Welcome to the Department of Family Services' Community Corner, where you’ll find timely information about upcoming events, parenting and wellness tips, programs and services, and more! Share these helpful posts with your friends and family.

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

Check out the 2020 October newsletter: learn about about a new preparedness guide for kinship families; virtual life series providing connection during COVID-19; scheduling flu vaccines at select senior centers; the mettle of Philip Hirschkop; volunteer solutions; the Beacon 50+ Expo goes virtual; Commission on Aging news; finding caregiver support; Disabilities Rights and Resources Program; assistance to buy food; preparing meals; what to watch on Fairfax County Channel 16; scams; Operation Medicine Cabinet Cleanout; voting early; and what's listed in the community calendar!

Medicare 102 Webinar Wednesday, Oct. 28

Learn the facts about Medicare, with a deeper look into such topics as: Observation Status; what are the extra "free" benefits some plans are advertising; and the outlook for new laws on drug pricing and the Part D drug benefit.

Join the webinar by computer or phone. Learn more and register.

County Conversation Podcast - Mental Health Among Youth in Foster Care

Natalie Sposato, Permanency Coordinator with DFS Foster Care and Adoption was a guest on the County Conversation podcast in October to discuss the issue of mental health among youth in foster care.

The American Academy of Pediatrics, Healthy Foster Care American Initiative, has identified mental and behavioral health as the “greatest unmet health need for children and teens in foster care.” Unfortunately, mental health issues are not always promptly recognized and diagnosed in children in foster care. The podcast explores this topic and ways that the community can help support children struggling with these challenges.

Free Virtual Kinship Café on Wednesday Oct. 28

Kinship caregivers can talk with others who understand how difficult and joyful it can be raising a child for a family member or friend. Join us between 6:30-8 p.m. to discuss topics such as discipline, self-care, and family rules. Learn more. Sign up for a Kinship Café by sending an email to BuildingStrongerFamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-324-7720 at least one business day before the Kinship Café. We look forward to you joining us!

Video – Parenting 101: Routines

The Parenting Education Programs staff explains the importance of establishing nurturing routines to help children know what to expect each day, provide them with a sense of security and predictability, and set them up for success. Check out the latest video on YouTube or Facebook. Learn more about Parenting Education Programs.

Wondering About Hiring a Babysitter for a Child in Foster Care?

It's no question that taking time for self-care is essential for foster parents so that they can be the best possible caretaker for the children in their life. 

Learn about the conditions that need to be considered when hiring a babysitter for a foster child. Find out more about babysitting, who can babysit and babysitting guidelines.

DVAC – Information and Support Services for Victims and Families of Domestic Violence and Stalking

Fairfax County’s Domestic Violence Action Center (DVAC) is a comprehensive service center staffed by county agency and community nonprofit partners to provider culturally responsive information and support services for victims and families of domestic violence and stalking. In this County Magazine video, Kevin Ochs, Advocacy Services Supervisor, shares the resources DVAC provides survivors of intimate partner violence. To learn more, call the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline: 703-360-7273.

County Conversation Podcast - Step Up 4 Kids Initiative

County Conversation podcast with Jim Person and Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Brittany Vera as they discussed the Step Up 4 Kids initiative. Check out the podcast. Make a difference for children who witness domestic violence. Learn more about Step Up 4 Kids.

Foster Family News Fostering Futures: La Tika Jeffery

After spending most of her adolescence in foster care, La Tika was adopted by her best friend’s family at 21 years old. She is now a confident and outspoken advocate for foster care youth who has taken every opportunity to pursue her dreams.

Learn more about her story and the some encouragement she shares for other youth in care.

October is Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM)

Chairman Jeff McKay presented the proclamation on behalf of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. Join us in recognizing the contributions of workers with disabilities and in educating the public about disability employment issues. Check out the video.

Friday FraudCast's Latest Topic

Check out the latest AARP’s Friday FraudCast for an insightful interview with Fairfax County Police Detective Johnathan Loesch. Detective Loesch, a member of the Fairfax County Silver Shield Task Force, discusses the Felony Lane Gang (FLG) – what it is and how to protect yourself and your valuables. Check out this episode's Facebook video.

Build Up Your Child’s Self-Esteem through Praise

Praising children is one of the ways that parents can build up a child’s self-esteem and self-worth. Having a strong, positive sense of self is important for a child’s development. Check out these suggestions from our Parenting Education Programs’ staff for how to impact your child’s behavior through praise. Get more parenting tips like these by registering for one of our virtual classes at BuildingStrongerFamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov or call us at 703-324-7720.

Foster Family News for Current and Potential Fairfax County Foster Parents

We have many wonderful foster parents serving children in Fairfax County. Our monthly Foster Family Newsletter provides a window into the experiences of foster parents, children in care, and resource workers who support them. Check out the 2020 October newsletter: Fostering Futures: La Tika Jeffery; Wondering about Hiring a Babysitter for a Child in Foster Care?; Join us at the Community Corner!; Spotlight on the Placement and Resource Unit; Healthy Minds Foster Futures Virtual 5K Walk; Parent and Student Support Programs; and more!

Meet Joan Meagher, DSVS Court Advocate Volunteer 

The most rewarding part of being a court advocate is seeing how grateful the victims are to have someone who will listen to them and help them formulate their next steps in being safe and staying safe. They are often so alone in their situation and just being able to talk with someone who cares and wants to help gives them a sense of hope. Learn more about Joan's story.

Three Steps to Stay Safe from COVID-19 if You are 60+

As communities and businesses continue to open, people are looking for ways to resume some daily activities as safely as possible. It is important to remember that COVID-19 continues to spread in our community. Everyone is at risk, but older adults and people of any age with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Learn about three steps that can help protect you.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Learn more about county activities and resources honoring the month and check out our community engagement toolkit for ways you can share the message.

November is Adoption Awareness Month

Learn more about Adoption Awareness Month and use our community engagement toolkit to spread the word on social media, post a link on your website or blog, contact media where you live, and more!

New Preparedness Guide for Kinship Families

Kinship families are formed when grandparents, aunts and uncles, other relatives, or close family friends take care of children when their parents are unable to do so due to challenging family situations. Often, the adults in these newly created kinship families do not expect to become caregivers and they need support. Under normal circumstances, kinship families can face significant challenges; during emergencies, including natural disasters or pandemics, the challenges increase. Learn about the Fairfax County Department of Family Services' helpful resources for all kinship families.

Foster Care Virtual Information Meeting on Monday, Nov. 9

Did you know that nearly 200 children in Fairfax County are in foster care? Right now, due to the pandemic, we have a pressing need for more foster parents for children ages 11-17, children with special needs, and sibling groups of 3 or more. Families should also be prepared to participate in virtual learning. If you are considering becoming a temporary foster home for a child, take the first step, and attend a virtual information meeting on Monday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. Email Dr. Patricia Cubillos at BeAFosterParent@fairfaxcounty.gov to register for a virtual meeting. The deadline to register is noon on the day of the meeting.

Free Virtual Classes Medicare 101 in November 

There are several upcoming free classes; choose the date that works for you. These classes are for individuals and their care partners who will soon be eligible for Medicare or have Medicare and would like to learn more about it:
-Part A (inpatient hospitalization/skilled nursing)
-Part B (doctors/outpatient hospital services/labs/radiology)
-Part C (Medicare Advantage plans)
-Part D (prescription drugs)
-and how to cover the gaps in Medicare benefits through Medicare supplemental plans.

Check out class dates, pick one that works for you and register to join.

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