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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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Everything You Need to Know About Adopting from Foster Care
Have you ever considered Fostering to Adopt? If you have room in your heart and home for even just one child, this might be an opportunity for you. Check out this interview with Foster Care and Adoption Specialist Jessica Moser about the value of adoption from foster care and ways the Department of Family Services supports families considering this path.
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Let the Library Come to You
Do you, or someone you know, struggle to visit a library or read library books? The Access Services Library, part of the Fairfax County Public Library system and situated at the Government Center, offers two services for residents of Fairfax County who cannot physically visit the library or cannot read a book due to a disability. Learn more about the Access Services Library and the services they offer in the November issue of the Golden Gazette.
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5 Ways Parents and Caregivers Can Lower Their Stress
Raising children can be one of the most rewarding things you do. However, child-rearing is not without its share of stressors. As you head into the busy holiday season, take a moment to read and reflect on some tips for proactively managing your stress. Make some lifestyle changes that can help you parent through the holidays and any season of life with greater joy. Read more.
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Unscripted: Conversations about Sexual and Domestic Violence–What Do People Who Cause Harm Look Like?
New episode alert! Domestic violence used to be thought of as a private matter between a husband and wife, with the husband being the aggressor and the wife suffering in silence. Despite years of truths being shared about this form of interpersonal violence, this stereotype is still what many people think about relationships that feature violence. On this edition of Unscripted, Andrea Nunes-Gardner, Crisis Response Services team program manager with Domestic and Sexual Violence Services; and Gretchen Soto, licensed professional counselor of Soto Training & Consultation Services, dispel myths about people who commit violence, talk compassion for those who cause harm, and share what accountability really means.
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Body Safety Program Partners with SafeSpot Children’s Advocacy Center
Body Safety program staff is grateful to have created a wonderful partnership with SafeSpot Children’s Advocacy Center in Fairfax County, an organization that works to reduce the trauma experienced by child abuse victims. Learn more.
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See What’s Cookin’ with Our BeFriend A-Child Mentors and Mentees
Volunteer & Partner Services’ BeFriend-A-Child program paired up with Fairfax County 4-H for a cooking adventure the kids will remember for a long time! Check out these valuable and fun life lessons.Learn more.
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Friday, Dec. 1 – Providing Care at the End of Life
Join this session from 2-3 p.m. as the discussion will focus on end-of-life care, which can be overwhelming, and caregivers and loved ones may not be prepared for it. The panel discussion will explore what end-of-life care is, what supports are available for you and your family members, and how to manage emotions and needs during the journey. Register to receive an email with access instructions.
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Tuesday, Dec. 5 – Unpacking Gender: How to Talk to Kids and Teens
In this Unpacking Gender workshop, participants will explore the messages we are taught about gender and how they can affect our relationships with ourselves, loved ones, and community. We will discuss the impact gender roles and stereotypes have on everyone and how this knowledge can help us prevent violence. This workshop, at Herndon Fortnightly Library from 7-8:30 p.m., is aimed at parents, guardians, family members, and other caregivers interested in learning how to talk about gender with children, teens, and young adults in their life. This is the final time this free workshop will be offered this year; registration is required.
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Thursday, Dec. 7 – Virtual Fairfax Kinship Peer Support Group
These free groups are designed for kinship caregivers, raising a child or children for a family member or a friend, to connect with other families for support and encouragement. Virtual support groups are hosted and facilitated by Formed Families Forward, in partnership with Fairfax County Department of Family Services. This group meets from 6:30-8 p.m. Learn more or register online.
Through Friday, Dec. 22. – 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. 22, 2023.
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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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Access Fairfax is a twice monthly newsletter sharing news, resources, and events for people with disabilities in Fairfax County. |
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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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