703-324-7500
TTY 711
Michael A. Becketts,
Director
DFS cares about the safety and well-being of individuals and families and we are still here for you. Although most of our services are not being provided in-person at this time, we continue to offer services online and by phone.
Skip the trip! Learn more about DFS' Assistance from a Distance – a variety of services available to you without having to leave the safety of your home.
Domestic and Sexual Violence Services
Self-Sufficiency - Medical and Financial Benefits; Career/Employment and Training Services
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Welcome to the Department of Family Services' Community Corner, where you’ll find timely information about upcoming events, parenting and wellness tips, programs and services, and more! Share these helpful posts with your friends and family.
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Free Dementia Friendly Information Session Saturday, Oct. 23 (10:30-11:45 a.m.)Learn how to become a dementia friend and turn your new understanding of dementia into a practical action that can help someone living in your community. Dementia Friendly Fairfax envisions our community as a place where people living with dementia and their care partners will be able to engage in a variety of activities, be supported in the highest quality of life, and can live independently for as long as possible. Dementia Friendly Fairfax initiative started through a partnership with Goodwin House, Insight Memory Care Center and Fairfax County Commission on Aging and Area Agency on Aging. Learn more and register to join.
Free Information Session – Lunchtime Help Applying for SNAP, Medicaid and TANF Monday, Oct. 25 (12-1 p.m.)Join this free virtual one-hour information session to learn about food, medical and financial assistance and how to apply. Connect with us and ask questions. Register for this session and check out dates for upcoming sessions. Call 703-324-7500 or send an email for more information.
Free Virtual Kinship Café Thursday, Oct. 28 (6:30-8 p.m.)Are you raising a child for a family member or friend? If you answered “yes,” you are a kinship caregiver, and you are not alone. Kinship Cafés provide encouragement and foster a sense of community among kinship caregivers. Join us to discuss topics such as discipline, self-care, and family rules. Sign-up by sending an email or call 703-324-7720.
Free Dementia Friendly Information Session (Spanish) Friday, Oct. 29 (12-1 p.m.)Cómo Convertirse en un Amigo de la Demencia
viernes, 29 de octubre del 2021 (12-1 p.m.)
Esta sesión se presentará en Español.
El programa Amigos de la Demencia es un movimiento global que está cambiando la forma en que las personas piensan, actúan y hablan sobre la demencia. En la sesión de información para amigos de la demencia, cubrimos los conceptos básicos de la demencia, discutimos las diferencias entre la demencia y el envejecimiento normal, realizamos actividades para comprender mejor cómo es vivir con demencia y luego revisamos las estrategias para una comunicación eficaz con alguien que vive con demencia. El objetivo de esta sesion es preparar a los miembros de la comunidad con un nivel de conocimiento y comodidad con respecto a la demencia que los inspire a acercarse a las personas que viven con demencia y que necesitan apoyo, en lugar de alejarse. Más información y registrarse.
Learn the facts about Medicare and how to save money, including information on what to do if you want to consider changes to your insurance plans. Presented by the Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP) - a non-biased Fairfax County government organization. Medicare Open Enrollment is from Oct. 15 - Dec. 7. Learn more and register online.
Online Medicare 101 training is for individuals and their care partners who will soon be eligible for Medicare or have Medicare and would like to learn more about it. This session will address Medicare Part A (inpatient hospitalization/skilled nursing), Part B (doctors/outpatient hospital services/labs/radiology), Part C (Medicare Advantage plans), and Part D (prescription drugs), as well as how to cover the gaps in Medicare benefits through Medicare supplemental plans. Registration is required. Learn more and register online or by calling 703-390-6157, TTY 711.
This session will address Medicare Part A (inpatient hospitalization/skilled nursing), Part B (doctors/outpatient hospital services/labs/radiology), Part C (Medicare Advantage plans), and Part D (prescription drugs), as well as how to cover the gaps in Medicare benefits through Medicare supplemental plans. This free class is taught by Fairfax County staff who are non-biased, state certified and SHIP (State Health Insurance and Assistance Program) Counselors. Under ACL guidelines for Conflict of Interest, this presentation is not meant for health insurance broker or agent education. This session will take place in-person at Vienna Presbyterian Church - Great Hall (124 Park St., NE, Vienna). Registration is required. Register by calling Charles Geschiere at 703-938-9050 ext. 151, TTY 711.
Medicare 101 training is for individuals and their care partners who will soon be eligible for Medicare or have Medicare and would like to learn more about it. Registration is required.
This is a hybrid event; there are two different registrations.
Register to join virtually.
Register to join in-person Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library.
Online Medicare 101 training is for individuals and their care partners who will soon be eligible for Medicare or have Medicare and would like to learn more about it. This session will address Medicare Part A (inpatient hospitalization/skilled nursing), Part B (doctors/outpatient hospital services/labs/radiology), Part C (Medicare Advantage plans), and Part D (prescription drugs), as well as how to cover the gaps in Medicare benefits through Medicare supplemental plans. Learn more and register.
This session will address Medicare Part A (inpatient hospitalization/skilled nursing), Part B (doctors/outpatient hospital services/labs/radiology), Part C (Medicare Advantage plans), and Part D (prescription drugs), as well as how to cover the gaps in Medicare benefits through Medicare supplemental plans. This free class is taught by Fairfax County staff who are non-biased, state certified and SHIP (State Health Insurance and Assistance Program) Counselors. Under ACL guidelines for Conflict of Interest, this presentation is not meant for health insurance broker or agent education. Registration is required. Call 703-273-6090, TTY 711 or email Anne Chase at SeniorCenter@fairfaxva.gov.
This is a VIRTUAL presentation via Zoom on your computer, tablet or smartphone, or call in by phone. Online Medicare 101 training is for individuals and their care partners who will soon be eligible for Medicare or have Medicare and would like to learn more about it. This session will address Medicare Part A (inpatient hospitalization/skilled nursing), Part B (doctors/outpatient hospital services/labs/radiology), Part C (Medicare Advantage plans), and Part D (prescription drugs), as well as how to cover the gaps in Medicare benefits through Medicare supplemental plans. This free class is taught by Fairfax County staff who are non-biased, state certified and SHIP (State Health Insurance and Assistance Program) Counselors. Under ACL guidelines for Conflict of Interest, this presentation is not meant for health insurance broker or agent education. Registration is required. Call 703-273-6090, TTY 711 or email Anne Chase at SeniorCenter@fairfaxva.gov.
Energy Assistance Need Help with Heat? Don’t Be Left Out in the Cold.It’s hard to believe right now, but cold weather is coming. You may be eligible to receive help with heating costs through two energy assistance programs that are accepting applications in October and November.
The Fuel Assistance Program helps eligible households in meeting their energy needs by supplementing the cost associated with their primary heat source. These applications are accepted Tuesday, Oct. 12–Friday, Nov. 12, 2021.
The Crisis Assistance Program is designed to help households overcome energy emergencies that cannot be met by other resources. An energy emergency is determined when a household has no heat or is in imminent danger of being without heat. These applications are accepted Monday, Nov. 1–Tuesday, March 15, 2022.
Learn more information about energy assistance and how to apply.
Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw Shares Domestic Violence Awareness Month KnowledgeIn observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Supervisor Walkinshaw shares an important message about the importance of raising awareness about this public health issue and ways the community can support survivors.
Learn about Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Find out how Domestic and Sexual Violence Services supports survivors by calling the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline 703-360-7273.
Video: Caregivers of Older Adults or People with Disabilities Webinar: Preparing for the Increased Cost of CaregivingThe costs of caregiving can be enormous, and are typically a stress point for families. Learn appropriate methods to evaluate your situation and decide among financial options for how to pay for care and preserve quality of life for the whole family. Check out this video for caregivers of older adults and/or people with disabilities.
Pocket Dad Video: Dads Group Enhances Fathering SkillsThe The Department of Family Services’ Dads Parenting Groups help support fathers’ parenting and fathering skills, foster improved communication and relationship skills, and encourage dads to learn from each other’s challenges and triumphs. Check out the latest video and learn about our Father Engagement Unit.
Check out more Pocket Dad videos:
– Controlling the Climate in Your Home
– Father Engagement Unit Helps Strengthen Families
– Managing Expectations
– Supporting Difficult Emotions
– Staying Connected to Your Kids Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic
– Finding Balance When Mom and Dad Parent Differently
– Cell Phones and Kids: Making Sure They’re Ready
Understanding Parental Postadoption DepressionThis month’s issue of the National Council for Adoption’s magazine, the Adoption Advocate, features an article on postadoption depression (PAD), an often-overlooked issue in adoption. This shouldn’t be a taboo topic, but for many adoptive parents it can be difficult and uncomfortable to talk about. If the issue is not addressed, it can lead to long-term struggles for both parent and child. Thankfully there are practical steps for dealing with PAD. Check out this thoughtful and caring perspective from the foremost expert on PAD.
First Lady of Virginia Pamela Northam Visits Healthy Families Fairfax Program as Part of Her Resiliency TourDFS' Healthy Families Fairfax staff and families were honored to be a part of this dialogue with First Lady of Virginia Pamela Northam about crucial services and supports that home visitors provide to parents in the early years of a child's life. Find out more about this visit. Learn more about HFF.
Rylynn's First Months at the Department of Family ServicesIn 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.
Healthy Families Fairfax Video: Brain Building Tips: Nature Walk (Spanish)El programa Familias Saludables Fairfax, le ofrece visitas al hogar para ayudar a los padres a responder a las necesidades cambiantes en el desarollo de los bebés, usar técnicas de disciplina positiva, manejar mejor el estrés de el día a día, de manera saludable, y establecer y cumplir metas familiares. Este video ayudará a los padres a comprender cuánto pueden aprender los bebés al interactuar con ellos durante una simple caminata por la naturaleza. Video y más información.
Volunteer & Partner Services Returns to in PersonLearn about the return to in-person Volunteer & Partner Services programs, including Body Safety, BeFriend-A-Child Mentoring, Study Buddy Tutoring, and Administrative Assistants. VPS would love to have you volunteer! Get more information by contacting Krissa Slone by email or call 703-324-7751.
Survivors Stories Video: DougDoug had a typical childhood until his best friend’s father groomed him and then sexually assaulted him for four years during his adolescence. He thought he had dealt with the trauma, but the effects followed him for decades. More than 30 years after his abuse ended, Doug realized he needed more help and sought out group support from Fairfax County’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Services division. Learn more about Doug’s survival story.
Note: This video contains details from the survivor's personal story that may be disturbing or triggering.
Get information about services and resources by calling Fairfax County’s Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline 703-360-7273.
Check out other survivors stories.
Check out last week's posts!
Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw Shares Domestic Violence Awareness Month KnowledgeIn observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Supervisor Walkinshaw shares an important message about the importance of raising awareness about this public health issue and ways the community can support survivors.
Learn about Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Find out how Domestic and Sexual Violence Services supports survivors by calling the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline 703-360-7273.
Video: Caregivers of Older Adults or People with Disabilities Webinar: Preparing for the Increased Cost of CaregivingThe costs of caregiving can be enormous, and are typically a stress point for families. Learn appropriate methods to evaluate your situation and decide among financial options for how to pay for care and preserve quality of life for the whole family. Check out this video for caregivers of older adults and/or people with disabilities.
Pocket Dad Video: Dads Group Enhances Fathering SkillsThe The Department of Family Services’ Dads Parenting Groups help support fathers’ parenting and fathering skills, foster improved communication and relationship skills, and encourage dads to learn from each other’s challenges and triumphs. Check out the latest video and learn about our Father Engagement Unit.
Check out more Pocket Dad videos:
– Controlling the Climate in Your Home
– Father Engagement Unit Helps Strengthen Families
– Managing Expectations
– Supporting Difficult Emotions
– Staying Connected to Your Kids Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic
– Finding Balance When Mom and Dad Parent Differently
– Cell Phones and Kids: Making Sure They’re Ready
Understanding Parental Postadoption DepressionThis month’s issue of the National Council for Adoption’s magazine, the Adoption Advocate, features an article on postadoption depression (PAD), an often-overlooked issue in adoption. This shouldn’t be a taboo topic, but for many adoptive parents it can be difficult and uncomfortable to talk about. If the issue is not addressed, it can lead to long-term struggles for both parent and child. Thankfully there are practical steps for dealing with PAD. Check out this thoughtful and caring perspective from the foremost expert on PAD.
Rylynn's First Months at the Department of Family ServicesIn 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.
Healthy Families Fairfax Video: Brain Building Tips: Nature Walk (Spanish)El programa Familias Saludables Fairfax, le ofrece visitas al hogar para ayudar a los padres a responder a las necesidades cambiantes en el desarollo de los bebés, usar técnicas de disciplina positiva, manejar mejor el estrés de el día a día, de manera saludable, y establecer y cumplir metas familiares. Este video ayudará a los padres a comprender cuánto pueden aprender los bebés al interactuar con ellos durante una simple caminata por la naturaleza. Video y más información.
Volunteer & Partner Services Returns to in PersonLearn about the return to in-person Volunteer & Partner Services programs, including Body Safety, BeFriend-A-Child Mentoring, Study Buddy Tutoring, and Administrative Assistants. VPS would love to have you volunteer! Get more information by contacting Krissa Slone by email or call 703-324-7751.
October is Disability Employment Awareness MonthThis year’s theme, America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion, reflects the importance of ensuring that people with disabilities have full access to employment and community involvement during the national recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about Disability Employment Awareness Month.
Domestic violence is a family, community and public health issue with widespread ripple effects that impact all parts of our community. It will take all of us to build a peaceful and safe Fairfax County. Learn about DVAM and check out our toolkit for ways you can help raise awareness.
Foster Family News for Current and Potential Fairfax County Foster ParentsWe have many wonderful foster parents serving children in Fairfax County. Our monthly Foster Family Newsletter provides a window into the experiences of foster parents, children in care, and resource workers who support them. Check out 2021 October new articles on kinship caregivers, postadoption depression, a youth virtual career academy, back to school donations, and how the program supported a mother in her effort to overcome substance use issues, and more!
Golden Gazette Newsletter Covers a Variety of Topics Concerning Older Adults and Caregivers in Fairfax CountyCheck out the 2021 October newsletter: Jay Converse They Call Me TubaGuy; Jackie Hess: There’s Nothing More Important than Helping Others; Yes! 16 Early Voting Locations Open Through Oct. 30; The Role that People with Disabilities Play in Economic Success; Make Your Reservation for Fall Virtual Kinship Cafes; Rental Assistance Available to Fairfax County Residents; Need Help with Repairs or Modifications?; Caregiving; October is Residents’ Rights Month; Free Upcoming Chronic Pain and Caregiver Support Workshops; Upcoming Live and Virtual Medicare 101 Workshops; Don’t Buy COVID-19 Vaccine Cards or Negative Test Results; Meaningful Ways to Volunteer and Help Our Community; Volunteer to Advocate for People with Disabilities; Community Calendar; and more!
The Volunteer Post NewsletterWe have many wonderful volunteers and donors helping children and families in Fairfax County. The 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 2021 Fall issue!
The 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.
This 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.
