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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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The Pennino Building is Temporarily Closed
The Pennino Building, 12011 Government Center Parkway in Fairfax, is temporarily closed due to damage caused by a water leak. The building will be closed for at least a week while remediation and repairs are completed. Walk-in services are unavailable at this time.
Visit one of our other Human Services Centers in Alexandria, Annandale, or Reston or contact Department of Family Services Monday-Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. at 703-324-7500.
For most services, you don’t need to visit a building. You can Skip the Trip! For your convenience, many services can be provided by phone or online.
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Learn and Connect with Professionals This Summer!
The John Hudson Internship Program, managed by Fairfax County Disability Rights and Resources, is open to post-secondary students who self-identify as an individual with a disability. The internship provides participants with on-the-job experience, professional development, and training opportunities. Paid, full-time summer internships, hosted by Land Development Services-IT and Alcohol Safety Action Program, begin in early June and go through August. Applications for the summer 2026 program are due by Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Learn more and apply.
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Tax Deductions for Foster and Adoptive Parents
There have been some significant changes to the tax law impacting foster and adoptive parents. We’re not tax experts, but we’ve compiled some highlights about the 2025 Adoption Tax Credit and dependent and qualifying child rules. Check out the article.
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Surviving to Thriving: Ways to Help Your Community
The high cost of goods and services and tight job market are challenging many of us and making it hard to get ahead. If you’re looking for a way to make a difference, you can volunteer or donate with DFS, or bring us right to your community! Public Assistance and Employment Services (PAES) staff will come to your school, community center, or other events in the community to share information about financial and medical assistance and employment services. There are resources that can help adults and families move from surviving to thriving. Learn more and submit a request.
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Is Your Teen in a Violent Relationship?
How do you know a teen in your life might be experiencing dating violence? Learn the signs. February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Get more information on how Fairfax County’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Services division is observing the month and raising awareness.
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Why “Just in Case” Antibiotics Can Do More Harm Than Good
Antibiotics are one of the greatest medical discoveries of our time. They have saved millions of lives and prevented countless complications. But like all medications, antibiotics come with risks. So when people ask, “What’s the harm in taking an antibiotic just to be safe?” The answer is sometimes: quite a lot. Learn more about the dangers of taking unnecessary antibiotics in the February issue of the Golden Gazette.
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Federal Talent Explore New Futures in Local Government
Did you know Virginia is home to more than 300 local governments that collectively employ upwards of 170,000 people and have over 1,000 open positions? On February 3, more than 60 federal employees and contractors joined the first webinar in the new series "Redefine Your Path: From Federal Expertise to Local Impact." Hosted by DFS Workforce Development and the Virginia Local Government Management Association (VLGMA), in partnership with Virginia Tech, the first session spotlighted in local government needs in accounting, finance, contracting, and procurement and practical steps for job seekers affected by federal workforce changes. Get more insights and career tips shared by the panelists.
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Parenting can be tough! It’s okay to ask for help.
We offer a Parent Support Line where you can talk with trained parenting specialists for guidance on a wide range of topics including child development, reducing your stress, strengthening the parent-child bond, and accessing community resources. Parents, caregivers, or anyone who works with children can call 703-324-7720, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. with questions or concerns. Language support is available.
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Meet Sophie Truax, Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Hotline Volunteer
“The best part of volunteering is being able to connect with people during training. During the Sexual Violence Tier One training, I was able to meet a group of Inova FACT forensic nurses. In getting to know them, I learned a lot about what they do and the services they provide,” says Hotline volunteer Sophie Truax. “A couple of weeks after that, the first Hotline call I took was from a nurse from the FACT Department and made me feel a little more comfortable and familiar with the information I needed to get from them.” Learn more about Sophie’s volunteer journey.
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Thursdays Starting Feb. 12 – Free Parenting Classes for Ages 5-11 years
Are you a parent of a child aged 5-11? This weekly class starting Thursday, Feb. 12 offered by the Parenting Education Programs 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. The class meets every Thursday from 5:30-8 p.m. at Grace Presbyterian Church in Springfield. Ready to sign up or have questions? Contact us by email at or call 703-324-7720. Learn more about all our parenting classes.
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Mondays Starting Feb. 23 – Free Parenting Classes in Spanish for ages 12-18 years
Do you have kids who are 12-18 years old? This weekly in-person parenting class offered in Spanish shows parents how to learn communication strategies, how to recognize each other’s needs, how to understand the developmental stages of adolescence, and ways to build their children’s personal power, self-concept, and self-esteem. Cultivar relaciones sanas con sus hijos. This class meets every Monday from 5:30-8 p.m. at Fairfax Church of Christ. 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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Thursday, Feb. 26 – Future Forward: Federal Talent Transition Career Fair
Are you a current or former federal government worker or contractor? Meet employers who value your experience at the Federal Talent Transition Career Fair from 1-4 p.m. on Thursday, February 26. Top employers in the region like CACI, Fairfax and Loudoun County Public Schools, PRISM INC., and more are hiring! Attend workshops to support your job search, and learn about programs specifically designed to support affected federal employees and government contractors. Register now!
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Like this newsletter? We have more! Subscribe to get updates and tips specifically for caregivers, jobseekers, foster parents, volunteers, older adults, people with disabilities, and people living in assisted living or other long-term care facilities. You can also listen to our podcast, watch videos, follow us on Facebook, email us, or call us. Learn more and sign up today! |
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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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