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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Do you have kids who are 12-18 years old? This weekly parenting class shows parents how to learn nurturing communication strategies, how to recognize their children’s needs, how to understand the developmental stages of adolescence, and ways to build their children’s personal power, self-concept and self-esteem. Classes will be held from 6-8 p.m. virtually. Ready to sign-up or have questions? Contact us by email or call 703-324-7720. Learn more about all our parenting classes.

Discover why your federal government and contracting experience is a valuable asset in local government. Join local experts in Accounting, Finance, Contracting, and Procurement on Tuesday, February 3 from 10-11:30 a.m. as they share practical insights and highlight the advantages of making local government the next step in your career. Register here.

Parents with children ages 0-4 years old, check out this FREE virtual parenting class offered in Spanish. It helps parents understand child development, create nurturing parenting routines, master infant massage, and develop positive self-esteem in themselves and their children. Interested or know someone who might be? This class meets online every Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. Contact us by email or call 703-324-7720 to sign up or ask questions. Learn more about all our parenting classes. 

Want to work for Fairfax County? Join the Department of Family Services - Employment Services, and representatives from the Department of Human Resources - Employment Division, on Thursday, February 5 from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Gerry Hyland Government Center for an overview of the job application and hiring process. Register here.

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.

Calling all dads! Join our free virtual parenting group sessions beginning Tuesday, Feb. 10. from 6-8:30 p.m. 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 or to register, call 703-324-7720, email or check online.

Join facilitators from 6:30 to 8 p.m. for an open discussion in Spanish about the cross-cultural challenges many parents face when raising their children in a diverse environment. The discussion will explore the common issue of trying to instill respect for Hispanic culture and values while balancing conflicting cultural influences that children encounter through media, peers, etc. Any Fairfax County parents or guardians with children ages 0-18 years old can register online at https://bit.ly/DFS-Parent-Cafe-2026. For more information, email or call 703-324-7720.

Are you ready to become a more confident and effective parent? Join our free weekly virtual parenting class starting Feb. 11! This class is offered in Spanish for parents with children aged 5-11 years old and will cover topics such as increasing empathy, encouraging appropriate behaviors, building positive self-concept and self-esteem, and having fun as a family. The class meets every Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. Ready to sign-up or have questions? Contact us by email at or call 703-324-7720. Learn more about all our parenting classes.

Are you a parent of a child aged 5-11? This weekly class starting Thursday, Feb. 12 offered by the Parenting Education Programs shows parents how to increase their empathy, discover new ways to encourage appropriate behaviors, build positive self-concept and self-esteem, and learn how to have fun as a family. The class meets every Thursday from 5:30-8 p.m. at Grace Presbyterian Church in Springfield. Ready to sign up or have questions? Contact us by email at or call 703-324-7720. Learn more about all our parenting classes.

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CHECK OUT OLDER POSTS!

This year, consider refocusing on yourself, slowing down, and taking the time to refill your cup and bring a more present mindset to your parenting. Our Parenting Education Programs offers classes for parents and caregivers with children of all ages beginning later this month. We also offer drop in Parent Cafés on the second Tuesday of each month. Check out our website or the community calendar for the schedule of classes and topics.

Looking for a new job or need help finding a new career path? Make an appointment at a One-Stop Employment Resource Center for free employment and training services. Maybe you would benefit from resume or cover letter review, or doing a practice interview with a Career Specialist. Or maybe you’re not sure what you need, but you want to take the next step towards success. Learn more about our free services for job seekers, available virtually or in-person.

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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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