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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Click here to view the latest Community Corner newsletter!

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Join us for the next free Virtual Parent Café on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 6:30 to 8 p.m. to discuss “Discipline in a Nurturing Environment.” Discipline isn’t just about correcting behavior. It’s about teaching, guiding, and helping your child grow into a confident, responsible individual. Join us for an insightful discussion about effective discipline strategies that strengthen your family dynamic. Any Fairfax County parents or guardians with children ages 0-18 years old can register online. For more information, email or call 703-324-7720.

In this virtual reality training, facilitated by ElderLink, participates will 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. This session will be held from 12:00 - 1:15 p.m. via MS Teams. Register here.

Join Domestic and Sexual Violence Services during Human Trafficking Awareness Month for an eye-opening training on the impact of exploitation and violence in our communities. In this presentation and multidisciplinary panel, we will delve into: the reality of human trafficking in Fairfax County and beyond; connections between human trafficking and other forms of violence; and how you can recognize the signs, support survivors, and refer to local resources. This 90-minute training (1-3:30 p.m. at Congregation Olam Tikvah, 3800 Glenbrook Road, Fairfax) is free, but registration is required.

Questions? Contact Human Trafficking and Sexual Violence Coordinator Victoria Nevel-Babla.

Want to be a part of ending teen dating violence in our community? Join the Fairfax County Teen Advocates Program and make your voice heard! Build your knowledge and tools to promote healthy relationships—and have fun along the way!

As a Teen Advocate you can:

  • Champion a cause you care about.
  • Become a leader among your peers.
  • Make new friends who are passionate like you.
  • Plan impactful events and activities!

Ready to make a difference? Apply by Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.

SV Tier One is a 16-hour training on understanding sexual violence, systems responding to sexual violence in Fairfax County, and resources available in our community. Starts Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (in-person, Immanuel Presbyterian McLean, 1125 Savile Ln, McLean, VA 22101) and continues Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Feb. 3, 4, 10, and 11 from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. virtually. This training is free but registration is required. Questions? Contact Victoria Nevel-Babla.

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CHECK OUT OLDER POSTS!

In this month's “Connect with County Leaders” podcast with host Bryan Hill, Fairfax County Executive, the employee spotlight features Nancy Cordova, Human Service Outreach Worker with Public Assistance and Employment Services (PAES). They spoke about how being out in the community helps Nancy connect adults and families with PAES services that can improve their financial stability and self-sufficiency. Nancy uses what she learns through interacting with the community to inform additional outreach efforts and communication strategies to reach people more effectively. Listen now to their conversation to learn more about Nancy's role in PAES.

“I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the complexities of domestic and sexual violence, stalking, and human trafficking; the resources available; and—most importantly—how to empower victims to make informed choices that honor where they are in their healing process,” says Anastasia Sadowski, DSVS Hotline advocate and Anger and Domestic Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program (ADAPT) volunteer. “While it can be hard to hear the fear in a hotline caller’s voice, it is amazing to provide support and resources and a listening ear and at the end of the call hear a little hope in the victim’s voice or hear them say they have received helpful information.” Read more of Anastasia’s volunteer journey.

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newsletter graphicFoster Family News for Current and Potential Fairfax County Foster Parents – December 2025

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. This month we focus on a new video about a recent adoptive family, an Adoption Month celebration, a webinar exploring the power of a grandmother’s love, and more. Check out the December 2025 newsletter.

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

Check out the December 2025 Golden Gazette, featuring Steve Lebo, whose life has taken unexpected turns, leading to an interesting and meaningful life. You’ll also learn about continuing education opportunities, get tips for a sustainable holiday, 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 November 2025 issue to learn about some DFS holiday giving programs, a partnership with Neighborhood and Community Services, and recent program highlights.

newsletter graphicVolunteer Voices Newsletter

How are the Domestic and Sexual Violence Services volunteers being thankful during this giving season? Meet new crisis line specialist Hilda Andrade and ADAPT and Hotline volunteer Anastasia Sadowski, learn what’s missing from our self-care practices, find out how to help a domestic violence survivor, sign up for upcoming trainings, and more—all in the December 2025 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.

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

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