(Posted 2025 July)
Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment. Yet across the United States, hundreds of thousands of children are affected by abuse and neglect each year—most often at the hands of someone they know and trust. While the statistics are sobering, the good news is that child maltreatment is preventable.
Teaching Children in the Community
The Body Safety Program uses the evidence-based Childhelp® Speak Up Be Safe curriculum to help children to prevent and stop child abuse and neglect. The Department of Family Services offers the program at no cost for children from pre-K through sixth grade throughout the county.
DFS partners with Fairfax County Public Schools, county agencies, community centers, and faith-based organizations to offer the program to approximately 15,000 children each year. Classes are available in English and Spanish, ensuring that more children across Fairfax County can understand this important message.
Many sessions specifically support vulnerable groups, including children in special education and Head Start pre-K programs. Body Safety provides developmentally appropriate lessons to give all children the tools to recognize abuse, understand safe boundaries, identify their safe adults, and ask for help.
A Small Dedicated Team
Perhaps the most amazing thing about this program is that it makes such an impact in our community under the coordination of just two full-time staff members. The Body Safety Program relies heavily on a dedicated team of trained volunteers. We could not do this work without you!
If you're interested in helping children to be safer, and you can volunteer during the school day, come to the next Body Safety Volunteer Orientation. Mark your calendars and apply online:
- August 8, 2025, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. – Body Safety Volunteer Orientation
- August 13, 2025, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Volunteer Orientation in Spanish for bilingual speakers.
Check out some photos to see the program in action at a recent visit to Clifton Presbyterian Church Preschool. The children had a lot of fun learning about Body Safety followed by some cuddles with our facility dog, Rylynn.
This article posting is part of The Volunteer Post Newsletter for current and potential volunteers, sponsors and donors interested in supporting children and families in crisis. Learn more about Fairfax County Department of Family Services' Volunteer & Partner Services Program (VPS).