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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The financial burden of long-term care and caregiving can be substantial. Join this session hosted by Insight Memory Care Center from 7-8 p.m. to hear from Arvette M. Reid, client services director with SEIA, who will share information about the various options available to help manage the costs associated with this critical aspect of caregiving. Register to receive Zoom information prior to the class. Register.

The Department of Family Services Domestic and Sexual Violence Services division supports policies to remove firearms from potentially deadly situations. It’s the law: Gun owners in Virginia who have been served a final protective order must surrender their firearms. (We encourage taking it to the Sheriff’s office 703-246-4405). By doing so, victims, their families, and our communities are safer. To learn more about the intersection of guns and domestic violence, visit Domestic and Sexual Violence Services or call the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline at 703-360-7273.

Learn how trends such as AI are changing the world of work. Job seekers, employers, and community partners are invited to attend the Future of Work Institute at the Workforce Innovation Skills Hub (WISH), Hybla Valley Community Center. It’s a FREE in-person workshop with food, child care, and transportation. Spanish interpretation will be provided. Learn more and register!

Join facilitators from the Parenting Education Programs and the Father Engagement Unit Tuesday, June 10, 6:30 to 8 p.m. to discuss how parents can set aside their differences and work together to create a nurturing and stable environment where their children can thrive. Any Fairfax County parents or guardians with children ages 0-18 years old can join through MS Teams. For more information or to preregister, email or call 703-324-7720.

Are you a parent with teenagers? Join our free parenting classes starting on Monday, Jun. 9 for those with children ages 12-18! Learn how to communicate more effectively, understand your teen's developmental stages, and build their self-esteem. The class meets every Monday from 5:30-8 p.m. at the Fairfax Church of Christ. Dinner is provided! 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.

Cultive relaciones sanas con sus hijos. Are you ready to become a more confident and effective parent? Join our free multi-week in-person parenting class starting Monday, June 9 at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church in Springfield! This class is designed 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 Monday from 5:30-8 p.m. Dinner and child care are provided! Ready to sign-up or have questions? Contact us by email or call 703-324-7720. 

Join other local dads on from 1-2:30 p.m. for “Breaking the Cycle: From Having an Absent Father to Creating a Legacy of Strength” in partnership with Loudoun County Fatherhood Engagement Services. Join the MS Teams meeting using Passcode: YJ6DX9AF. Move forward in your own purpose. Learn more about the series visit.

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, June 10, at 6:45 p.m. Complete this short interest form for prospective parents. For more information check out our website. 

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 virtually starting Wednesday, June 11 from 6-8 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.

This Dementia Caregiver Webinar is offered in collaboration with The International Spy Museum Access to Spy Program. SPY with Me is an interactive, hour-long virtual program for individuals living with dementia and their care partners. Join this free, interactive webinar from 12-1 p.m. as we use music and artifacts to explore some of our favorite spy stories and to get to know each other. Register here.

Learn more about dementia resources for family caregivers offered by the Adult and Aging Division.

If you have children ages 12-18 years old, don't miss out on free virtual parenting classes offered in Spanish by our Parenting Education Programs starting Monday, Jun. 16 from 6-8 p.m. During a series of weekly sessions, you’ll learn about nurturing communication strategies, how to recognize your teen’s needs, and help them develop their character. Cultivar relaciones sanas con sus hijos. Contact us by email or call 703-324-7720. Learn more about the variety of parenting classes available.

This virtual session will provide tips and support to long-distance caregivers. You are considered a long-distance caregiver if you are offering support to someone who lives more than one hour away. Although physically separated by distance, there are many ways that a long-distance caregiver remains involved in their loved one’s care, including coordinating medical care and in-home support services, managing finances, and the monitoring a loved one’s overall well-being. Join Deme Warner, Social Worker Case Manager with ElderLink for tips on how to help you more easily navigate the miles separating you and your loved one. This free webinar hosted by the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging. The webinar runs from 12-1 p.m. on June 18. Register for access information.

Registration for the summer session of Sexual Violence Tier 1, a 16-hour training on understanding sexual violence, systems responding to sexual violence in Fairfax County, and resources available in our community, is now open. This training is free, but registration is required. For full credit, all 16 hours must be completed. Seats fill quickly, so sign up now for this training for professionals, volunteers, and community members looking to learn how and why sexual violence happens; the impact of sexual violence on individuals, families, and communities; and how to support those impacted. Questions? Contact Abby Picard.

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CHECK OUT OLDER POSTS!

Do you need help with energy costs 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 for Cooling Assistance open June 16.  Learn more about how Cooling Assistance helps cover costs and how to apply.

Caregivers are often the unsung heroes who provide essential support to family members and loved ones who are experiencing chronic conditions, navigating the aging process or who are unable to care for themselves. Caregivers can often find themselves in a complex emotional and physical position, balancing their own well-being with the needs of those they care for. With the constant demands that caregiving entails, caregivers may be left feeling isolated, overwhelmed and unsure where to turn for support. ElderLink’s Monthly Virtual Support Call for family caregivers provides a safe space for caregivers to share their struggles, get practical advice, and find support. Learn more in the May issue of the Golden Gazette.

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newsletter graphicFoster Family News for Current and Potential Fairfax County Foster Parents – June 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 June 2025 newsletter. This month we focus on the Foster Parents of the Year, foster parent appreciation, foster care annual statistics, and much more.

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

Check out the June 2025 Golden Gazette, featuring Dr. Russell Rayman, whose career as a flight surgeon with the U.S. Air Force took him all over the world and allowed him to witness significant moments in history. The issue also includes activities to try during Great Outdoors Month, information about the Virginia Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program 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 May 2025 issue for a recap of our Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, supporting foster care, and a volunteer spotlight. 

newsletter graphicVolunteer Voices Newsletter

Catch up with the Domestic and Sexual Violence Services volunteers! Meet Caroline Croghan, Domestic and Sexual Violence Services’ new volunteer manager, find out how reading can reduce stress, set your alarm to stream shows where Hollywood gets domestic violence right, and learn what Advocacy Services really does. Plus, watch a discussion about Juneteenth, see which volunteers will blow out candles this month, sign up for trainings, and more--all in the June 2025 Volunteer Voices.

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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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