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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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DFS Director Michael A. Becketts Receives Excellence Award
The American Public Human Services Association (APHSA) has announced that Michael A. Becketts, Director of the Department of Family Services for Fairfax County, Virginia, is this year’s recipient of the APHSA Excellence Award for Outstanding Local Member. The award was presented during the 2024 APHSA National Human Services Summit, in recognition of Dr. Becketts’ leadership and impactful work across human services. Read more about his commitment to the well-being of families and communities across the county.
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Caregiving and Its Impact on Men’s Health
June is Men’s Health Month, an annual recognition created to increase awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. While it is important to guard against disease, circumstances in your life can also significantly impact your health and well-being, so it is important to be aware of resources available to help. Learn about the impacts of caregiving and resources available to help in the June issue of the Golden Gazette.
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Lower Your Costs While Temperatures Rise
Warmer summer months can lead to higher energy costs for cooling your home. Dominion Energy offers the Energy Assistance program year-round to help lower electric bills and keep costs predictable. Fairfax households can also apply to the Cooling Assistance program. To be eligible, at least one household member must be: 60 or older, 5 or younger, or disabled according to Social Security, Medicaid or 100% Veteran’s Administration.
Applications for Cooling Assistance are open now through August 15. Learn more and apply today!
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June is Reunification Month
When children are separated from their families, the first goal is to reunify them when it is safe enough to do so. To support the reunification process, Fairfax County has implemented our Safe and Connected Practice Model to normalize trauma-informed, family-centered approaches that build on family strengths and actively engage parents, youth, and relatives as experts on their own lives. Each year during June, we observe Reunification Month. You can support reunification by starting your journey to becoming a foster parent on our website or send us an email with questions.
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Unscripted: Conversations about Sexual and Domestic Violence – Alcohol and Domestic Violence
New Unscripted episode alert: Popular belief suggests alcohol is a cause of domestic violence; if someone has been drinking and abuses a romantic partner, the booze made them do it. The truth is you cannot blame it on the alcohol. Being inebriated is never the sole trigger for or justification of intimate partner violence. While alcohol can be a compounding factor--affecting a person’s judgment--a partner’s actions while under the influence are still a reflection of that partner’s personality. If they are violent when drunk, it’s likely only a matter of time until they’re abusive while sober, too. On this episode of Unscripted, host Kendra Lee talks with Jennifer Perkins, ADAPT supervisor in Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, and Audrey Arnold, behavioral health specialist with the Community Services Board and a long-time volunteer with DSVS’ ADAPT program, about alcohol and domestic violence.
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Mentoring Fathers to Be the Best Dads They Can Be
Male mentorship programs like our Dads Parenting Groups help dads grow as parents, and we rely on committed fathers and father figures to volunteer as co-facilitators. Learn more about a partnership with the Alpha Phi Alpha Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity that aims to help dads understand their importance in the family and become actively involved in their children’s lives.
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Emotional Abuse Is Domestic Violence
Nearly 18 percent of women report being kept from seeing family or friends by an intimate partner. This is emotional abuse, which includes: Controlling what a partner can or cannot do, making a partner feel embarrassed or humiliated, isolating a partner from family and friends, accusing a partner of cheating, dictating how a partner dresses or wears their hair, and telling a partner they never do anything right. Understand other forms of domestic violence. |
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Career Resources – Available Virtual and In-Person
Is one of your summer goals leveling up in your career? Whether you are looking to land your first job, secure a promotion, or find a new career that aligns with your interests, visit one of Fairfax County’s Workforce Centers to get a jumpstart on fulfilling your career goals. Learn more about how our Workforce Development Specialists can help!
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On Demand – Free Virtual Body Safety Program Classes
The Body Safety Program is now offering free virtual 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. If you’re interested in learning more about or scheduling a virtual class(es), please call 703-324-7459 or email DFSBodySafety@fairfaxcounty.gov. Learn more about this program.
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Saturday, Jun. 22 – Annual NOVA Fathers Matter Cookout
All dads, their families and professionals are invited to join us from 11:30 a.m.– 2 p.m. in Burke Lake Park to help us celebrate fathers! Families will get to spend time with each other and enjoy nature hikes, a tot lot, frisbee toss, arts and crafts, and giveaways. Enjoy a cookout with hot dogs, hamburgers, assorted treats, and beverages. Non-Fairfax County residents: Show the event flyer at the front gate for free admission. Learn more.
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Wednesday, Jun. 26 – Financial Steps and Resources for Family Caregivers
Caregiving today often involves addressing daily financial tasks and taking on complicated decision-making responsibilities. Caregivers need to have financial and money management strategies to ensure the best decisions are made and reduce stress to protect both the care recipient and the caregivers’ own financial future. Yet, there is often a lack of financial knowledge with no advanced financial planning for circumstances requiring immediate action. This session will explore financial responsibilities and decisions frequently required across the caregiving lifecycle and educate attendees about information and tools available to help caregivers plan ahead. This virtual session will run from 12-1 p.m. Register to receive an email with access instructions. Learn more about family caregiver support programs.
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Wednesday, Jun. 26-Sep. 18 – African American Culturally Focused Parenting Class (Parenting Children ages 5-18)
This parenting class allows parents and caregivers to share, learn, and find support with raising African American children. Families have a safe space to grow in their parenting skills, explore resources and share wisdom with one another. Open to Fairfax County parents or guardians. This class meets every Wednesday from 5:30-8 p.m. from June 26-Sept. 18. Ready to sign up or have questions? Contact the Parenting Education Programs by email or call 703-324-7720. Learn more about the variety of parenting classes available.
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Wednesday & Thursday, Jun. 26 & 27 – Sexual Violence Tier 1
Sexual Violence Tier One is a 16-hour training on understanding sexual violence, systems responding to sexual violence in Fairfax County, and resources available in our community. This training is for professionals, volunteers, and community members looking to learn how and why sexual violence happens; the impact of sexual violence on individuals, families, and communities; and how to support those impacted. It is free, but registration is required. For more information, contact Abby Picard.
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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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 Our weekly Career Resources Newsletter includes information on job leads, upcoming webinars and employment events.
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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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 The quarterly newsletter The Update covers helpful information and topics for persons receiving long-term care services and their caregivers.
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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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