February 2026
Dear Chairman McKay and Members of the Board of Supervisors,
The Advisory Social Services Board (ASSB) is pleased to present this annual report, as required by the Code of Virginia, highlighting the essential services provided by the Department of Family Services (DFS) during the past year.
This report reflects a period marked by significant shifts in federal programs and policies as a result of executive orders and legislation. Fairfax County residents who use SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, childcare subsidies, and other federally funded supports will face additional hardship in the coming years, as narrowed eligibility criteria and increased administrative burdens borne by the County and its residents take effect. These changes have a disproportionate impact on immigrant households, who already face barriers to accessing services for which they are fully eligible. Uncertainty around eligibility, residency, and increased frequency of deportations creates fear among mixed-status families and immigrant households that can prevent attempts to access preventive services and increase the need for more costly public safety and judicial intervention.
Throughout the year, the ASSB has focused particular attention on the large and growing group of ALICE (Asset-Limited, IncomeConstrained, Employed) households in Fairfax County. These families often earn too much to qualify for federal programs, yet not enough to keep pace with the county’s high cost of living. Without affordable housing, childcare, and other essential supports, they are frequently forced into difficult choices: postponing medical care, falling behind on bills, incurring high-cost debt to cover basic needs, or relocating from their communities. At the same time, households that do qualify for programs such as SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid face sharp benefits cliffs, where increases in income can jeopardize their eligibility and reduce the value of their accomplishments.
Demand for DFS services continues to rise, including early interventions that stabilize households well before a crisis. Prevention services for older adults, supports for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, child welfare engagement, and services for individuals with disabilities all continue to grow in volume and complexity. Public assistance caseloads remain high, reflecting deep and persistent economic pressures on many residents. These supports are not just safety nets; they are critical drivers of stability and pathways toward improved economic mobility, enabling individuals and families to contribute more fully to community life.
Despite these pressures, DFS programs continue to be nationally recognized and remain among the highest performing in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The ASSB recognizes the department’s ability to maintain exceptional service quality during a period of significant fiscal constraint, workforce challenges, and rising community needs. Continued investment is essential to safeguard these outcomes, reduce long-term costs through prevention, and ensure that residents have access to the supports they need before challenges escalate into crises. DFS is one part of a broad social services framework in Fairfax County, and the ASSB acknowledges the critical role of cross-agency collaboration, community partnerships, and resident engagement in meeting community needs.
As Fairfax County contends with national austerity policies and annual budget reductions, the ASSB thanks the Board of Supervisors for its continued support of DFS and the broader Health and Human Services system. Additionally, the ASSB recognizes the planning and support from the Board of Supervisors that helped county residents through the most recent federal government shutdown. We look forward to ongoing collaboration to ensure that all residents, especially the most vulnerable, have access to the resources they need to thrive.
Sincerely,
Julian De Phillips, Chair
Advisory Social Services Board
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