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

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month – The Trauma of Child Abuse and Neglect is Preventable

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

 

Fortunately, the trauma of child abuse and neglect is preventable. The root of child abuse and neglect is often related to lack of role models, limited parenting knowledge, family stressors, and the absence of reliable support systems. In FY24, as a result of effective strategies and services within the Children, Youth, and Families Division, there have been successful efforts to address these factors and help prevent child abuse and neglect before it occurs:

  • 59% of parents who completed a class with the Parenting Education Programs demonstrated improved parenting and child-rearing attitudes.
  • 100% of families served by Protection & Preservation Services were able to safely maintain their children in the home.
  • Volunteer and Partner Services coordinated 124 volunteers who dedicated 5,320 hours of their time, providing an economic impact of over $173,000, while community members donated $480,061 to DFS programs 
  • 15,104 children were impacted in the community through mentoring and Body Safety classes.

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Fairfax Virtual Assistant