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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Connect with a recruiting manager to get resume tips, interviewing techniques, and best practices on how to represent yourself when applying for jobs. Hosted by Theresa Mazzaro, Recruitment Manager from Fairfax Radiology Centers, this event is open to all jobseekers. Register now.

Join us for the next free Virtual Parent Café on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 6:30 to 8 p.m. to discuss “Discipline in a Nurturing Environment.” Discipline isn’t just about correcting behavior. It’s about teaching, guiding, and helping your child grow into a confident, responsible individual. Join us for an insightful discussion about effective discipline strategies that strengthen your family dynamic. 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.

Are you curious about becoming a foster parent? 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, Jan. 13, at 6:45 p.m. Complete this short interest form for prospective parents. For more information check out our website.

In this virtual reality training, facilitated by ElderLink, participates will 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. This session will be held from 12:00 - 1:15 p.m. via MS Teams. Register here.

Enter the year with new opportunities and networking connections! This online job fair brings together live recruiters in Northern Virginia to interact in real time, from a wide range of industries. Connect with roles from entry-level to experienced, all accessible from the comfort of your own device. This hiring event will be held from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Register now.

Join Domestic and Sexual Violence Services during Human Trafficking Awareness Month for an eye-opening training on the impact of exploitation and violence in our communities. In this presentation and multidisciplinary panel, we will delve into: the reality of human trafficking in Fairfax County and beyond; connections between human trafficking and other forms of violence; and how you can recognize the signs, support survivors, and refer to local resources. This 90-minute training (1-3:30 p.m. at Congregation Olam Tikvah, 3800 Glenbrook Road, Fairfax) is free, but registration is required.

Questions? Contact Human Trafficking and Sexual Violence Coordinator Victoria Nevel-Babla.

Want to be a part of ending teen dating violence in our community? Join the Fairfax County Teen Advocates Program and make your voice heard! Build your knowledge and tools to promote healthy relationships—and have fun along the way!

As a Teen Advocate you can:

  • Champion a cause you care about.
  • Become a leader among your peers.
  • Make new friends who are passionate like you.
  • Plan impactful events and activities!

Ready to make a difference? Apply by Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.

SV Tier One is a 16-hour training on understanding sexual violence, systems responding to sexual violence in Fairfax County, and resources available in our community. Starts Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (in-person, Immanuel Presbyterian McLean, 1125 Savile Ln, McLean, VA 22101) and continues Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Feb. 3, 4, 10, and 11 from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. virtually. This training is free but registration is required. Questions? Contact Victoria Nevel-Babla.

Join the Fairfax County Teen Advocates as they host gameshow event to raise awareness about teen dating violence on Thursday, February 5, from 6-8 p.m. at the James Lee Community Center (2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church). This event, which will feature team-based competitions, cool prizes, and more, is free and open to Fairfax County teenagers and their families. Questions? Contact Debra Miller.

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CHECK OUT OLDER POSTS!

As the end of 2025 draws near, you may already be looking forward to the new year – making resolutions to try new activities, make new friends, and learn something new. Studies have shown that lifelong learning can help lower the risk of dementia by keeping your brain active and engaged. In Fairfax, older adults are fortunate to have many choices when it comes to learning opportunities. Depending on your level of interest and budget, there is something for everyone. Discover options to learn and connect in the December issue of the Golden Gazette.

If you have children, you are both able to parent in a way that makes you comfortable. You talk about the needs of any children, as well as the needs of the parents. Learn more.

Opportunities
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Wellness

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newsletter graphicFoster Family News for Current and Potential Fairfax County Foster Parents – January 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 January 2026 newsletter. This month we focus on a new day in the life video, a holiday celebration, trainings, and more.

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

Check out the January 2026 Golden Gazette, featuring Marcy Stennes, whose genuine care for others has led her to volunteer extensively in her community. You’ll also learn about simple food swaps to boost nutrition, Fairfax County Consumer Protection Commission’s new Pause. Question. Protect. initiative, 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 January 2026 issue to learn about another successful Adopt-A-Family holiday campaign, the BeFriend-A-Child holiday party, a celebrity coat drive, and ways to get involved and support your community.

newsletter graphicVolunteer Voices Newsletter

What’s the Domestic and Sexual Violence Services volunteer corps doing this month? Find out in the January 2026 Volunteer Voices, where you’ll learn how and why we observe Human Trafficking Awareness and Stalking Awareness months, meet Hotline volunteer Kadidia Zabsonre Ouedraogo, explore the difference between emotional and physical safety planning, wrap up our Netflix Adolescence series review, test your brain, register for upcoming 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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