(Posted 2025 February)
Meet Julian!
Position: Family Safety Practitioner III for Protection and Preservation Services within the Children, Youth, and Families Division
I joined the Department of Family Services in June 2020, nearly five years ago as a social services specialist II with Protection and Preservation Services. After three years in that role, I was promoted to social services specialist III which was recently renamed as a family safety practitioner III.
My role is about ensuring a safe family environment for children– so I assess families and their children to help prevent any future harm to the children. This begins with conducting home visits and evaluations to figure out the root causes of a family’s issues and help them leverage the strengths that they already have. Assessments focus on abuse or neglect, parenting, family relationships, mental health, substance abuse, developmental concerns, support systems, physical health challenges, and meeting basic needs like shelter, food, and clothing.
Assessing families helps me to work with parents and caregivers to create service plans to support them and ensure their children’s safety. I work with a team of colleagues in our partner agencies who help provide resources and services to address a family’s issues and build upon their strengths.
In a crisis, I step in to make sure children are safe. I keep detailed records of my assessments, visits, and plans. Sometimes, I prepare for court and testify about my cases. I also work with other professionals to support and engage families.
Social workers were positive agents of change in my childhood, so I was drawn to the field. When I was growing up in a challenging environment, I saw firsthand the impact of substance abuse and financial hardship, both in my family and our community. Despite the adversity, I was determined to break the cycle and create opportunities for positive change.
Social workers played a critical role as my twin brother struggled with his health and various challenges. Their dedication and compassion helped him navigate difficult times. Seeing this inspired me to pursue a career in social work, with the goal of giving back and making a difference in others' lives. Now I have over 16 years of experience in the social work field, and I will be graduating with my Master of Social Work (MSW) this summer.
I am passionate about working with children and families, and that’s why I chose to work with the Department of Family Services. The mission of DFS in Fairfax County is remarkable—our goal is to improve and strengthen families in our community.
I love what I do! The most rewarding aspect of my work is helping others realize their own strength. I see myself as a mentor, guiding families through challenging times, and witnessing their growth and progress over time. Being part of that journey and seeing families thrive is incredibly fulfilling.
I love that DFS encourages me to have a life outside of work. I enjoy playing golf and jet skiing. I find relaxation in simple activities like sitting by a fire and living intentionally each day. Spending quality time with my daughter is my top priority.
Join Us! At DFS, you’ll never find yourself bored. The role of a family safety practitioner requires flexibility, as we wear many hats. One day, we may be in court, dressed professionally, and the next, we are responding to crises and ensuring that families have the support they need. Sometimes, we provide a listening ear, and other times, we must enforce policies to ensure the safety of children. It’s a challenging but rewarding environment, and we are a close-knit team, united by our commitment to making a difference.