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DEPARTMENT of FAMILY SERVICES |
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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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Body Safety Program Welcomes Caring Volunteers – Meet Karthika Siva
Our Body Safety volunteer, Karthika, was born in Sri Lanka, raised in New Jersey, and came into adulthood right here in Fairfax County. Time away from full-time work has afforded her the wonderful opportunity to volunteer for several causes benefiting the health and wellbeing of families and children. As a volunteer with the Body Safety program, Karthika gets to engage with our youngest students to educate and most importantly, empower them to be advocates for themselves and their peers. She finds it an immensely rewarding experience and each time she volunteers, she is awed by the intelligence, curiosity, empathy, and humor exhibited by these amazing children. She strives to make a difference in their lives and appreciates the difference they have made in her life. If you have a heart for children, and a willingness to facilitate our classes, we’ll train you. Learn more about our volunteers and this opportunity to make a difference in your community
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Recognizing the Signs of Elder Abuse and How to Report It
Elder abuse, the mistreatment or harming of an older person, may take the form of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. Neglect and financial exploitation are also forms of elder abuse. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, at least 15 percent of older adults in the U.S. experience elder abuse each year. Elder abuse has been directly linked to poor health outcomes in older adults. Learn to recognize the signs of elder abuse and how to report it in the May issue of the Golden Gazette.
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Welcoming New Foster Parents Certified in FY 2023
Join us in celebrating the foster parents who completed the training and certification process between May 2022 and May 2023. Becoming a foster parent is a rewarding journey like no other, and During Foster Care Month we applaud the success of certifying 32 new resource families in the last year. Check it out. Learn more about becoming a foster parent online or email us for more information.
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Fairfax County Foster Statistics Updated May 2023
As we are closing out Foster Care Month, we encourage you to stay engaged with us. Check out our updated infographic with statistics about foster care in Fairfax County. To learn more about the children entering foster care in Fairfax County, their foster care placements, and their outcomes, check out this data. If you or someone you know are considering becoming a foster parent, check out our monthly Foster Family Newsletter.
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Secondary Survivors Need Support, Too
Sexual assault can be traumatizing for survivors of assault, as well as their family, friends, or partners. Because you care about the survivor of this crime, your responses and feelings about the assault are real and valid. If you or a sexual assault survivor are seeking help, or need someone to listen, learn more about your response and where to go for support or call the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline at 703-360-7273.
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Domestic Violence Resources: The Basics
If you have fled an abusive relationship and are worried about food, employment, or shelter and housing, Domestic and Sexual Violence and their partners have resources to help. Learn more about this support or call our Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline 703-360-7273.
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This workshop is geared for the whole family who have a loved one living with memory loss. Join Cate McCarty, owner and executive director of Dr. Cate Dementia Coach, LLC, as she guides you through hands-on craft projects that all ages and abilities can enjoy together. The workshop will be from 12-1 p.m. on June 2. A supply list will be provided prior to the workshop and will be items you can find at home. Register here.
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Do you have kids who are 12-18 years old? This 12-week 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 offered by the Parenting Education Programs from 5:30-8 p.m. at Grace Presbyterian Church, 7434 Bath Street, Springfield, VA 22150. Ready to sign-up or have questions? Contact the Parenting Education Programs by email at or call 703-324-7720. Learn more about the variety of parenting classes available.
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Learn how to use the right and left brain to improve your sense of well-being during this interactive intergenerational workshop for the family on June 9 from 12-1 p.m. Patricia Dubroff, creative aging specialist, will lead a left brain/right brain warm up and demonstrate a simple, hands-on project to create individualized note cards. Register here.
Learn more about programs and services for family caregivers.
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Are you ready to become a more confident and effective parent? Join our free 16-week virtual parenting class starting June 14! This class is designed 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. Contact the Parenting Education Programs at ParentingEducation@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-324-7720 to sign up or learn more about our variety of parenting classes available. Don't miss out on this opportunity to improve your parenting skills and strengthen your family!
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 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.
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 Our Volunteer Post Newsletter provides a glimpse into the many ways to get involved in making a difference and supporting families in our community.
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 Please follow us on Facebook at Fairfax County Department of Family Services for news, events, tips, stories and training opportunities. We support families and county residents of all ages and stages of life. Join our community and engage with us through social media!
Join Us! Learn about job opportunities in the Department of Family Services.
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The Department of Family Services (DFS) envisions a community where everyone lives their success story and thrives. DFS strengthens the well-being of our diverse community by protecting and improving the lives of all children, adults, and families through assistance, partnership, advocacy, outreach, and quality services.
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