Department of Family Services

Fairfax County, Virginia

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

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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Increased Availability this Summer – Free Virtual Body Safety Program Classes

The Body Safety Program is now offering free virtual classes to any Pre-K through sixth grade students living in Fairfax County. Using the Childhelp® Speak Up Be Safe curriculum, trained facilitators help children build safety skills, preparing them to identify risks such as, child abuse, bullying, and internet predators. Increased availability over the summer. If you’re interested in learning more about or scheduling a virtual class(es), contact Francesca Lovitt by email or call 703-324-7459. Learn more about this program.

Friday, June 2 – Crafts for the Family: Engaging Loved Ones with Memory Loss

This workshop is geared for the whole family who have a loved one living with memory loss. Join Cate McCarty, owner and executive director of Dr. Cate Dementia Coach, LLC, as she guides you through hands-on craft projects that all ages and abilities can enjoy together. The workshop will be from 12-1 p.m. on June 2. A supply list will be provided prior to the workshop and will be items you can find at home. Register here.

Thursday, June 8-Aug. 24, 2023 – Free Parenting Classes (Parenting Children Ages 12-18)

Do you have kids who are 12-18 years old? This 12-week 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 offered by the Parenting Education Programs from 5:30-8 p.m. at Grace Presbyterian Church, 7434 Bath Street, Springfield, VA 22150. Ready to sign-up or have questions? Contact the Parenting Education Programs by email at or call 703-324-7720. Learn more about the variety of parenting classes available. 

Friday, June 9 – Creative Engagement: How to Use Your Right and Left Brain to Improve Your Sense of Well-Being

Learn how to use the right and left brain to improve your sense of well-being during this interactive intergenerational workshop for the family on June 9 from 12-1 p.m. Patricia Dubroff, creative aging specialist, will lead a left brain/right brain warm up and demonstrate a simple, hands-on project to create individualized note cards. Register here

Learn more about programs and services for family caregivers.

Wednesdays, June 14-Sept. 27, 2023 – Free Virtual Parenting Classes (Parenting Children Ages 5-11)

Are you ready to become a more confident and effective parent? Join our free 16-week virtual parenting class starting June 14! 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 Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. Contact the Parenting Education Programs at ParentingEducation@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-324-7720 to sign up or learn more about our variety of parenting classes available. Don't miss out on this opportunity to improve your parenting skills and strengthen your family!

Thursday, June 15 – Free Hybrid (In-person & Virtual) Kinship Café with Open Forum Discussion

Are you raising a child for a family member or friend? If you answered “yes,” you are a kinship caregiver, and you are not alone. Our hybrid (In-person and virtual) Kinship Cafés provide encouragement and foster a sense of community among kinship caregivers. Dinner and child care are provided. Register to join us on Thursday, June 15 from 6:30-8 p.m. at Providence Community Center, 3001 Vaden Dr, Fairfax, VA 22031 by sending an email or calling 703-324-7720. Registration is required at least one business day before the Kinship Café date. Learn more about Kinship Cafés and check out future dates. 

Friday, June 16 - Presente! A Latino History of the United States

Join this session to learn about the new Molina Family Latino Gallery, the first physical presence of the National Museum of the American Latino as part of the Smithsonian Institution. The gallery is the first dedicated museum space on the National Mall that celebrates the U.S. Latino experience. During this session, Natalia M. Febo, community engagement and volunteer coordinator with the National Museum of the American Latino, talks about our national history from the perspectives of the diverse Latinas/os who lived it. Join us from 12-1 p.m. for an introduction to the important ideas, moments, and people that shine a light on the many ways Latinas and Latinos shaped the nation. Register to receive access instructions.
 

Tuesday, June 20 - Aug. 29, 2023 – Free Virtual Parenting Classes (Parenting Children Ages 12-18 in Spanish)

Do you have children who are 12-18 years old? This 12-week parenting class offered in Spanish shows parents how to learn nurturing communication strategies, how to recognize each other’s needs, how to understand the developmental stages of adolescence, and ways to build their children’s personal power, self-concept, and self-esteem. This class meets every Tuesday from 5:30-8 p.m.  Ready to sign-up or have questions? Contact the Parenting Education Programs by email or call 703-324-7720. Learn more about the variety of parenting classes available. 

Wednesday, June 28 & Thursday, June 29 – Summer Tier 1

Tier 1 is a training on the dynamics of domestic violence, the systems that respond to those crimes, and available resources in our community. This 2-day training is free, but registration is required. Both sessions must be completed to receive a certificate. 

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CHECK OUT OLDER POSTS!

Internet Safety: Protecting Children in the Digital Age

The internet is an essential part of our daily lives, but without proper oversight it can pose significant risks for children and adolescents. The Parenting Education Programs encourages parents and caregivers to take proactive steps to keep children from dangers such as online predators, cyberbullying, and inappropriate content. Learn more about what you can do to help children build healthy online habits. Check out the article.

Stalking’s Devastating Impact

Stalking, repeated unwanted contact that causes fear, is a crime everywhere in the United States. Stalkers may use unwanted text messages, phone calls, social media posts, and emails as their weapons of choice. Sometimes they send unsolicited gifts or threatening items (i.e., dead animals, wilted flowers, or bullets). They also might loiter near a victim’s house or workplace, spy on them, follow them, or accost them in public. This behavior can go on for years, with potentially devastating effects. Learn more about the impact of this crime and where you can turn for support.

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newsletter graphicFoster Family News for Current and Potential Fairfax County Foster Parents – June 2023

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 2023 newsletter to learn about the Foster Parents of the Year, Internet Safety for kids, and our annual foster care statistics.


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

Check out the June 2023 newsletter featuring Dorothy Keenan, who shares advice about finding a happiness in retirement. You'll also discover what you need to know about the SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan, lifelong learning opportunities for older adults, staycation options in Fairfax County, and more.


newsletter graphicThe Volunteer Post Newsletter

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 2023 Issue to learn about our recent celebration of our volunteers, meet some new VPS staff members, and get details on a new partnership with Fairfax County Public Schools.


newsletter graphicVolunteer Voices Newsletter

Catch up with Domestic and Sexual Violence Services volunteers in the June 2023 Volunteer Voices! Meet volunteer Willmara Moye; celebrate Pride and observe Fatherhood Awareness Month, both in June; fight toxic stress; learn about the recently created Clinical Services team; take a training; 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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