(Posted 2024 November)
Monday, October 14, the Department of Family Services was honored to offer Mandated Reporter Training to a group of nearly 200 Fairfax County Public School social workers, attendance intervention specialists, and attendance officers. Several staff from VPS including Samantha Carrico, Francesca Lovitt, and Elizabeth Aguilar Martinez helped lead the training.
This collaboration provided an opportunity for DFS and FCPS to discuss current policies related to child abuse and neglect, as well reporting protocols. This 2-hour training gave targeted guidance to FCPS employees on the categories of child abuse and neglect recognized in the state of Virginia and clarified how and when to report suspected abuse to the local and state CPS Hotline.
The training explored a variety of scenarios that school staff might encounter, allowing for a rich dialogue and deeper understanding of policies regarding child safety. DFS staff also shared other Fairfax County resources for supporting children and families.
The DFS facility dog, Rylynn, was on hand to meet new friends as well. This was an opportunity for her handler, Sam Carrico, to explain the various ways Rylynn supports vulnerable children in our county. This includes visiting students as part of the Body Safety educational program that partners with FCPS to empower children to prevent or interrupt abuse.
We appreciate FCPS for allowing DFS the time to present to all their social workers who take child safety as importantly as we do! We are all looking forward to a successful school year. If you have a concern about child abuse or neglect, please call our CPS Hotline at 703-324-7400 or make a report online.
This article posting is part of The Volunteer Post Newsletter for current and potential volunteers, sponsors and donors interested in supporting children and families in crisis. Learn more about Fairfax County Department of Family Services' Volunteer & Partner Services Program (VPS).