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

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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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Exploring the Dimensions of Aging lets users engage in a unique virtual experience to gain greater perspective and insight into working with older adults.

In this webinar, on Monday, Feb. 23 from 10:00-11:15 a.m., participates embody Clay as he and his family cope with his terminal illness and move into hospice care, learning how clear and caring communication can help with end-of-life choices and understanding what to expect in his final days. Register here.

Do you have kids who are 12-18 years old? This weekly in-Person parenting class offered in Spanish shows parents how to learn 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. Cultivar relaciones sanas con sus hijos. This class meets every Monday from 5:30-8 p.m. at Fairfax Church of Christ. 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.

Are you a current or former federal government worker or contractor? Meet employers who value your experience at the Federal Talent Transition Career Fair from 1-4 p.m. on Thursday, February 26. Top employers in the region like CACI, Fairfax and Loudoun County Public Schools, PRISM INC., and more are hiring! Attend workshops to support your job search, and learn about programs specifically designed to support affected federal employees and government contractors. Register now!  

Registration for the spring session of Domestic Violence Tier 1, a 16-hour training on the dynamics of domestic violence, systems responding to domestic violence in Fairfax County, and resources available in our community is now open. For full credit, all 16 hours must be completed. Questions? Contact Abby Picard.

Exploring the Dimensions of Aging lets users engage in a unique virtual experience to gain greater perspective and insight into working with older adults.

In this webinar, on Tuesday, March 10 from 12:00-1:15 p.m., participates embody Dima as she begins experiencing visual disturbances and changes in motor functions due to the progression of her Lewy Body Dementia, and how she and her family navigate coping with her symptoms.  Learn about the early signs and progression of Lewy Body Dementia and important considerations for promoting independence, preserving dignity, and offering culturally competent care. Register here.

Calling all dads! Join our free in-person parenting group sessions beginning Wednesday, Mar. 11. These 12-week sessions are specifically designed to support fathers in Fairfax County or those with children living in the area. Language interpretation services are available to ensure everyone can participate. Don't miss this opportunity to improve your parenting skills and build stronger relationships with your children. For more information or to register, call 703-324-7720, email or visit https://bit.ly/DFS-FE.

Mark your calendar for the Fairfax County Commission for Women’s annual Women’s History Month Breakfast on Friday, Mar. 27, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. Registration for this free event will open soon. Questions? Contact Alexandra Hernandez.

Post-secondary students who self-identify as an individual with a disability are encouraged to apply for the John Hudson Internship Program, managed by Fairfax County Disability Rights and Resources. The internship program provides participants with on-the-job experience, professional development, and training opportunities. Paid, full-time summer internships, hosted by Land Development Services-IT and Alcohol Safety Action Program, begin in early June and go through August. Applications for the summer 2026 program are due by Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Learn more and apply.

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CHECK OUT OLDER POSTS!

There have been some significant changes to the tax law impacting foster and adoptive parents. We’re not tax experts, but we’ve compiled some highlights about the 2025 Adoption Tax Credit and dependent and qualifying child rules. Learn more.

How do you know a teen in your life might be experiencing dating violence? Learn the signs. February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Get more information on how Fairfax County’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Services division is observing the month and raising awareness.

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newsletter graphicFoster Family News for Current and Potential Fairfax County Foster Parents – February 2026

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 February 2026 newsletter. This month we focus on a new state video series, taxes for foster and adoptive parents, ways to support teens in foster care, and more.

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

Check out the February 2026 Golden Gazette, featuring Linneall Naylor, an author and educator who is passionate about discovering her ancestors and telling their stories. You’ll also learn why using antibiotics when they aren’t needed can be dangerous, get helpful time management tips, 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 January 2026 issue to learn about another successful Adopt-A-Family holiday campaign, the BeFriend-A-Child holiday party, a celebrity coat drive, and ways to get involved and support your community.

newsletter graphicVolunteer Voices Newsletter

Meet Sophie Truax, Hotline volunteer, learn how to set healthy digital boundaries, check out our review of Viola Davis’ Finding Me, sign up for trainings, and more in the February 2026 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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