(Posted 2026 November)
TVPN: Tell us about your background and professional history.
Blanca Castillo: I'm a first-generation immigrant with family roots in El Salvador and Honduras, and I have a degree in government and public administration. I've spent more than seven years in human services, working with children, youth, and immigrant families at the U.S.–Mexico border and here in Northern Virginia. Across that work, I've focused on trauma-informed care, community partnerships, and connecting families to the support they need. I'm bilingual in English and Spanish.
TVPN: How long have you been with the county and in your current position?
BC: I joined Fairfax County as a Body Safety Support Specialist in early September 2026, so I've been here just over a month.
TVPN: Describe what you do.
BC: I help prevent child abuse before it happens. I teach the Body Safety curriculum to children and parents in English and Spanish, giving kids the language to recognize unsafe situations and identify trusted adults. I also coach parents on how to have these conversations at home. A big part of my role is recruiting, training, and supporting volunteers, especially bilingual ones. I also build partnerships with Fairfax County Public Schools and with community and faith-based organizations to bring the program to more families.
TVPN: What led you to pursue a career in child welfare?
BC: My own journey as an immigrant and my early work at the border showed me how much children and families depend on the systems around them. Over the years, many young people told me the same thing. If they had known the words to describe what was happening to them, or had a trusted adult to go to, they would have spoken up sooner. That has stayed with me, and it's why I'm so drawn to prevention.
TVPN: What are you most looking forward to or what have you enjoyed most so far in this position?
BC: I love being in the classroom and seeing a child realize it's okay to say no when something doesn't feel right. I'm also excited to grow our bilingual volunteer program. When more trusted adults in the community are equipped to keep kids safe, that's when prevention really works.
TVPN: Why did you decide to work for DFS, and why should others work here?
BC: I'm passionate about prevention. Through my work, I've seen how much of a difference it makes to reach children and families before harm happens, rather than after. When the Body Safety opportunity came up, I was really excited about it, because it lets me do the work I care about most. DFS is a place where you can have a real impact on Fairfax families, and you do it alongside staff and volunteers who truly care about this community.
TVPN: Tell us about your family.
BC: I live with my husband and our rambunctious little dog, Bailey, who keeps us on our toes. We got married this past summer, so we're still enjoying the newlywed stage! I'm also one of six siblings, so family gatherings are loud, lively, and full of food. I've lived in Virginia for most of my life, and having my big family close by is one of my favorite things about being here.
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).