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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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PLEASE NOTE: The county has been experiencing issues with the website so if the links don't work immediately, please try again later.
08-30-2023
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Healthy Families Fairfax Brain Building Tips: Exploring Patterns (Familias Saludables’ Consejos e Ideas para el Desarrollo del Cerebro: Explorando patrones
Check out this simple activity that parents can do with their 0–3-month-old newborns to help them develop eye and brain connections and build bonds with others. This activity uses common household items to introduce stimulating patterns to the baby and encourage language development.
Mire a esta sencilla actividad que pueden hacer con su recién nacido de 0 a 3 meses de edad para ayudarlos a desarrollar conexiones oculares y cerebrales y construir vínculos con los demás. Esta actividad utiliza artículos domésticos comunes para introducir patrones que estimulan a su bebé y fomentan el desarrollo del lenguaje.
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Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community Impacted by Interpersonal Violence
Members of the LGBTQ+ community often face more severe violence. In addition, violence in their intimate partner relationships can present in a different way than violence in heterosexual ones. Find out the reasons behind this and how to support members of the community on this episode of Domestic and Sexual Violence Services’ podcast, Unscripted: Conversations about Sexual and Domestic Violence. |
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DFS Spotlight on Allison Clifford: A Resource for Residents and Staff in Adult Protective Services
Investigating reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of older adults, adults with disabilities, and adults “at risk” is an important function of Adult Protective Services (APS). It takes a team of professional and caring team members to work with the vulnerable and get them the resources and help they need to be safe. Get to know Allison Clifford, assistant program manager in APS. Allison joined the Department of Family Services (DFS) in 2017 after working in nursing homes, home health, hospice, and adult protective services with a local government agency. Learn more about Allison and why she enjoys working in DFS.
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Help Families Prepare for the Holiday Season
To support families throughout the holidays, Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Advocacy Services seeks gift card donations (in $25 dollar increments) for Target, Walmart, Giant, Safeway, and similar big-box and grocery stores. Gift cards can be dropped off or mailed to Cecilia Herrera at the Domestic Violence Action Center, 4000 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 2702, Fairfax, VA, 22030. To ensure families have enough time to do their holiday shopping, gift cards will be collected until Friday, Dec. 1, 2023.
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The Unexpected Rewards of Foster Parenting
“No matter how much we have put into foster parenting, no matter how hard the days or how long the nights, no matter how emotionally draining it can be to see the things a child and family go through when they need to be in the foster care system – we never give into foster care as much as we receive back. The rewards of being a foster parent far outweigh any sacrifice we have made.” Check out what else this family has to say about The Unexpected Rewards of Foster Parenting.
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¡Haga Que Su Voz Cuente!
Únase al Programa de defensores de adolescentes del condado de Fairfax. Un programa del condado de Fairfax donde los adolescentes desarrollan habilidades de liderazgo para prevenir la violencia en el noviazgo en sus comunidades. Haga clic aquí o escanee el código QR de la aplicación. Comuníquese con Debra Miller debra.miller@fairfaxcounty.gov si tiene alguna pregunta.
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Back to School with Body Safety
Our Body Safety program staff, along with the Children, Youth, and Families’ facility dog, Rylynn, recently participated in a Resource Fair & Back to School Block Party at Coates Elementary in Herndon. Staff shared information about resources and supports CYF provides for families in our community. Learn more about the Body Safety education program which offers free classes to any Pre-K through sixth grade students living in Fairfax County. Using the Childhelp® Speak Up Be Safe curriculum, trained facilitators help children build safety skills, preparing them to identify risks such as, child abuse, bullying, and internet predators. Interested in volunteering? Learn more.
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Books about Gender to Add to Your To-Be-Read Pile
What’s in our to-be-read pile as students settle back in school (and as we prepare for the next Unpacking Gender workshop at Chantilly Regional Library on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023)? Check out these five books for students, parents, and anybody passionate about the way we see and discuss gender.
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New Dementia Caregiver Series Starting in September
Adult and Aging is pleased to announce a new Dementia Caregiver Series beginning in September. The free webinars are for family caregivers who are caring for a loved one living with dementia. The sessions will provide a wide range of opportunities for caregivers to learn about helpful resources and programs as well as hear from others caring for loved ones with dementia. Check out the upcoming webinars and register today. Learn about additional resources for family caregivers.
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Wednesdays, Sept. 6-Dec. 20, 2023 – Free In-Person Parenting Classes (Parenting Children Ages 5-11, in Spanish)
Messiah United Methodist Church
6215 Rolling Road, Springfield, VA 22152
Do you or someone you know have children who are between 5-11 years old? Share the information about this free weekly class offered by our Parenting Education Programs in Spanish. It 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. Ready to sign-up or have questions. Contact us by email or call 703-324-7720. Check out our online parenting tips and resources including upcoming classes.
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Wednesdays, Sep. 6 - Dec. 6, 2023 – Free Virtual Dads Parenting Group
Dads, sign up for our upcoming virtual Dads Parenting Group to improve parenting skills and build better relationships! 90% of dads who completed Dads Parenting Groups increased or maintained positive involvement with their children. This virtual 13-week course takes place from 6-8:30 p.m. starting Wed. Sept. 6. Fairfax County residents, or dads with children living in Fairfax are welcome to sign up. Contact Bennie Herron at 703-324-7308 to learn more or register online.
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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 career and volunteer 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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