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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Registration for the spring 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 is now open. For full credit, all 16 hours must be completed. Questions? Contact Abby Picard.

Exploring the Dimensions of Aging lets users engage in a unique virtual experience to gain greater perspective and insight into working with older adults.

In this webinar, on Tuesday, March 10 from 12:00-1:15 p.m., participates embody Dima as she begins experiencing visual disturbances and changes in motor functions due to the progression of her Lewy Body Dementia, and how she and her family navigate coping with her symptoms.  Learn about the early signs and progression of Lewy Body Dementia and important considerations for promoting independence, preserving dignity, and offering culturally competent care. Register here.

Join us online Tuesday, Mar. 10, 6:30 to 8 p.m. to explore how your family’s core beliefs can guide positive, consistent discipline and help your child develop self-control, empathy, and respect. We’ll discuss how discipline can be less about punishment and more about teaching, connection and shaping character. Any Fairfax County parents or guardians with children ages 0-18 years old can register online at https://bit.ly/DFS-Parent-Cafe-2026.  For more information, email or call 703-324-7720.

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, March 10, at 6:45 p.m. Complete this short interest form for prospective parents. For more information check out our website.

Calling all dads! Join our free in-person parenting group sessions beginning Wednesday, Mar. 11. 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 or to register, call 703-324-7720, email or visit https://bit.ly/DFS-FE.

Exploring the Dimensions of Aging lets users engage in a unique virtual experience to gain greater perspective and insight into working with older adults. In this webinar, on Wednesday, March 18 from 10-11:15 a.m., participates embody Clay as he and his family cope with his terminal illness and move into hospice care, learning how clear and caring communication can help with end-of-life choices and understanding what to expect in his final days. Register here.

In this webinar, hosted by the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging, Carmen Clifford, Principal Training and Outreach Coordinator for the Virginia State Corporation Commission's Division of Retail Securities and Franchising (Division), will present information on investment fraud for family caregivers of older adults and people with disabilities. This webinar will provide an introduction to the Division and securities regulation in Virginia, tips for conducting research before investing, and an overview of the red flags of investment fraud. Register online or call 571-407-6961.

Mark your calendar for the Fairfax County Commission for Women’s annual Women’s History Month Breakfast on Friday, Mar. 27, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. This event is free, but registration is required. Questions? Contact Alexandra Hernandez.

Post-secondary students who self-identify as an individual with a disability are encouraged to apply for the John Hudson Internship Program, managed by Fairfax County Disability Rights and Resources. The internship program provides participants with on-the-job experience, professional development, and training opportunities. Paid, full-time summer internships, hosted by Land Development Services-IT and Alcohol Safety Action Program, begin in early June and go through August. Applications for the summer 2026 program are due by Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Learn more and apply.

Most victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, and child abuse do not report the crime. Many never tell anyone. It’s time to end the cycle of silence. Join Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2026, for #StartbyBelieving Day. For more information about how you can start by believing, contact Victoria Nevel-Babla.

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CHECK OUT OLDER POSTS!

Did you or your family make less than $69,000 in 2025? The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free help preparing your tax return and maximizing refunds and tax credits. Highlighted as one of the county's top accomplishments, VITA volunteers helped individuals and families receive $2,867,125 in combined refunds and $1,117,942 in Earned Income Tax Credits in 2025. Visit one of the four VITA locations in Fairfax County before April 15 to work with our VITA volunteers on your tax return. Plan your visit by knowing what documents to bring and viewing the full site schedule. 

Low vision is a condition that makes it hard to see and can affect your daily life in big ways. It is caused by different eye conditions and often has few treatments. Low vision is more common in older adults, so it’s important to know what causes it and how to prevent it. Learn more about low vision and its causes and treatments in the February issue of the Golden Gazette.

 

 

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Wellness

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newsletter graphicFoster Family News for Current and Potential Fairfax County Foster Parents – March 2026

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 March 2026 newsletter. This month we focus on summer camps, nurturing cooperation and confidence, and more.

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

Check out the March 2026 Golden Gazette, featuring Edwyna Wingo, who served her community for decades as a public health nurse. You’ll also learn about the limitations of assisted living, foods that may prevent colon cancer, 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 2026 issue to learn about our Volunteer & Partner Appreciation Event, the MLK Jr. Day of Service, and volunteers making an impact.

newsletter graphicVolunteer Voices Newsletter

The March 2026 issue of Volunteer Voices is packed with great content. Learn about Shelter House’s Pet Volunteer Foster program, meet Hotline volunteer Nikitha Yemisetty, check out our review of the Netflix documentary on Sean “Diddy” Combs, and help us observe Women’s History Month with this witty nod to women-centered friendships from Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda. Also get the scoop on 2026 self-care trends, register for free 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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