|
DEPARTMENT of FAMILY SERVICES |
|
 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.
|
|
Show Some Love Toward PAES Workers This Valentine’s Day
About one in five people in Fairfax County receive some form of assistance, including help paying for food and medical care or help finding a job. The Public Assistance and Employment Services (PAES) workers in the Department of Family Services process thousands of applications each year so our residents can “live their success stories and thrive.” February is PAES Appreciation Month, a time to thank and celebrate the hardworking and dedicated people serving the residents of Fairfax County. Learn more about Public Assistance and Employment Services online. Interested in a rewarding career? Meet Sergio DeLeon, who has been working for DFS since 2015, and join our DFS team!
|
The Link Between Black History Month and Intimate Partner Violence
Members of Black communities are disproportionately impacted by sexual and domestic violence. This is related to systemic violence and oppression of racism and power dynamics, which date back to enslavement of African people in the United States. Learn more about the intersection of interpersonal violence and Black History Month.
|
Who Will Care for Your Pet When You’re Gone?
For many of us, our pets are family, providing companionship, affection, and a sense of purpose. As much as we dote on our animal companions, many of us have not given serious thought to what will happen to them if we became incapacitated or die suddenly, and fewer have made arrangements to ensure that they will be cared for after we’re gone. Read more in the February issue of the Golden Gazette.
|
Meet Tarun Ramesh, Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Administrative Volunteer
“[DSVS] is a wonderful place to volunteer, as you can give back to the community,” says Tarun Ramesh, administrative volunteer with Domestic and Sexual Violence Services. “Also, the DSVS team is wonderful to work with, as they help you learn and grow.” Learn more about Tarun’s volunteer journey. |
|
 |
Foster Family in Focus: Meet the Perez Family
Meet Fairfax County foster parents, Christina and Anthony Perez. This couple was motivated to get their foster care license more than 10 years ago, when they offered to take in a friend’s child in an informal kinship care arrangement. Helping that family to overcome difficult circumstances and be reunified, set them on a course to foster and adopt children of all ages. Check out their story.
|
The ABCs of Online Dating Abuse
Online (or digital) dating abuse--when a partner uses technology, such as a smartphone, social media, a tracking app, or another form of technology, to threaten, harass, and intimidate the person they're dating—is becoming more common. In fact, abuse prevention advocates report a significant uptick in the number of people, particularly teenage girls, who describe digital dating abuse in their relationships. Learn what digital abuse looks like and how to stay safe.
|
Volunteer with the Body Safety Program
Our Body Safety Program needs volunteers to help teach elementary students the tools they need to prevent or interrupt child abuse and exploitation. If you are available during the day, feel comfortable in a classroom, and want to empower children, this opportunity is for you! Volunteers must be at least 21 years old, have your own transportation, and commit to teach 4-6 classes per month. Our next training is Friday, August 16, but get started with onboarding and observations now! Bilingual (Spanish/English) volunteers are encouraged to apply. To learn more, please call 703-324-7459, or email our program.
|
Call Our Parent Support Line
Our Parent Support Line is a great resource for parents and caregivers of children. Get help from our staff with parenting advice, support, and tips to navigate emotional and relational parenting issues. Contact the Parent Support Line 703-324-7720 or by email Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Learn more about how we provide support to parents.
Estamos aquí para apoyarle. Podemos ayudar a responder sus preguntas como padres. Llámenos a nuestra línea de apoyo para padres 703-324-7720 o email. Nuestro equipo de apoyo por línea telefónica está disponible de Lunes a Viernes de 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
|
Subscribe to Receive Career Information for Jobseekers
Our weekly DFS Career Resources e-newsletter includes links to upcoming webinars about writing a resume, successful interviewing, and more. You will also find information about job fairs and job leads. To learn more and subscribe, visit us online (scroll down to the bottom of the page).
|
|
|
Mondays, Feb. 19-May 20, 2024 – Free Virtual Parenting Classes in Spanish (Parenting Children Ages 5-11)
Are you ready to become a more confident and effective parent? Join our free multi-week in-person parenting class starting Feb. 19 at James Lee Community Center! 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 Monday from 5:30-8 p.m. Ready to sign-up or have questions? Contact us by email at or call 703-324-7720. Learn more about the variety of parenting classes available.
|
|
Wednesday, Feb. 21 – Current Popular Scams - Tips for How to Protect Your Loved Ones
Attend this virtual presentation by Melissa Smarr, Branch Chief and Code Specialist III, Fairfax County and a member of the Silver Shield Anti-Scam Task Force. She will provide an overview of current popular scams that target older adults and their loved ones, and people with disabilities. Every day there are victims who are being financially and emotionally exploited by scammers. Learn how to protect, identify, and report these crimes to better protect yourself and your loved ones This virtual presentation will be held from 12-1 p.m. Register to receive access instructions.
Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, & Wednesdays and Thursdays, Feb. 28-Mar. 7, 2024 – Sexual Violence Tier 1
Sexual Violence Tier 1 is a 16-hour training on understanding sexual violence across the lifespan, systems responding to sexual violence in Fairfax County, and resources available in our community. Participants will learn how and why sexual violence happens; the short- and long-term impacts of sexual violence on individuals, families, and communities; and how to support people impacted by sexual violence. This training is free but registration is required. For full credit, all 16 hours must be completed. SV Tier 1 is both in-person (Saturday, Feb. 24, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Fairfax County Health Department) and virtual (Wednesdays and Thursdays, Feb. 28-Mar. 7, 6-8 p.m.).
|
|
Thursdays, Mar. 7-June 20, 2024 – Free Virtual Parenting Classes (Parenting Children Ages 5-11)
Are you ready to become a more confident and effective parent? Join our free multi-week virtual parenting class starting Thursday, Mar. 7, 2024! 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 weekly from 6-8 p.m. Check out all upcoming classes, email the Parenting Education Programs or call 703-324-7720 for more information. Don't miss out on this opportunity to improve your parenting skills and strengthen your family!
|
|
 Access Fairfax is a twice monthly newsletter sharing news, resources, and events for people with disabilities in Fairfax County.
|
 Our weekly Career Resources Newsletter includes information on job leads, upcoming webinars and employment events.
|
|
 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.
|
|
 The quarterly newsletter The Update covers helpful information and topics for persons receiving long-term care services and their caregivers.
|
|
 Our Volunteer Post Newsletter provides a glimpse into the many ways to get involved in making a difference and supporting families in our community.
|
|
 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.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
