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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Check out the latest Community Corner newsletter!

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Join Inova ElderLink and the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging 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. Session will be held from 10-11:15 a.m. via Microsoft Teams. A link to join will be provided after registration is completed. Register now.

This session in the NOVA Regional Fatherhood Workshop Series will examine how pressures, expectations, and past experiences shape men’s money choices. You’ll walk away with practical tools to build healthier financial habits, reduce stress, and create more stability for yourself and your family, all in a space designed for honest, real conversation. Session will he held from 12:30-1:30 p.m. via MS Teams.

For more information about this series for fathers, father figures, and those who work with fathers, visit https://bit.ly/FE-Workshop. 

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. The summer session is 8 a.m.-5 p.m., in-person at Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation, 1441 Wiehle Avenue, Reston, VA 22190. This training is free but seats fill quickly, so sign up now. For full credit, all 16 hours must be completed. Questions? Contact Victoria Nevel-Babla.

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. 

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.

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.

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CHECK OUT OLDER POSTS!

Attend Fairfax County’s AccessAbility Fairfax on Thursday, July 30! This free event is designed to connect you directly with county agencies and partners, get personalized assistance, and discover valuable programs designed to support you and your loved ones. Learn about reduced-cost transportation programs, financial assistance options, housing assistance, mental health services, and emergency resources. There will even be a limited quantity of $50 transportation gift cards for qualifying attendees! Learn more.

The Fairfax County Commission for Women is seeking a college or high school student interested in serving on the Commission for one or two school terms. The student will serve as a voting member and help the Commission become more aware of issues facing young women and girls. The student will also inform students and school organizations about the work of the Commission. Eligible students must be 16 years or older and a resident of Fairfax County. The deadline to apply is June 30.

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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.

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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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