -10-26)
Rylynn's First Months at the Department of Family Services
In her first months working as a facility dog, Rylynn has given comfort, affection, and loving support to several children and families going through a difficult time. She is an excellent hugger and loves to practice for her job. Learn more about Rylynn.
(Posted 2021-10-20)
Rylynn Cuddles Up to the Police at Mandated Reporter Trainings
Thursday, Aug. 26 is National Dog Day and we’re celebrating Rylynn, the Children, Youth and Families’ facility dog and the supportive role she plays in the department’s work. Rylynn has been attending Mandated Reporter Training, and this week she has been cuddling up to police officers with Fairfax County Police Department the Franconia Station B Side and social work students at George Mason University.
Mandated reporters are people who, in their professional or official capacity, are required by state law to make a report to Child Protective Services if they have reason to suspect that a child is being abused or neglected. This training is one of the ways our staff is equipping our partners to prevent and report child abuse in Fairfax County.
(Posted 2021-08-25)
Rylynn Reminds Us to Help Take Care of Children
Rylynn wants you to know that our Child Protective Services 24-hour HOTLINE is a HELP Line.
We all need help taking care of our children. Please call 703-324-7400, TTY 711 if you:
• Are concerned about a child's well-being.
• Want to report or discuss a possible abuse or neglect situation.
• Want advice, counseling, resources or help.
(Posted 2021-08-11)
Rylynn Practices Self-Care
Rylynn is a strong supporter of self-care, and naps are one of her favorite ways to take care of herself. Learn more about Rylynn the facility dog.
Community Partners Provide Toys and Supplies for Rylynn
Thanks to those in the community who have partnered with us to provide support and donate toys and supplies for Rylynn, the facility dog who recently joined our staff! Rylynn has been expertly bred and trained by Canine Companions® to work with children involved in an investigation. She brings them much needed love and a paw to hold. Learn more about Rylynn.
(Posted 2021-07-14)
RYLYNN THE FACILITY DOG'S FIRST MONTH OF WORK
In her first month working as a facility dog, Rylynn is getting adjusted to her new environment – including finding cicadas everywhere!
She is just getting started with providing support to children and families going through a difficult time.
Rylynn is a valuable part of our team in Children, Youth and Families, and we look forward to her long career with us.
Learn more about Rylynn the facility dog.
(Posted 2021-06-23)
Learn About Rylynn the Facility Dog
Want to know more about Rylynn, the 2-year-old Labrador Golden Retriever Mix, who recently joined our staff?
Our facility dog, Rylynn, has been expertly bred and trained by Canine Companions® to work with children.
Check out this article to learn more about how she is providing emotional support to children involved with Child Protective Services.
(Posted 2021-06-09)
Meet Rylynn, Children, Youth and Families' New Facility Dog
We're excited to announce that our first furry four-legged staff member has joined the Children, Youth and Families Division!
Our new facility dog, Rylynn, is a 2-year-old Labrador Golden Retriever Mix. She has received extensive training by Canine Companions® and will provide emotional support to children and their families throughout a sexual abuse investigation. Rylynn will help reduce trauma and decrease the re-victimization of the children and families we serve.
Like and Follow @FairfaxCountyFamilyServices on Facebook for more updates on Rylynn, and her experiences with our community partners.
(Posted 2021-06-02)