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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Don’t miss this opportunity to find new and enriching volunteer activities! Connect with local organizations offering meaningful volunteer opportunities and explore a variety of resources at the Beacon 50+ Expo. Health screenings and vaccines will be offered. Join us at Springfield Town Center from 12-4 p.m. Learn more.

Are you navigating the ups and downs of parenting a teenager? Join us for free in-person parenting classes starting Monday, Oct. 6, designed for parents of teens ages 12-18 years old. Gain tools to better communicate with your teen, understand their developmental needs, and build their self-esteem. Discover how you can strengthen your family bonds and feel confident in your parenting! Classes are held from 5:30-8 p.m. at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church in Alexandria. To sign up or for more information, contact us by email or call 703-324-7720. Learn more.

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, Oct. 14, at 6:45 p.m. Complete this short interest form for prospective parents. For more information check out our website.

Join facilitators from the Parenting Education Programs and the Father Engagement Unit Tuesday, October 14, 6:30 to 8 p.m. to discuss how parents can set aside their differences and work together to create a nurturing and stable environment where their children can thrive. Any Fairfax County parents or guardians with children ages 0-18 years old can join through MS Teams. For more information or to preregister, email or call 703-324-7720.

Join us for #PurpleOut on Thursday, October 16. Wear purple to show your support for survivors of domestic violence; take a selfie or picture with your team and share it on social media using the #PurpleOut hashtag (tag Fairfax County Department of Family Services on Facebook); and email your photos to Abby Picard. You may see your photos shared on the Fairfax County website!

Join the DSV Community (8:30-11:30 a.m. in the Government Center Forum and Board Auditorium, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035) as we celebrate the previous year’s achievements and recommit to the work until everyone is safe. Enjoy a networking breakfast, hear a motivational speech from our keynote, and heap praise on our DV Community Award winners. For more information, contact Stacy Ziebell.

The Fairfax Area Disability Services Board invites residents with disabilities and family caregivers to attend a virtual community forum on Monday, October 20 from 7-8:30 p.m. to identify gaps in service, challenges, and/or concerns related to housing in Fairfax County, City of Falls Church, and City of Fairfax. The information collected will be shared with the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to inform county officials on how to improve housing for persons with disabilities in the future. Register to attend. Learn more about Disability Rights and Resources.

If you want to make a difference for a child and you are available on the weekends, our BeFriend-A-Child Mentoring program may be the opportunity for you. You can even work around your schedule to spend time with your mentee. Build up a child’s social skills, increase their self-esteem, and help them overcome challenges through fun enrichment activities. Mentors are needed now! The next training for new mentors will take place virtually on Saturday, November 8 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Learn more or start the application process now! 

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CHECK OUT OLDER POSTS!

To support families throughout the holidays, Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Advocacy Services seeks gift card donations (in $25 dollar increments) for big-box and grocery stores. Gift cards can be dropped off or mailed to the Domestic Violence Action Center (4000 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 2702, Fairfax, VA 22030). To ensure families have enough time to do their holiday shopping, gift cards will be collected until Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. Get more information about donation needs.

When an infant was believed to be in danger due to her parents’ substance use, the Kinship Unit began searching for family members and friends who would be willing to step in and care for the little one. Using some unconventional methods led them to a surprising solution. Learn more.

Community Corner Categories

Opportunities
Services
Stories
Tips
Wellness

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newsletter graphicFoster Family News for Current and Potential Fairfax County Foster Parents – October 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 October 2025 newsletter. This month we focus on kinship heroes, the kinship symposium, and the youth survey.

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

Check out the October 2025 Golden Gazette, featuring Elaine Miletta, who has worked to improve the lives of animals for five decades. You’ll also learn about the Fairfax Lions Club, Fairfax County’s Adult Day Health Care program, 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 September 2025 issue for the launch of the Adopt-A-Family Holiday program, meet our new interns, and see what an incredible summer our programs had.

newsletter graphicVolunteer Voices Newsletter

Catch up with Domestic and Sexual Violence Services’ volunteers in the October 2025 Volunteer Voices. Meet management analyst Simrat Grewal and Hotline volunteer Lynne Shapiro; find out how to participate in the Domestic Violence Awareness Month Community Quilt Project; and start our serial review of Netflix’s Emmy-winning “Adolescence.” Plus, get the scoop on how the Volunteer and Community Partnership Network works for all Department of Family Services volunteers; sign up for trainings; 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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