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 virtual presentation and learn how to become a dementia friend. Turn your new understanding of dementia into practical action that can help someone living in your community. This virtual webinar is hosted by the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging and is scheduled from 12-1:15 p.m. Presented by Allegra Joffe, Supervisor with Fairfax Area Agency on Aging, and Diane Watson, Dementia Friends Champion Volunteer. Register online or call 571-407-6961.

Are you ready to become a more confident and effective parent? Join our free weekly virtual parenting class starting Feb. 11! This class is offered in Spanish for parents with children aged 5-11 years old and will cover topics such as increasing empathy, encouraging appropriate behaviors, building positive self-concept and self-esteem, and having fun as a family. The class meets every Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. Ready to sign-up or have questions? Contact us by email at or call 703-324-7720. Learn more about all our parenting classes.

Are you a parent of a child aged 5-11? This weekly class starting Thursday, Feb. 12 offered by the Parenting Education Programs shows parents how to increase their empathy, discover new ways to encourage appropriate behaviors, build positive self-concept and self-esteem, and learn how to have fun as a family. The class meets every Thursday from 5:30-8 p.m. at Grace Presbyterian Church in Springfield. Ready to sign up or have questions? Contact us by email at or call 703-324-7720. Learn more about all our parenting classes.

Do you have kids who are 12-18 years old? This weekly in-Person parenting class offered in Spanish shows parents how to learn communication strategies, how to recognize each other’s needs, how to understand the developmental stages of adolescence, and ways to build their children’s personal power, self-concept, and self-esteem. Cultivar relaciones sanas con sus hijos. This class meets every Monday from 5:30-8 p.m. at Fairfax Church of Christ. Ready to sign up or have questions? Contact the Parenting Education Programs by email or call 703-324-7720. Learn more about the variety of parenting classes available.

Are you a current or former federal government worker or contractor? Meet employers who value your experience at the Federal Talent Transition Career Fair from 1-4 p.m. on Thursday, February 26. Top employers in the region like CACI, Fairfax and Loudoun County Public Schools, PRISM INC., and more are hiring! Attend workshops to support your job search, and learn about programs specifically designed to support affected federal employees and government contractors. Register now!  

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.

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. Registration for this free event will open soon. Questions? Contact Alexandra Hernandez.

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CHECK OUT OLDER POSTS!

Dating violence is behavior that harms a current or former dating partner. It usually involves a series of abusive behaviors where one partner has more control or dominance over another. Many teens experience some form of intimate partner violence even before graduating from high school. The purpose of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month is to raise public awareness about the impact of dating violence on youth, educate young people about healthy relationships, and encourage the community to get involved to disrupt cycles of violence. Learn more about healthy relationships and how Domestic and Sexual Violence Services observes TDVAM.

“The PAES employee helping us went beyond her call of duty and helped address this situation. Because of her diligence and professionalism, my mother has medical coverage today.” 

February is a time to pause and celebrate PAES! Public Assistance and Employment Services (PAES) employees help individuals and families move from surviving to thriving by connecting thousands of households to essential benefits and services and supporting job seekers in their employment journey to further economic mobility. Read more about how PAES employees go above and beyond and the impact PAES has in the community.   

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newsletter graphicFoster Family News for Current and Potential Fairfax County Foster Parents – February 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 February 2026 newsletter. This month we focus on a new state video series, taxes for foster and adoptive parents, ways to support teens in foster care, and more.

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

Check out the February 2026 Golden Gazette, featuring Linneall Naylor, an author and educator who is passionate about discovering her ancestors and telling their stories. You’ll also learn why using antibiotics when they aren’t needed can be dangerous, get helpful time management tips, 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 January 2026 issue to learn about another successful Adopt-A-Family holiday campaign, the BeFriend-A-Child holiday party, a celebrity coat drive, and ways to get involved and support your community.

newsletter graphicVolunteer Voices Newsletter

Meet Sophie Truax, Hotline volunteer, learn how to set healthy digital boundaries, check out our review of Viola Davis’ Finding Me, sign up for trainings, and more in the February 2026 Volunteer Voices.

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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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