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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Join the Fairfax County Teen Advocates as they host Art Night on Wednesday, April 22, from 6-8 p.m. at the Sully Community Center (13800 Wall Rd., Herndon, VA 20171). This event, which will feature a talent show, arts and crafts, and community education about healthy relationships and teen dating violence, is free and open to Fairfax County teenagers and their families. Questions? Email Debra Miller or Shanna Kim. 

Join Inova ElderLink and the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging, on Thursday, April 23 from 10:00 - 11:15 a.m. for online training to help family and professional caregivers. Embody Beatriz as she goes through the challenges of progressive Alzheimer’s Disease, seeing how it affects her communication, thinking, and emotional well-being, while learning ways to help her feel safe, supported, and maintain a better quality of life. Register now.

Join us on Thursday, April 23, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Centreville Library for a free in-person workshop offered in Spanish, “Healthy Relationships – Parenting with Empathy (Relaciones saludables: Criar con Empatía),” part of the Stronger Foundations for Parenting Workshop Series.  Learn about the role of empathy in parenting and explore communication techniques that support positive, healthy relationships with your children. Any Fairfax County parents or guardians with children ages 0–18 years old can register online. Prizes will be available for participants. For more information, email or call 703-324-7720. 

Join us on Wednesday, April 29, from 6 to 8 p.m. for a free virtual workshop, “Holistic Child Well-Being: Mind, Body, and Community,” part of the Stronger Foundations for Parenting Workshop Series.  Explore how children’s mental, physical, and social health are connected, and learn about family activities and community involvement that support overall wellbeing. 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. 

Protest victim-blaming attitudes and sexual violence misconceptions on Denim Day, Wednesday, April 29. Slip into your favorite denim to raise awareness about the destructive myths about sexual violence. Take a selfie. Share it on social media with the #DenimDay hashtag. Be sure to tag Fairfax County Department of Family Services on Facebook! Send photos to Victoria Nevel-Babla. Photos may be shared online. Learn more about Denim Day.

The 9th Annual Fairfax Scam Jam is a community collaboration between AARP Virginia and the Fairfax County Silver Shield Anti-Scam Program. This year we will unpack two of the fastest growing threats: romance-based investment schemes and cryptocurrency fraud. Visit our resource fair where representatives from county, state and federal agencies will answer your fraud and scam questions one-on-one. Complimentary lunch is provided to registered guests. Register now.

Explore the possibilities and discover your next career with Fairfax County Government! Meet with representatives hiring for positions from entry-level to senior management, across a wide variety of job types and areas. Your expertise can have a local impact. Tuesday, May 5, 2026 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center. Learn more and register. 

Mark your calendars to kick off National Foster Care Month on May 5 at Herndon Fortnightly Library from 7-8:30 p.m. This event is perfect for those curious about fostering or those ready to take the next step. You’ll learn about a variety of ways to support the foster care system, how to become a foster parent, and how it can change your life for the better. Get more information online. Drop-ins are welcome or you can register online. 

Join Fairfax County Department of Family Services’ Adult & Aging Division to celebrate Older Americans Month at Nationals Park! This event brings together older adults, adults with disabilities, family caregivers, dedicated aging service professionals, and organizations for a day filled with joy, connection, and community spirit. Learn more and purchase tickets.

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CHECK OUT OLDER POSTS!

Several changes to SNAP eligibility and requirements went into effect at the end of 2025 and there are changes coming soon to Medicaid. Changes to SNAP include requiring proof of common expenses for them to count towards an income deduction, expanding the populations who must meet the work requirement, and more limitations to SNAP eligibility for non-citizens. Medicaid will have a new Work & Community Engagement requirement, among other changes. Learn more about these changes and how they may affect participants and their benefits. If you would like to schedule an information session about these changes, complete our Outreach Request Form.

If you feel bad about what is in the news and you are having trouble talking about it, it’s likely that children are struggling too. We offer some advice on how their trauma might show up and how to respond to create feelings of safety despite the scary or violent things in the media. Learn more.

 

 

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Wellness

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newsletter graphicFoster Family News for Current and Potential Fairfax County Foster Parents – April 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 April 2026 newsletter. This month we focus on an inspiring foster-to-adopt success story, a new community group for resource parents, supporting kids after violence is in the news, and more.

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

Check out the April 2026 Golden Gazette,featuring Scam Jam 2026, an annual event that educates older adults about how to avoid scams and fraud, sponsored by AARP Virginia and Fairfax County’s Silver Shield Anti-Scam Program. You’ll also learn about the impact of volunteers, how to attract birds to your yard, 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 March 2026 issue to learn about our Volunteer & Partner Appreciation Event, the MLK Jr. Day of Service, and volunteers making an impact.

newsletter graphicVolunteer Voices Newsletter

How is Domestic and Sexual Violence Services observing Sexual Assault Awareness Month? Find out in the jam-packed April 2026 issue of Volunteer Voices. Plus, meet Erika Sobel the division’s newest counseling team member; learn about the link between interpersonal violence and Arab American Heritage Month; spend a day with Data Team’s management analyst Simi Grewal; see how we honor our volunteers during Volunteer Appreciation Month; get good rest; and so 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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