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 new series of caregiver webinars presented in Spanish during September on a variety of topics:

  • Sept. 5 – Culturally Sensitive Pain Management for Latino Communities
  • Sept. 12 – How Latino Caregivers Can Support Older Adults with Diabetes
  • Sept.19 – Present! A Latino History of the United States
  • Sept. 25 – Investment Fraud for Caregivers.

Register for Caregiver Webinars in Spanish. Learn about programs and resources for older adults.

Do you want to develop your confidence as a parent and build stronger relationships with your child? Join our free weekly Virtual Parenting Classes, starting Tuesday, Sept. 2, from 6-8 p.m. Designed for parents of children aged 5-11 years old, these classes will inspire you with strategies for encouraging positive behaviors, building self-esteem, and creating lasting family memories. To sign up or for more information contact us by email or call 703-324-7720. 

Cultive relaciones sanas con sus hijos. Are you ready to become a more confident and effective parent? Join our free weekly Spanish-language, in-person parenting class starting Sept. 3 at Messiah United Methodist Church in Springfield! This class is designed for parents with children ages 5-11 years old to help you to understand your child’s development, encourage age-appropriate behaviors, learn about discipline and routines that work. The class meets every Wednesday from 5:30-8 p.m. To sign up or for more information contact us by email or call 703-324-7720. 

Parents caring for a child aged 0-4 years old, join us for free weekly parenting classes, starting Wednesday, Sept. 3! These classes will teach you the basics you need to know, from supporting your child’s development to creating healthy routines and boosting your parenting confidence. Classes are offered online every Wednesday, 6-8 p.m. To sign up or for more information contact us by email or call 703-324-7720. 

Parents caring for a child aged 0-4 years old, join us for free weekly parenting classes, offered in Spanish, starting Monday, Sept. 8! Learn practical skills to nurture your child’s development and strengthen your bond as a parent. Topics include understanding child development, building positive routines, infant massage, and fostering self-esteem in both you and your child. Classes are held every Monday, 5:30-8 p.m., ending Dec. 8 at ACCA Child Development Center in Annandale. Sign up today or reach out for questions at BuildingStrongerFamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703-324-7720. Learn more.

Calling all dads! Join our free in-person parenting group sessions beginning Tuesday, Sept. 9. These 12-week sessions are specifically designed to support fathers in Fairfax County or those with children living in the area. Language interpretation services are available to ensure everyone can participate. Don't miss this opportunity to improve your parenting skills and build stronger relationships with your children. For more information, call 703-324-7720, email or visit online.

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, Sept. 9, at 6:45 p.m. Complete this short interest form for prospective parents. For more information check out our website.

Are you navigating the ups and downs of parenting a teenager? Join us for free in-person parenting classes starting Monday, Sept. 22, designed for parents of teens ages 12-18 years old. Gain tools to better communicate with your teen, understand their developmental needs, and build their self-esteem. Discover how you can strengthen your family bonds and feel confident in your parenting! Classes are held from 5:30-8 p.m. at Mt. Vernon Presbyterian Church in Alexandria. To sign up or for more information, contact us by email or call 703-324-7720. Learn more.

Dads, enhance your parenting skills and strengthen your relationships with your children by joining our upcoming class, offered in Spanish. Our FREE Dads Parenting Groups have helped many fathers build their relationship with their kids. This virtual 12-week course is open to fathers if they or their children live in Fairfax County. The Dads Parenting Group begins Monday, Sept. 22, from 6-8:30 p.m. Call 703-324-7720 or email us for more information or you can visit https://bit.ly/DFS-FE to apply online.

This parenting class is for parents and caregivers to share, learn, and find support with raising African American children. Families have a safe space to grow in their parenting skills, explore resources and share wisdom with one another. Open to Fairfax County parents or guardians, this class will be held in person starting Wednesday, Sept. 24 at Gum Springs Community Center in Alexandria. The class meets every Wednesday from 5:30-8 p.m. Ready to sign-up or have questions? Contact us by email or call 703-324-7720. Learn more about the variety of parenting classes available.

If you have kids ages 12-18 years old, don't miss out on free virtual parenting classes offered in Spanish. Starting Sept. 29, join us every Monday from 6-8 p.m. through Dec. 15, 2025. You’ll learn valuable strategies for communication, how to recognize your teen’s needs, and ways to help them develop confidence and character. To sign up or for more information, contact us by email or call 703-324-7720. Learn more.

Registration is now open for the fall session of Domestic Violence Tier 1, a 16-hour training on the dynamics of domestic violence, systems responding to domestic violence in Fairfax County, and resources available in our community. For full credit, all 16 hours of this free training must be completed. Questions? Contact Abby Picard.

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CHECK OUT OLDER POSTS!

The Department of Family Services - Employment Services, and representatives from the Department of Human Resources - Employment Division, will give an overview of the job application and hiring process on Tuesday, September 23; and Tuesday, October 14. Visit our Job Fairs page to see times and locations and to register. 

Authoritative. Permissive. Free-range. Conscious. Fear-based. The list of parenting styles is wide and varied. If you want to raise happy, healthy children, experts say you might want to consider another style: gentle parenting—that’s parenting without shame, blame, or punishment. But can this style of parenting help young people choose healthy partnerships when they grow older? Find out on this episode of Unscripted: Conversations about Sexual and Domestic Violence, where host Kendra Lee mixes it up with Domestic and Sexual Violence Services’ Andrea Nunes-Gardner and Jennifer Perkins and Children, Youth, and Families’ Tanisha Cox and Heather Potter.

Community Corner Categories

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Services
Stories
Tips
Wellness

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newsletter graphicFoster Family News for Current and Potential Fairfax County Foster Parents – August 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 August 2025 newsletter. This month we focus on family reunifications, preventing relief of custody, and Mutual Family Assessments.

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

Check out the August 2025 Golden Gazette, featuring Alan Cole, who has been a member of the City of Fairfax Band for over 50 years. You’ll also learn about home repair programs serving people in need, volunteer opportunities with the nonprofit GrandInvolve, 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 July 2025 issue for fun BeFriend-A-Child Spring events, Body Safety’s impact, a volunteer spotlight, and a way to help foster care graduates.

newsletter graphicVolunteer Voices Newsletter

Catch up with Domestic and Sexual Violence Services’ volunteers in the August 2025 Volunteer Voices. Learn about DSVS’ collaboration with George Mason’s Student Support and Advocacy Center and spend a day with Hospital Accompaniment Program Specialist Kendal Cristaudo. Find out how many hours volunteers contributed to DSVS during fiscal year 2025. Check out our review of PBS Frontline’s Sex Trafficking in America; sign up for trainings; take your brain traveling; see who’s blowing out candles this month; set yourself up for a healthy back-to-school season; 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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