703-324-7500
TTY 703-222-9452
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 Training – Domestic and Sexual Violence Learning Series: Incarcerated Victims of Sexual Violence Wednesday, Aug. 4 (9-11 a.m.)Incarcerated individuals face much higher rates of sexual violence and are also disproportionately likely to have been sexually abused before incarceration. Just Detention International will explain the incidence and dynamics of sexual abuse in detention and provide guidance on addressing the impact of sexual violence on incarcerated survivors, including the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) standards. JDI will also discuss how to challenge cultural assumptions about sexual violence in detention so “rape is not part of the penalty.” Register for this training and check out other upcoming trainings.
Free Caregiver for Older Adults Webinar: New Health and Wellness Series: Dance Fitness for Family Caregivers Friday, Aug. 6 (2-3 p.m.)Caring for a loved one can take a physical and emotional toll. Therefore, it's essential for family caregivers to make their wellness a priority and learn new ways to reduce stress and avoid caregiver burnout. Join us for a live demonstration on Dance Fitness for Family Caregivers. Learn how dance fitness can help you physically and emotionally on your caregiving journey. All are welcome to join in on the fun! Learn modifications for dancing, whether sitting or standing. Our facilitator for this session is Shannon Cronan, Occupational Therapist. Learn more and register.
Foster Care and Adoption Monthly Information Meeting Monday, Aug. 9 (7 p.m.)Did you know that nearly 200 children in Fairfax County are in foster care? Right now, due to the pandemic, we have a pressing need for more foster parents for children ages 11-17, children with special needs, and sibling groups of three or more. Families should also be prepared to participate in virtual learning. If you are considering becoming a temporary foster home for a child, take the first step, and attend a virtual information meeting. Register to join by sending an email to Dr. Patricia Cubillos. The deadline to register is noon on the day of the meeting. Learn more about upcoming meetings.
Free Virtual Support Call for Family Caregivers of Older Adults: The Unexpected Joys of Caregiving Tuesday, Aug. 10 (7-8 p.m.)Join this call to discuss an important aspect of caregiving that often gets missed: the joy. "When we provide help to someone we care about, we feel more positive emotions, like compassion, satisfaction and a vicarious happiness at being able to help," says psychologist Michael J. Poulin. According to a five-year study published in the “American Journal of Public Health,” helping others lessens the physical effects of stress. And studies show that caregivers may live longer. Learn more and register.
VPS School Supply Drive – Donations Accepted Until Friday, Aug. 13Our Volunteer & Partner Services Program is hosting a school supply drive for Fairfax County children in need. The greatest need is for supplies at the high school level. We're accepting $50 gift cards to big box stores like Walmart or Target through Friday, Aug. 13, to purchase the school supplies. Would you like to help us? Please contact Francesca Watson by email or call 703-345-8453.
Learn more about VPS and the work we're doing to support families with children who are at risk of abuse, neglect or placed in foster care or with relatives.
Cooling Assistance Applications Accepted Now Until Monday, August 16Do you need help to keep cool this summer? Cooling Assistance is a program designed to help keep vulnerable Fairfax County residents cool during the summer months. To be eligible, at least one household member must be: 60 or older, 5 or younger, or disabled according to Social Security, Medicaid or 100% Veteran’s Administration. Applications can be submitted online, by phone or paper (fax or mail). Learn more about cooling assistance.
Become a Mentor for the BeFriend-A-Child ProgramThe BeFriend-A-Child program is recruiting for program mentors! This program assists children in-person or virtually in the eMentoring program. The program’s greatest needs are for male mentors, Spanish-speaking mentors and African American mentors, but we welcome all mentors! If you or someone you know is interested in mentoring a 5-12-year-old child, please sign up or contact the BeFriend-A-Child Coordinator, Tiffani Peguese. Learn more about the BeFriend-A-Child Program.
Disability Rights and Resources Public Service Announcement Video: Information About Medicaid and the MarketplaceThis video provides a brief overview on health insurance options through the Marketplace and Medicaid. Enroll Virginia Navigators can help individuals apply for these services. To find a local navigator, call 1-888-392-5132. If you applied for Medicaid and were denied coverage, you may be eligible for free legal advice. Contact Legal Services of Northern Virginia to see if you qualify for our services.
Brenda Klimavicz Shares Her Creative Energies to Benefit CommunityAs a preschool teacher, Brenda Klimavicz thrived by creating fun, fictional, characters and art with her students. Her goal was to instill a love of reading. When Brenda's preschool closed in the spring due to the pandemic, she spent time learning digital illustration and, soon after, connecting with Little Free Libraries. Learn more about Brenda's work and how it's helped the community.
Foster Youth Shares How Legislation (H.R. 7947) Made a Difference in Her LifeAs part of federal legislation passed during COVID-19, children who otherwise would have aged out of foster care during the pandemic, were able to remain in care and continue receiving financial support and case management services.
One youth in Fairfax County Foster Care, Fariha Rahman, was able to contribute her perspective on what this legislation has meant to her to an article in the Youth News Magazine.
Interested in making a difference in the life of a youth like Fariha? Learn more about becoming a foster parent or send an email to Dr. Patricia Aviles-Cubillos.
VPS Partners with Churches to Provide Food Delivery to Area FamiliesSo many families have suffered in many ways during this pandemic. Many have lost jobs, homes, and income during this stressful year, and the community has generously opened their hearts to help so many families. In response, Volunteer & Partner Services partnered with two local churches to provide grocery delivery to families in need. Learn more about this unique partnership.
If you would like to become a volunteer or donor helping children and families in Fairfax County, learn how you can make a difference and get involved.
Survivor Stories Video: AnaAna escaped a violent upbringing by quickly jumping into marriage. But her husband was also violent, so the cycle started again. To compound her trauma, Ana also was an immigrant, with her closest family still in another country and a non-existent support system. To escape her situation and determined not to have her daughter caught up in generations of abuse, Ana turned to Domestic and Sexual Violence Services for help. Learn more about Ana's 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.
Rylynn Practices Self-CareRylynn is a strong supporter of self-care, and naps are one of her favorite ways to take care of herself. Learn more about Rylynn the facility dog.
Check out last week's posts!
Thanks to Our Mentors and TutorsDuring the pandemic many people found it challenging to balance caring for themselves and their families. Individuals who also made time to support the well-being and educational needs of a child in the community truly went above and beyond. For the mentors and tutors that we were able to connect with a child in one or both programs, no words can effectively express our gratitude. Learn more about the impact of their support.
If you or someone you know is interested intutoring or mentoring a child, please sign up or contact the BeFriend-A-Child Coordinator, Tiffani Peguese.
5 Things About Julie Bowman, the New Program Manager for Resource and SupportWe’re excited to announce that Julie Bowman, LCSW has been promoted to the position of Foster Care and Adoption Program Manager for Resource and Support! Julie has spent 17 years serving in direct service positions in the child welfare system. Her professional experience includes positions in a private therapeutic foster care agency and a public child welfare agency. Most recently, she was a supervisor for the Adoption and Kinship Assistance Unit in Foster Care and Adoption. Get to know more about Julie!
Young Men Continue to Serve Community During PandemicThe Young Men's Service League Vienna-Oakton chapter (YMSL-VO) provides mothers and sons valuable, philanthropic opportunities to bond and serve together during their high school years. When the pandemic hit, YMSL got busy creating multiple ways to continue to offer their volunteer services while social distancing. Learn about ways some mothers and sons continue volunteering to help the community.
Meet Bindi Mandava, Hotline Volunteer
“Having full time jobs and other busy stuff going around in our life, taking time to volunteer is challenging,” says Bindi Mandava, Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline volunteer. “With a strong determination to help the community, you can overcome this challenge.” Learn more about Bindi’s volunteer story.
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 News newsletter provides a window into the experiences of foster parents, children in care, and resource workers who support them. Check out the 2021 July newsletter: 5 Things About Julie Bowman, the New Program Manager for Resource and Support; Foster Care and Adoption Maintenance Rate Increase; Unit Success Stories – An Emergency Relative Foster Placement Leads to a Permanent Home; Foster Youth Shares How Legislation (H.R. 7947) Made a Difference in Her Life; June Foster Parent Breakfast Held In-Person; Frequently Asked Questions; Foster Care Myths; and more!
Golden Gazette Newsletter Covers a Variety of Topics Concerning Older Adults and Caregivers in Fairfax CountyCheck out the 2021 July newsletter: Brenda Klimavicz Shares Her Creative Energies to Benefit Community; Stuart Hill Stays in Tune with Life by Doing What He Enjoys; Enroll in the Senior Community Service Employment Program; Young Men Continue to Serve Community During Pandemic; Medicare Virtual Workshop; COVID-19 and Safe Summer Swimming; Extreme Heat and What You Should Know; Theft and Loss in Long-Term Care Facilities; How Do Family Caregivers Manage Distressing Memory Impairments; Include Fresh Fruits and Vegetables in July Celebrations; Getting Enough Daily Fluids; Having Difficultly Preparing Meals?; Are You Eligible for SNAP?; Select Fairfax County Senior Centers Are Now Open; Be the Voice for a Vulnerable Child; It's a Go. Senior Olympics Return; Community Calendar; and more!
The Volunteer Post NewsletterWe 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 2021 Summer issue: What's New; Program Highlights; Volunteer & Partner Recognition; Partners and Donors; Community Comments; and more!
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.
