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 Domestic and Sexual Violence Services during Human Trafficking Awareness Month for an eye-opening training on the impact of exploitation and violence in our communities. In this presentation and multidisciplinary panel, we will delve into: the reality of human trafficking in Fairfax County and beyond; connections between human trafficking and other forms of violence; and how you can recognize the signs, support survivors, and refer to local resources. This 90-minute training (1-3:30 p.m. at Congregation Olam Tikvah, 3800 Glenbrook Road, Fairfax) is free, but registration is required.

Questions? Contact Human Trafficking and Sexual Violence Coordinator Victoria Nevel-Babla.

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:

  • Champion a cause you care about.
  • Become a leader among your peers.
  • Make new friends who are passionate like you.
  • Plan impactful events and activities!

Ready to make a difference? Apply by Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.

Do you have children between 0-4 years old? This FREE in-person parenting class helps parents of young children understand child development, create nurturing parenting routines, master infant massage, and develop self-esteem in themselves and their children. This class meets every Tuesday in Alexandria from 5:30-8 p.m. Ready to sign up or have questions? Contact us by email or call 703-324-7720. Learn more about all our parenting classes. 

Our free African American Culturally Focused Parenting Classes help parents and caregivers to share, learn, and find support with raising African American children. Families have a safe space to grow in their parenting skills, explore resources and share wisdom with one another. Open to Fairfax County parents or guardians, this class will be held virtually through Zoom Tuesdays from 6-8 p.m. Sign up by sending an email to BuildingStrongerFamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-324-7720. Learn more about all our parenting classes.

SV Tier One is a 16-hour training on understanding sexual violence, systems responding to sexual violence in Fairfax County, and resources available in our community. Starts Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (in-person, Immanuel Presbyterian McLean, 1125 Savile Ln, McLean, VA 22101) and continues Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Feb. 3, 4, 10, and 11 from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. virtually. This training is free but registration is required. Questions? Contact Victoria Nevel-Babla.

Do you have kids who are 12-18 years old? This weekly parenting class shows parents how to learn nurturing communication strategies, how to recognize their children’s needs, how to understand the developmental stages of adolescence, and ways to build their children’s personal power, self-concept and self-esteem. Classes will be held from 6-8 p.m. virtually. Ready to sign-up or have questions? Contact us by email or call 703-324-7720. Learn more about all our parenting classes.

Join the Fairfax County Teen Advocates as they host gameshow event to raise awareness about teen dating violence on Thursday, February 5, from 6-8 p.m. at the James Lee Community Center (2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church). This event, which will feature team-based competitions, cool prizes, and more, is free and open to Fairfax County teenagers and their families. Questions? Contact Debra Miller.

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CHECK OUT OLDER POSTS!

“Every human being should be treated with dignity regardless of any consideration related to their race, gender, religious beliefs, age, political affiliation, or sex and sexual orientation. This mindset has always prompted me to assist any member of my community who needs my support,” says Hotline volunteer Kadidia Zabsonre Ouedraogo. “Being a volunteer makes me a full part of the community or represents a way to give back to the community.” Learn more about Kadidia’s volunteer journey.

For kids, having easy access to online tech in their pockets, backpack or bedroom invites them to spend time on their devices day and night. Parents may be concerned, but have you thought about how much your own screen use shapes your kids’ online habits. The solution — check out some tips for a better family-wide approach to setting tech boundaries.

Opportunities
Services
Stories
Tips
Wellness

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newsletter graphicFoster Family News for Current and Potential Fairfax County Foster Parents – January 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 January 2026 newsletter. This month we focus on a new day in the life video, a holiday celebration, trainings, and more.

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

Check out the January 2026 Golden Gazette, featuring Marcy Stennes, whose genuine care for others has led her to volunteer extensively in her community. You’ll also learn about simple food swaps to boost nutrition, Fairfax County Consumer Protection Commission’s new Pause. Question. Protect. initiative, 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

What’s the Domestic and Sexual Violence Services volunteer corps doing this month? Find out in the January 2026 Volunteer Voices, where you’ll learn how and why we observe Human Trafficking Awareness and Stalking Awareness months, meet Hotline volunteer Kadidia Zabsonre Ouedraogo, explore the difference between emotional and physical safety planning, wrap up our Netflix Adolescence series review, test your brain, register for upcoming 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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