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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Virginia Career Works Northern is bringing together employers from across Northern Virginia for a career fair on Friday, May 9, 2025, from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center (12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035).

Learn more about this event designed to connect local employers with a diverse pool of professional job seekers – that’s you!

Join Certified Journal Therapist Deborah Ross, LPC, who will introduce best practices for journaling, dispel some myths and suggest tips, tools, and strategies so that your journal is a supportive companion on your caregiving journey. Decades of research have established journaling as a significant tool to lower stress and enhance wellbeing. But for the best outcome, it matters greatly how one writes. Please have some writing tools with you along with your curiosity, and you'll learn how much support is available from the page. No prior journaling experience is necessary. This workshop will meet online on May 9 from 12-1 p.m. and is hosted by the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging. Register to receive access instructions.

The next free Virtual Parent Café will be held Tuesday, May. 13, 6:30 to 8 p.m. to discuss Parenting in the Hispanic Culture. The facilitators will lead an open discussion in Spanish about the cross-cultural challenges many parents face when raising their children in a diverse environment. The discussion will explore the common issue of trying to instill respect for Hispanic culture and values while balancing conflicting cultural influences that children encounter through media, peers, etc. Any Fairfax County parents or guardians with children ages 0-18 years old can join in through MS Teams at https://bit.ly/4i6cQc1 and use passcode: h5Jy6ng3. For more information or to preregister, email or call 703-324-7720.

El próximo Café Virtual para Padres gratuito será el martes 13 de mayo, de 6:30 a 8 p. m., para hablar sobre la crianza de los hijos en la cultura hispana. Los facilitadores dirigirán una discusión abierta sobre los desafíos interculturales que enfrentan muchos padres al criar a sus hijos en un entorno diverso. La discusión explorará el problema común de tratar de inculcar el respeto por la cultura y los valores hispanos mientras se equilibran las influencias culturales conflictivas que los niños encuentran a través de los medios de comunicación, los compañeros, etc. Puede unirse en línea a través de Microsoft Teams at https://bit.ly/4i6cQc1, Contraseña: h5Jy6ng3. Para obtener más información, póngase en contacto con, BuildingStrongerFamilies@FairfaxCounty.gov o llame al 703-324-7720.

Elevate the diet for yourself and those you care for with nutritious, delicious, and easy-to-prepare lunches. In this workshop hosted by the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging, Registered Dietician Nutritionist and Nutrition Supervisor Tori Gwilliam will share tips on how to enhance your health and well-being through balanced, flavorful meals. Find out how to use versatile, nutrient-dense ingredients to create a variety of lunch recipes. Join this workshop from 12-1 p.m. on Friday, May 16. Register to receive an email with access instructions. 

Join us for a special event in recognition of National Foster Care Month in May. Come to Burke Centre Library on May 20 from 7-8:30 p.m. to connect with Fairfax County Foster Care and Adoption and learn how to make a difference for vulnerable children in our community. Whether you're just curious or seriously considering becoming a foster parent, this meeting will provide all the information you need. Discover the ins and outs of the foster care system, how to become a foster parent, the incredible rewards, and other ways to get involved. Drop in or register online.

Registration for the summer session of Sexual Violence Tier 1, a 16-hour training on understanding sexual violence, systems responding to sexual violence in Fairfax County, and resources available in our community, is now open. This training is free, but registration is required. For full credit, all 16 hours must be completed. Seats fill quickly, so sign up now for this training for professionals, volunteers, and community members looking to learn how and why sexual violence happens; the impact of sexual violence on individuals, families, and communities; and how to support those impacted. Questions? Contact Abby Picard.

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CHECK OUT OLDER POSTS!

Skip the Trip! Avoid traffic, bad weather, and waiting in line by applying for Medicaid, SNAP, and more online or over the phone. You can conveniently submit benefits applications or check on the status of your application without making the trip to one of our office locations. Learn more about how to access Public Assistance and Employment Services information online or by phone.

Sexual violence is an umbrella term that includes all forms of unwanted sexual contact. Standing with survivors means using language that ensures people feel heard, justice is more attainable, and myths about assault are deconstructed. Get more information about how Domestic and Sexual Violence Service supports survivors by calling the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline at 703-360-7273.

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Wellness

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newsletter graphicFoster Family News for Current and Potential Fairfax County Foster Parents – May 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 May 2025 newsletter. This month we focus on National Foster Care Month, foster parent recognition, and supporting older youth in care.

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

Check out the May 2025 Golden Gazette, celebrating Older Americans Month, an opportunity to Flip the Script on Aging by challenging stereotypes about getting older. The issue also includes the DFS Pet Supply Drive May 11-24, five ways to support mental 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 March 2025 issue to learn about our Volunteer & Partner Appreciation Event, the MLK Jr. Day of Service 2025, and some opportunities to support local children and families. 

newsletter graphicVolunteer Voices Newsletter

Catch up with the Domestic and Sexual Violence Services volunteers in the May 2025 Volunteer Voices. Meet DSVS’ operations manager Sandra McGovern, learn how interpersonal violence impacts people living with disabilities, and understand the connection between Asian Americans and domestic and sexual violence. Plus, help some birthday folks blow out candles, read our review of Netflix’s “American Nightmare” documentary, see the latest self-care trends, sign up for a training, and much 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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