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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Elevate the diet for yourself and those you care for with nutritious, delicious, and easy-to-prepare lunches. In this workshop hosted by the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging, Registered Dietician Nutritionist and Nutrition Supervisor Tori Gwilliam will share tips on how to enhance your health and well-being through balanced, flavorful meals. Find out how to use versatile, nutrient-dense ingredients to create a variety of lunch recipes. Join this workshop from 12-1 p.m. on Friday, May 16. Register to receive an email with access instructions. 

Join us for a special event in recognition of National Foster Care Month in May. Come to Burke Centre Library on May 20 from 7-8:30 p.m. to connect with Fairfax County Foster Care and Adoption and learn how to make a difference for vulnerable children in our community. Whether you're just curious or seriously considering becoming a foster parent, this meeting will provide all the information you need. Discover the ins and outs of the foster care system, how to become a foster parent, the incredible rewards, and other ways to get involved. Drop in or register online.

Registration for the summer session of Sexual Violence Tier 1, a 16-hour training on understanding sexual violence, systems responding to sexual violence in Fairfax County, and resources available in our community, is now open. This training is free, but registration is required. For full credit, all 16 hours must be completed. Seats fill quickly, so sign up now for this training for professionals, volunteers, and community members looking to learn how and why sexual violence happens; the impact of sexual violence on individuals, families, and communities; and how to support those impacted. Questions? Contact Abby Picard.

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CHECK OUT OLDER POSTS!

Sometimes people feel they have to surrender their pets because they can't afford food and supplies for them. DFS cares about every family member, including pets, so we are sponsoring a pet supply drive May 11-24 to collect donations for Fairfax County Animal Shelter’s Pet Pantry. Learn more, including donation locations and accepted items. 

Scammers are targeting the EBT cards used by SNAP recipients to purchase essential groceries. There are a few simple steps SNAP recipients can take to protect their funds and reduce the chance that scammers can steal their money. The newest feature is the ability to lock and unlock an EBT card through the ConnectEBT app. Many SNAP recipients can keep their card locked until it’s time to use it to make a purchase, and lock it immediately after the purchase is completed. Learn more simple ways to stay safe and what to look out for with EBT Scams.

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newsletter graphicFoster Family News for Current and Potential Fairfax County Foster Parents – May 2025

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 May 2025 newsletter. This month we focus on National Foster Care Month, foster parent recognition, and supporting older youth in care.

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

Check out the May 2025 Golden Gazette, celebrating Older Americans Month, an opportunity to Flip the Script on Aging by challenging stereotypes about getting older. The issue also includes the DFS Pet Supply Drive May 11-24, five ways to support mental health 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 2025 issue for a recap of our Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, supporting foster care, and a volunteer spotlight. 

newsletter graphicVolunteer Voices Newsletter

Catch up with the Domestic and Sexual Violence Services volunteers in the May 2025 Volunteer Voices. Meet DSVS’ operations manager Sandra McGovern, learn how interpersonal violence impacts people living with disabilities, and understand the connection between Asian Americans and domestic and sexual violence. Plus, help some birthday folks blow out candles, read our review of Netflix’s “American Nightmare” documentary, see the latest self-care trends, sign up for a training, and 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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