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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Are you curious about becoming a foster parent? 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 8, at 6:45 p.m. Complete this short interest form for prospective parents. For more information check out our website. 

Join a virtual support call for caregivers on the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 7-8 p.m. The call on July 8 will be an open discussion, focusing on topics of interest to caregivers. The support calls provide a convenient, safe space for caregivers to learn, share, and connect with one another. Registration is required. A Microsoft Teams Meeting link and phone number will be emailed once registration is completed so caregivers can join virtually or by phone. Learn more about ElderLink programs and services.

Using an immersive training platform called Embodied Labs, caregivers will “see through the eyes” of older adults who are facing real-life challenges to their well-being. Embody Frank as he experiences the destructive impacts of social isolation and how it can overlap with loneliness, poor family relationships, and health. Learn how Frank seeks to improve his health, nourish more rewarding relationships, and find purpose again when offered proper support. These virtual training sessions are presented by ElderLink, in partnership with the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging, for professional and family caregivers. Register to receive a link to join this presentation using Microsoft Teams. This training is scheduled from 10-11:15 a.m. on July 10.  

Join the Dementia Friendly Fairfax Action Team for an in-person Dementia Friends Information Session and become a Dementia Friend on July 10 from 10: 30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Turn your new understanding of dementia into practical action that can help someone living in your community. Dementia Friend Champion Jessica Fredericksen, MSW, CADDCT, CMDCP, who also serves as the Director of Brain Health at Goodwin Living, will present. Located at Oakton Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton, VA 22124. Registration is required.

Join this virtual webinar presentation hosted by the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging, as Dr. Aaron Blight shares a presentation that emphasizes the giving and receiving of care – not only for others but also for oneself – as imperatives for wellness. Blight is an assistant professor of Public Health at Shenandoah University and the author of “When Caregiving Calls: Guidance as You Care for a Parent, Spouse, or Aging Relative.” People who are caregivers usually offer themselves to others with little thought of recognition or reward. However, it’s important for caregivers to know that in addition to caring for others, they must also take care of themselves. This webinar is July 16 from 12-1 p.m. Register to receive an email with access instructions. Learn more about programs and resources for caregivers offered by the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging.

Enjoy good food and good company while Domestic and Sexual Violence Services celebrate all their volunteers have accomplished through hard work and dedication. At the Sully Community Center (13800 Wall Rd SACC Room (Multipurpose Room 2) Herndon, VA 20170) from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. For more information, contact DSVS Volunteer Manager Caroline Croghan.

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CHECK OUT OLDER POSTS!

Virginia SUN Bucks helps eligible families with the cost of groceries during summer break when most schools are not in session. In 2025, each school-age child that meets the program requirements receives a one-time payment of $120. Benefits will be issued either on a family's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card or a pre-loaded Virginia SUN Bucks card that looks like a debit card. Many families automatically qualify for Virginia SUN Bucks and will not need to apply to receive this benefit. Learn more!

Animal hoarding usually starts with good intentions. Someone takes in animals they think are unwanted and need care, but if the animals aren't spayed or neutered, they will begin breeding. As the number of animals grows, living conditions and the animals' health can get worse. This can create a dangerous situation for the people and animals in the home. However, even as things get worse, the person continues to believe that they are helping the animals and doesn't see that the animals are actually suffering. Learn the signs of animal hoarding and how to report it in the June issue of the Golden Gazette.

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newsletter graphicFoster Family News for Current and Potential Fairfax County Foster Parents – July 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. Check out the June 2025 newsletter. This month we focus on summer safety, changes to in-service training, pre-natal drug exposure, and a way to help foster care graduates.

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

Check out the July 2025 Golden Gazette, featuring Diana Artemis, who overcame a difficult childhood to live a life of accomplishment and service to others. You’ll also get a progress update on year two of the SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan, learn about nutrients that are good for bone health 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 July 2025 issue for fun BeFriend-A-Child Spring events, Body Safety’s impact, a volunteer spotlight, and a way to help foster care graduates.

newsletter graphicVolunteer Voices Newsletter

What’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Services volunteer corps up to now? Find out in the July 2025 Volunteer Voices, where you’ll hear from volunteer liaisons how volunteers make DSVS run, spend a day with Clinical Services Program Manager Melody Vielbig, learn about regular donor Zonta Club, and mark your calendars for a special volunteer celebration. Also, check out our review of Survivor Made; get the lowdown on the Prevention, Education and Coordination team; tease your brain with movie facts; see who’s blowing out candles this month; get an ADAPT history lesson; 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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