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

Department Resources

Related Resources

Community Corner

Translate this page into a different language.

Community Corner banner graphic, text over a variety of stenciled homes

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.

Don't miss out on future postings; sign-up today!

Email Updates

To sign up for updates or to access your subscriber preferences, please enter your contact information below.

 

Check out the latest Community Corner newsletter!

Community Calendar section title graphic

Practice and improve your conversational English so you are confident and prepared for employment. No registration required. Sessions are held every Tuesday from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. at VCW Fairfax Annandale Center (7611 Little River Turnpike, Suite 300W, Annandale, VA 22003).

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) offers workforce development services to eligible job seekers. Attend a virtual information session to hear more about WIOA as well as the other programs and services provided by the Virginia Career Works centers. 

Held twice a month on alternating Fridays at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Don’t miss the fourth session, on Tuesday, June 30 from 10-11:30 a.m., in this webinar series designed to help federal talent explore pathways into local government. This session will expand the conversation to education career opportunities in K-12, adult education, and community college. Attendees will hear from panelists from Fairfax County Public Schools, Loudoun County Public Schools and Northern Virginia Community College. Register now. 

This practical, data-informed workshop will equip caseworkers with a deeper understanding of the emotional, behavioral, and developmental impacts that children experience when fathers are absent. You’ll gain actionable, evidence-based strategies to better support, engage, and empower children for a brighter future. Session will be held from 12:30-1:30 p.m. via MS Teams. Learn more about the NOVA Regional Fatherhood Workshop Series.

GMU Facilities and Campus Operations is hiring skilled plumbers and HVAC technicians! If you are a plumber or HVAC technician with multiple years of experience, we encourage you to attend on Tuesday, July 7 from 3-6 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center. These roles come with many benefits. GMU cannot extend same day job offers. Candidates are highly encouraged to apply for roles in advance at jobs.gmu.edu. You will meet recruiters and learn more about the roles which can help you in the application process. Register here!

Apply Now if you want to make a difference for a child and you are available on the weekends. The BeFriend-A-Child Mentoring Program is a great opportunity for you to shape a child’s future. You can even work around your schedule to spend time with your mentee. Build up a child’s social skills, increase their self-esteem and help them overcome challenges. The next training for new mentors will take place virtually on Saturday, July 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Learn more about the program or apply online.

Is fostering in your future? 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, July. 14, at 6:45 p.m. Complete this short interest form for prospective parents. For more information check out our website.

Fairfax County Public Library and the Department of Family Services- Workforce Development, are partnering for the upcoming Government & Nonprofit Career Fair! This event is designed to connect employers with qualified job seekers interested in pursuing meaningful careers within government agencies, public service, and nonprofit organizations. Wednesday, July 22, 2-5 p.m., Franconia Governmental Center & Kingstowne Regional Library. Learn more and register.

Strangulation is one of the deadliest forms of domestic and sexual violence. Survivors strangled by a partner are seven times more likely to be killed by that partner in the future. Join Domestic and Sexual Violence Services and national experts from the Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention for a comprehensive, one-day training on non-fatal strangulation (8 a.m.-4 p.m., Inova Center for Personalized Health Conference Center, 8100 Innovation Park Drive, Fairfax, VA 22031). In this training, you’ll learn to: 1) Understand key local, state, and federal laws; 2) use risk assessment and safety planning tools; and 3) intervene early to help prevent long-term harms and future homicide. This training is free but registration is required. Questions? Contact Abby Picard.

Catch Up Corner section title graphic

CHECK OUT OLDER POSTS!

Longtime Unscripted listeners know we never say “why doesn’t she just leave” or even encourage people in violent relationships to separate or divorce. The decision to leave or stay rests with the victim, as they know their situation best. But when someone does want to end an abusive situation, what should they know? This is an especially important question when we understand that planning to leave, leaving, and the immediate aftermath of leaving can be the most dangerous times for victims. 

On this episode of Unscripted, host Kendra Lee; Domestic and Sexual Violence Services senior victim advocate Vanessa Cullers; Stephanie Sauer, a partner and family law chair at The Geller Law Group; and Allison Mazzei, a senior associate also at The Geller Group, talk about safety planning during divorce.

Do you ever open your cable bill and feel unsure about what you are being charged for? If so, you are not alone. Cable bills can be difficult to understand, particularly when prices change, promotional discounts expire, or unfamiliar fees appear. Learn more about your cable bill, your rights, and where to get help with unresolved issues in the June issue of the Golden Gazette. 

Community Corner Categories

Opportunities
Services
Stories
Tips
Wellness

Community Conversations section title graphic

newsletter graphicFoster Family News for Current and Potential Fairfax County Foster Parents

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 2026 newsletter. This month we focus on the Family Fun Day, the Foster Parents of the Year, ways to support foster care, and more.

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

Check out the June 2026 Golden Gazette, featuring the Vienna ROMEOs, a social group where retired men have lunch and meet new friends. You’ll also find out how to protect your health when the temperature soars, learn simple swaps for healthier summer snacks, 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 2026 issue for a recap of our Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, supporting foster care, and a Volunteer Impact Report.

newsletter graphicVolunteer Voices Newsletter

June is Men’s Health, Gun Violence Awareness, and Pride. See how Domestic and Sexual Violence Services meets the challenges presented by the diverse populations impacted by these awareness topics. Plus, get to know Larry Peacock, ADAPT co-facilitator and Hospital Accompaniment Support Advocate; and learn how the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court’s Domestic Relations Intake Unit works. Register for trainings, celebrate volunteer birthdays, and so much more—in the June Volunteer Voices.

Join the Community section title graphic

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.

stock photo of employeesJoin Us! Learn about job opportunities in the Department of Family Services.

Back to top

Close
Fairfax Virtual Assistant

Related Resources