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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Join the Department of Family Services Volunteer and Partner Services program during Child Abuse Prevention Month as we collect new, unused baby supplies such as high chairs, strollers, car seats, cabinet safety latches, door knob safety covers, crib sheets, baby gates, etc. If you are interested in helping to make sure that local families have some basic necessities for their children, please email Samantha Carrico, call 571-536-8192, or sign up online to coordinate a donation drop off. We appreciate your generous donations and support to help families thrive!

These free groups are designed for kinship caregivers, raising a child or children for a family member or a friend, to connect with other families for support and encouragement. Virtual support groups are hosted and facilitated by Formed Families Forward, in partnership with Fairfax County Department of Family Services. This group meets from 6:30-8 p.m. Learn more or register online.

Join Julia Kay, a certified life coach and certified health and wellness coach, as she provides step-by-step instructions, tips, and inspiration to help craft a vision board. Through a series of interactive exercises and discussions, participants will gain clarity on goals and create a visual representation of their dreams. This virtual workshop will meet from 12-1 p.m. on May 3. A list of recommended supplies will be sent to registrants in advance prior to the workshop. Learn more and register online.

Join DSVS as the division celebrates the contributions of its volunteer corps on Saturday, May 4, from Noon-2 p.m. at the Sully Community Center. If you have questions about this event, please contact tanisha.cox@fairfaxcounty.gov.

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 virtual 13-week course takes place from 6-8:30 p.m. starting Monday, May 6. 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 by contacting Bennie Herron at 703-324-7308 or Lisa Payne-Chesley at 703-324-7734 or by visiting https://bit.ly/DFS-FE.

Recruitment time again! Sign up for one of two in-person Volunteer Orientation sessions at the Fairfax County Community Services Room in Tysons Corner Center at 4:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. (1961 Chain Bridge Road (2d level outside Nordstrom), McLean, VA 22102). For more information or to register, contact Tanisha Cox.

Join Alina Liao, Founder of Zenit, as she teaches caregivers how to use journaling as a tool to proactively support self-care in their daily lives. Alina guides you through journaling focused on practicing gratitude to support self-care and mental wellness. This workshop is an inclusive, affirming space for caregivers to slow down, process their thoughts and feelings, and get grounded again. Participants leave the workshop with concrete tools, practices, and inspiration to continue with Gratitude journaling and using this tool for self-care in their daily lives. This workshop runs from 12-1 p.m. Register to receive an email with access instructions.  

If you love coffee, care about children, and are curious about foster care, then this is an event just for you! Whether fostering has “bean” on your mind for a while, or your questions are just starting to brew, then grab your morning cup of coffee & join us from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Wherever you are on your journey, we are brimming over with excitement to chat with you in this virtual space! Register online today!

Children and young teens need more than a cell phone to keep them safe when they’re home alone. It’s important to develop a family plan to ensure safety, especially in the summer. Join us Tuesday, May 14 for a facilitated discussion on what to consider and how to create family rules and plans. Fairfax County parents or guardians with children ages 0-18 years old are welcome at this group which meets from 6:30-8 p.m. Sign up by sending an email or call 703-324-7720 to register at least one business day before the Parent Café date. Learn more about parenting resources. 

The Fairfax County Commission for Women is hosting a panel discussion on the health and well-being of women and girls in Fairfax County following the release of “The Status of Women and Girls in Fairfax County, Virginia.” Join us from 1:30-3:30 p.m. in the Fairfax County Government Center, Conference Rooms 9/10, for this important conversation! This event is free but registration is required.

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CHECK OUT OLDER POSTS!

Fairfax County Department of Family Services is seeking community input to help increase awareness of services for older adults, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers. The survey results will help us find ways to improve how residents of Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, and the City of Falls Church find resources, programs, and information. Please participate in this short survey and share the link with your family, friends, and neighbors too. Take the survey.

 

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) offers workforce development services to eligible job seekers. Find out if you are eligible! Learn about upcoming information sessions.

Services include:

  • Career coaching focused on in-demand jobs.
  • Assistance with resume writing, interview preparation, and job searches.
  • Job skills training and credentials.
  • Paid work experience opportunities.
  • Work uniforms, tools, and other supportive services.

Community Corner Categories

Opportunities
Services
Stories
Tips
Wellness

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newsletter graphicFoster Family News for Current and Potential Fairfax County Foster Parents – April 2024

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 2024 newsletter. This month we focus on shifts in relative engagement and kinship care, helping children with ADHD, and a haircare video for transracial families.

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

Check out the April 2024 Golden Gazette, featuring Ray Collins, who dreamed of becoming a successful writer after retiring and finally succeeded after years of hard work and determination. You’ll also read about volunteer Julie Brown, 10 actions you can take to protect our planet, the life-changing work of Rebuilding Together-AFF 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 2024 Issue to learn about one of our long-standing partners and some of our newest volunteers, opportunities to support local children and families, and what’s happening for Volunteer and Social Worker Appreciation months. 

newsletter graphicVolunteer Voices Newsletter

See what Domestic and Sexual Violence Services volunteers are up to in the April 2024 Volunteer Voices! Meet Brahma Koodlur, Hospital Accompaniment Support Advocate; learn how the Health Department and Domestic and Sexual Violence Services collaborate for community safety; understand reproductive coercion; find out why crying is good for self-care; and help observe Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Plus, give your brain a boost, read a review of “Lover, Stalker, Killer,” sign up for trainings, and 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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