Department of Family Services

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
Michael A. Becketts
Director

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Community Corner

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Welcome to the Department of Family Services' Community Corner. Our weekly newsletter, updated each Wednesday, provides information about upcoming events, parenting and wellness tips, programs and services, and more! Share these helpful posts with your family and friends.

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Most victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, and child abuse do not report the crime. Many never tell anyone. It’s time to end the cycle of silence. Join Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2026, for #StartbyBelieving Day. For more information about how you can start by believing, contact Victoria Nevel-Babla.

Join us on Wednesday, April 1, from 6 to 8 p.m. for a free virtual workshop, “Building a Supportive Parenting Network.” Parenting is easier when you don’t have to do it alone. Connect with other parents and caregivers to share resources, talk about common challenges, and explore strategies for building a strong, supportive network. Any Fairfax County parents or guardians with children ages 0–18 years old can register online. For more information, email or call 703-324-7720. 

Virginia’s Wear Blue Day is Friday, April 3 to raise awareness of Child Abuse Prevention Month. Put on your favorite blue outfit, snap a selfie, and email us the most #Bluetifulphoto of yourself at buildingstrongerfamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov or post to social media with hashtags #WearBlueDay. Your photos could be displayed on Facebook.

Wear teal on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, to show support for survivors of sexual violence and to raise awareness about Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Email your teal selfies or post to social media with hashtags #SAAM #WearTeal #Support Survivors. Photos may be shared online.

Dads, sign up for our upcoming virtual Dads Parenting Group to improve parenting skills and build better relationships! The majority of dads who completed Dads Parenting Groups increased or maintained positive involvement with their children. This 13-week course takes place from 6-8:30 p.m. starting Tuesday, Apr. 7. Fairfax County residents or dads with children living in Fairfax are welcome. Interpretation services are available for Spanish and other languages upon request. Learn more or sign up by calling 703-324-7720 or by visiting https://bit.ly/DFS-FE.

Are you interested in getting into the electrical, HVAC or plumbing trades but don’t know where to begin? Attend the FCPS ACE Info Session on Wednesday, Apr. 8, 11-noon, to learn about apprenticeship training, financial aid for classes, employer sponsorships and more! This session will be offered in-person at the Hybla Valley Community Center and virtually. To receive the link to attend virtually, you must register for the event. Register now.

Join us on Wednesday, April 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Sherwood Regional Library for a free in-person workshop, “Healthy Relationships: Parenting with Empathy,” part of the Stronger Foundations for Parenting Workshop Series. Learn what empathy is, why it matters in parenting, and how to use effective communication to strengthen your relationships with your children. Participants will explore practical ways to model healthy, respectful interactions at home. Any Fairfax County parents or guardians with children ages 0–18 years old can register online. Prizes will be available for participants. For more information, email or call 703-324-7720.

Join the next free Virtual Parent Café, Tuesday, Apr. 14, 6:30 to 8 p.m. to discuss “The Power of Play in Parenting.” Play is the language of children and as parents we can increase our connection with children by joining them in it. Children of all ages experience greater confidence, fewer behavioral issues, and improved mental health when caregivers use the power of play in their daily interactions with them. Join us for this presentation by Greater Richmond SCAN to learn more about the importance of play and how to incorporate it in your interactions with your children. Any Fairfax County parents or guardians with children ages 0-18 years old can register online. For more information, email or call 703-324-7720.

The third webinar in the “Redefine Your Path: From Federal Expertise to Local Impact” series will focus on how federal workers and contractors can make the move to local government health and human services career tracks. Register now.

Join the Fairfax County Teen Advocates as they host Art Night on Wednesday, April 22, from 6-8 p.m. at the Sully Community Center (13800 Wall Rd., Herndon, VA 20171). This event, which will feature a talent show, arts and crafts, and community education about healthy relationships and teen dating violence, is free and open to Fairfax County teenagers and their families. Questions? Email Debra Miller or Shanna Kim. 

Join us on Thursday, April 23, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Centreville Library for a free in-person workshop offered in Spanish, “Healthy Relationships – Parenting with Empathy (Relaciones saludables: Criar con Empatía),” part of the Stronger Foundations for Parenting Workshop Series.  Learn about the role of empathy in parenting and explore communication techniques that support positive, healthy relationships with your children. Any Fairfax County parents or guardians with children ages 0–18 years old can register online. Prizes will be available for participants. For more information, email or call 703-324-7720. 

Join us on Wednesday, April 29, from 6 to 8 p.m. for a free virtual workshop, “Holistic Child Well-Being: Mind, Body, and Community,” part of the Stronger Foundations for Parenting Workshop Series.  Explore how children’s mental, physical, and social health are connected, and learn about family activities and community involvement that support overall wellbeing. Any Fairfax County parents or guardians with children ages 0–18 years old can register online. For more information, email or call 703-324-7720. 

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CHECK OUT OLDER POSTS!

When applying for jobs, your experience doesn’t always speak for itself. The job market is competitive right now and you need to rise above dozens, if not hundreds, of other applicants. If you’re looking for a new job and want to get ahead, check out our upcoming events on Tuesday, April 7. Join Talent Tuesday, a virtual event from noon-1 p.m., where you will learn proven strategies for marketing yourself from an experienced professional recruiter. If you want to make the move to local government, register for the upcoming info session on how to apply to Fairfax County jobs. Held in-person and virtually from 2-4 p.m. 

All relationships need healthy boundaries--appropriate behavior that keeps everybody in the relationship safe. This is especially true in intimate partnerships. And, in an age where our lives are increasingly lived online, it is crucial that we set digital boundaries, as well. What do healthy digital boundaries look like? Find out.

 

 

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newsletter graphicFoster Family News for Current and Potential Fairfax County Foster Parents – April 2026

Our monthly Foster Family Newsletter shares resources and experiences relevant to foster and adoptive parents, children in care, and the resource workers who support them. Check out the April 2026 newsletter. This month we focus on an inspiring foster-to-adopt success story, a new community group for resource parents, supporting kids after violence is in the news, and more.

newsletter graphicGolden Gazette Newsletter Covers a Variety of Topics Concerning Older Adults and Caregivers in Fairfax County

Check out the April 2026 Golden Gazette,featuring Scam Jam 2026, an annual event that educates older adults about how to avoid scams and fraud, sponsored by AARP Virginia and Fairfax County’s Silver Shield Anti-Scam Program. You’ll also learn about the impact of volunteers, how to attract birds to your yard, and more.
 

newsletter graphicThe Volunteer Post Newsletter

We have many wonderful volunteers and donors helping children and families in Fairfax County. Our Volunteer Post Newsletter provides a glimpse into the many ways to get involved in making a difference and supporting families in our community. Check out the March 2026 issue to learn about our Volunteer & Partner Appreciation Event, the MLK Jr. Day of Service, and volunteers making an impact.

newsletter graphicVolunteer Voices Newsletter

How is Domestic and Sexual Violence Services observing Sexual Assault Awareness Month? Find out in the jam-packed April 2026 issue of Volunteer Voices. Plus, meet Erika Sobel the division’s newest counseling team member; learn about the link between interpersonal violence and Arab American Heritage Month; spend a day with Data Team’s management analyst Simi Grewal; see how we honor our volunteers during Volunteer Appreciation Month; get good rest; and so much more. 

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Department of Family Services logoThe Department of Family Services (DFS) promotes the well-being of the County's diverse community by protecting and improving the lives of children, adults and families through supportive services, education and advocacy.

Fairfax County Health and Human Services LogoThis Department of Family Services agency is a part of the Fairfax County Health & Human Services System (HHS). The HHS System is a network of county agencies and community partners that support the well-being of all who live, work and play in Fairfax County.

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