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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Check out the latest Community Corner newsletter!

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Practice and improve your conversational English so you are confident and prepared for employment. No registration required. Sessions are held every Tuesday from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. at VCW Fairfax Annandale Center (7611 Little River Turnpike, Suite 300W, Annandale, VA 22003).

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) offers workforce development services to eligible job seekers. Attend a virtual information session to hear more about WIOA as well as the other programs and services provided by the Virginia Career Works centers. 

Held twice a month on alternating Fridays at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Virginia Fresh Match Summer Special! From Sunday, July 5 until Saturday, July 11, get DOUBLE the value of your SNAP benefits at select Fairfax County farmers markets — up to $40 in matching funds! For example: Spend $5 SNAP ⟶ Get $10 in tokens for FREE fruits and vegetables

Visit participating FCPA markets:

  • Annandale
  • Lorton
  • McCutcheon/Mount Vernon
  • Reston
  • Wakefield

Learn more about using SNAP at FCPA farmers markets.

Join Inova ElderLink and the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging for online training to help family and professional caregivers. Embody Clay as he and his family cope with his terminal illness and move into hospice care, learning how clear and caring communication can help with end-of-life choices and understanding what to expect in his final days. Session will be held from 2-3:15 p.m. via Microsoft Teams. Register now.

GMU Facilities and Campus Operations is hiring skilled plumbers and HVAC technicians! If you are a plumber or HVAC technician with multiple years of experience, we encourage you to attend on Tuesday, July 7 from 3-6 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center. These roles come with many benefits. GMU cannot extend same day job offers. Candidates are highly encouraged to apply for roles in advance at jobs.gmu.edu. You will meet recruiters and learn more about the roles which can help you in the application process. Register here!

Apply Now if you want to make a difference for a child and you are available on the weekends. The BeFriend-A-Child Mentoring Program is a great opportunity for you to shape a child’s future. You can even work around your schedule to spend time with your mentee. Build up a child’s social skills, increase their self-esteem and help them overcome challenges. The next training for new mentors will take place virtually on Saturday, July 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Learn more about the program or apply online.

Is fostering in your future? Hundreds of children in Fairfax County need a temporary loving home until they can safely return to their families. Our next virtual information meeting is by invitation only on Tuesday, July. 14, at 6:45 p.m. Complete this short interest form for prospective parents. For more information check out our website.

Fairfax County Public Library and the Department of Family Services- Workforce Development, are partnering for the upcoming Government & Nonprofit Career Fair! This event is designed to connect employers with qualified job seekers interested in pursuing meaningful careers within government agencies, public service, and nonprofit organizations. Wednesday, July 22, 2-5 p.m., Franconia Governmental Center & Kingstowne Regional Library. Learn more and register.

Don't let ongoing health problems stop you from living the life you enjoy. Fairfax County's Chronic Disease Self-Management Program is a free six-week group interactive workshop series for individuals who are interested in learning how to live better by effectively managing their ongoing health conditions. The workshop series will take place from 10 a.m.-Noon at Inova Prosperity, 2740 Prosperity Avenue, Fairfax, VA 22031. Register now.

Strangulation is one of the deadliest forms of domestic and sexual violence. Survivors strangled by a partner are seven times more likely to be killed by that partner in the future. Join Domestic and Sexual Violence Services and national experts from the Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention for a comprehensive, one-day training on non-fatal strangulation (8 a.m.-4 p.m., Inova Center for Personalized Health Conference Center, 8100 Innovation Park Drive, Fairfax, VA 22031). In this training, you’ll learn to: 1) Understand key local, state, and federal laws; 2) use risk assessment and safety planning tools; and 3) intervene early to help prevent long-term harms and future homicide. This training is free but registration is required. Questions? Contact Abby Picard.

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CHECK OUT OLDER POSTS!

Are you up to date on the upcoming changes to Medicaid eligibility? The first change goes into effect October 1, 2026 and will limit Medicaid eligibility for adult noncitizens (who are not pregnant or within the 12 months postpartum) to Legal Permanent Residents, Cuban-Haitian Entrants, and Compact of Free Association (COFA) Migrants. Noncitizens who do not have an eligible immigration status, but meet all Medicaid eligibility rules, may still be able to get Medicaid coverage for emergency services. These changes apply only to adults. Learn more.

When a young girl entered foster care, her therapeutic foster family became one of the first pillars of stability in her young life. While her parents worked toward reunification, her aunt, grandmother, and other relatives stepped forward with open arms and steady hearts to support her journey through foster care. Learn more.  

Community Corner Categories

Opportunities
Services
Stories
Tips
Wellness

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

Check out the July 2026 Foster Family Newsletter for resources, news, tips, events, and training relevant to foster and adoptive parents, children in care, and the resource workers who support them. This month we focus on a college and career fair, ways to support 2026 graduates, tips for managing screen time, and more. If you are curious about Fairfax County foster care, it’s a great way to learn more.  

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

Check out the July 2026 Golden Gazette, featuring Sheila Consaul, whose lifelong passion for old building restoration led her to become Resident Curator of a historic home in Fairfax County. You’ll also learn about the progress made during the third year of the SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan, find out why mahjongg is making a comeback among older adults, 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 May 2026 issue for a recap of our Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, supporting foster care, and a Volunteer Impact Report.

newsletter graphicVolunteer Voices Newsletter

Catch Domestic and Sexual Violence Services volunteers in action in the July 2026 Volunteer Voices newsletter. Meet Hotline volunteer Blain Tariku, advocate Elisa Castillo, and crisis line specialist Hilda Andrade. Read our review of The Bride! to find out how the movie is a modern twist on Frankenstein with commentary on consent, sexual assault, and women’s place in society. Add trainings and birthdays to your calendar 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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