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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Join this webinar from 12-1 p.m. to learn about the lived experiences of African American adult daughters caring for a parent with cognitive decline or dementia. Dr. Kalisha Bonds Johnson will highlight key factors that shape an adult daughters’ well-being and confidence in making healthcare decisions—for themselves and their loved ones. Dr. Shanae Rhodes will follow with powerful quotes from African American women caregivers, offering insight into their journeys. The presentation includes practical self-care strategies and core takeaways designed to support African American care partners of all genders. This presentation is hosted by the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging. Register for details. Learn more about dementia resources for family caregivers.

If you want to help parents and their children learn new ways to build healthy family relationships, please apply online with us to support our parenting classes. Our next volunteer co-facilitator training will be Saturday, August 16 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. For more information about this vital role, contact the Parenting Education Programs by email or call 703-324-7720.

Join George Worthington, Dementia Services Director for Virginia's Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), for a presentation on brain health for the caregiver and their loved one. Rapid developments in knowledge about brain health in recent years have helped focus efforts on slowing or preventing cognitive changes through lifestyle interventions. This webinar will focus on what caregivers can do to help maintain their own and their loved one's brain health. He will review the foundations of brain health and talk about several specific risk factors for dementia such as heart health, sleep, stress, and social isolation. Register to learn more. This virtual webinar is hosted by the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging and is scheduled from 12-1 p.m.

Join the Fairfax County Department of Family Services Adult & Aging Division, The Clowder Group and the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services to watch two thought-provoking documentaries, All the Lonely People and Heroes of Adult Protection – Fred’s Neighborhood. Each documentary tells the story of older adults facing challenges such as social isolation and adult abuse. A panel discussion with the filmmakers and state leaders will take place after viewing the films. The screening will be held at the James Lee Community Theatre, 2855 Annandale Rd., Falls Church, VA 22042 and will begin at 9:30 a.m. Register to attend. Learn more about the event.

Do you want to develop your confidence as a parent and build stronger relationships with your child? Join our free weekly Virtual Parenting Classes, starting Tuesday, Sept. 2, from 6-8 p.m. Designed for parents of children aged 5-11 years old, these classes will inspire you with strategies for encouraging positive behaviors, building self-esteem, and creating lasting family memories. To sign up or for more information contact us by email or call 703-324-7720. 

Cultive relaciones sanas con sus hijos. Are you ready to become a more confident and effective parent? Join our free weekly Spanish-language, in-person parenting class starting Sept. 3 at Messiah United Methodist Church in Springfield! This class is designed for parents with children ages 5-11 years old to help you to understand your child’s development, encourage age-appropriate behaviors, learn about discipline and routines that work. The class meets every Wednesday from 5:30-8 p.m. To sign up or for more information contact us by email or call 703-324-7720. 

Parents caring for a child aged 0-4 years old, join us for free weekly parenting classes, starting Wednesday, Sept. 3! These classes will teach you the basics you need to know, from supporting your child’s development to creating healthy routines and boosting your parenting confidence. Classes are offered online every Wednesday, 6-8 p.m. To sign up or for more information contact us by email or call 703-324-7720. 

Parents caring for a child aged 0-4 years old, join us for free weekly parenting classes, offered in Spanish, starting Monday, Sept. 8! Learn practical skills to nurture your child’s development and strengthen your bond as a parent. Topics include understanding child development, building positive routines, infant massage, and fostering self-esteem in both you and your child. Classes are held every Monday, 5:30-8 p.m., ending Dec. 8 at ACCA Child Development Center in Annandale. Sign up today or reach out for questions at BuildingStrongerFamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703-324-7720. Learn more.

Calling all dads! Join our free in-person parenting group sessions beginning Tuesday, Sept. 9. These 12-week sessions are specifically designed to support fathers in Fairfax County or those with children living in the area. Language interpretation services are available to ensure everyone can participate. Don't miss this opportunity to improve your parenting skills and build stronger relationships with your children. For more information, call 703-324-7720, email or visit online.

Registration for the fall 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 Victoria Nevel-Babla.
 

Are you navigating the ups and downs of parenting a teenager? Join us for free in-person parenting classes starting Monday, Sept. 22, 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 Mt. Vernon Presbyterian Church in Alexandria. To sign up or for more information, contact us by email or call 703-324-7720. Learn more.

If you have kids ages 12-18 years old, don't miss out on free virtual parenting classes offered in Spanish. Starting Sept. 29, join us every Monday from 6-8 p.m. through Dec. 15, 2025. You’ll learn valuable strategies for communication, how to recognize your teen’s needs, and ways to help them develop confidence and character. To sign up or for more information, contact us by email or call 703-324-7720. Learn more.

Registration is now open for the fall session of Domestic Violence Tier 1, a 16-hour training on the dynamics of domestic violence, systems responding to domestic violence in Fairfax County, and resources available in our community. For full credit, all 16 hours of this free training must be completed. Questions? Contact Abby Picard.

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CHECK OUT OLDER POSTS!

Alan Cole proudly calls himself a “band geek.” He’s someone who loves playing music, being part of a band, and sharing his passion with other musicians. While he never became a professional musician, Cole has played in bands for most of his life. For more than 50 years, he has been a member of the City of Fairfax Band, a community band composed of musicians of all skill levels dedicated to sharing the excitement and joy of live music with their community. Learn more about Cole’s life and experiences playing with the City of Fairfax Band in the August issue of the Golden Gazette.

Want to be a part of ending teen dating violence in our community? Join the Fairfax County Teen Advocates Program and make your voice heard! Build your knowledge and tools to promote healthy relationships—and have fun along the way! As a Teen Advocate you can: 1) champion a cause you care about; 2) become a leader among your peers; 3) make new friends who are passionate like you; and 4) plan impactful events and activities! Ready to make a difference? Apply by Friday, Sept. 19, 2025.

Community Corner Categories

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Wellness

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newsletter graphicFoster Family News for Current and Potential Fairfax County Foster Parents – August 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 August 2025 newsletter. This month we focus on family reunifications, preventing relief of custody, and Mutual Family Assessments.

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

Check out the August 2025 Golden Gazette, featuring Alan Cole, who has been a member of the City of Fairfax Band for over 50 years. You’ll also learn about home repair programs serving people in need, volunteer opportunities with the nonprofit GrandInvolve, 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 July 2025 issue for fun BeFriend-A-Child Spring events, Body Safety’s impact, a volunteer spotlight, and a way to help foster care graduates.

newsletter graphicVolunteer Voices Newsletter

Catch up with Domestic and Sexual Violence Services’ volunteers in the August 2025 Volunteer Voices. Learn about DSVS’ collaboration with George Mason’s Student Support and Advocacy Center and spend a day with Hospital Accompaniment Program Specialist Kendal Cristaudo. Find out how many hours volunteers contributed to DSVS during fiscal year 2025. Check out our review of PBS Frontline’s Sex Trafficking in America; sign up for trainings; take your brain traveling; see who’s blowing out candles this month; set yourself up for a healthy back-to-school season; 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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