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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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Recent and Upcoming Changes to Benefits
Several changes to SNAP eligibility and requirements went into effect at the end of 2025 and there are changes coming soon to Medicaid. Changes to SNAP include requiring proof of common expenses for them to count towards an income deduction, expanding the populations who must meet the work requirement, and more limitations to SNAP eligibility for non-citizens. Medicaid will have a new Work & Community Engagement requirement, among other changes. Learn more about these changes and how they may affect participants and their benefits. If you would like to schedule an information session about these changes, complete our Outreach Request Form.
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Supporting Survivors Through Domestic and Sexual Violence Services’ Sexual Assault Awareness Month Activities
Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is observed every April to raise public awareness about sexual violence, educate our community on how to prevent it, and share resources available to those impacted by this crime. Victoria Nevel-Babla, Human Trafficking and Sexual Violence Coordinator with Fairfax County’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, shared details about SAAM with County Conversation podcast host Jim Person. They also talked about why survivors may not tell anyone about their assault and how DSVS supports these survivors. Listen to their whole conversation.
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Supporting Children When Violence Is in the News
If you feel bad about what is in the news and you are having trouble talking about it, it’s likely that children are struggling too. We offer some advice on how their trauma might show up and how to respond to create feelings of safety despite the scary or violent things in the media. Learn more.
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Celebrating Service: Honoring Volunteers and Inspiring Others to Serve
Our community grows stronger when we show up for one another. April is Volunteer Recognition Month, and April 19-25, 2026, is National Volunteer Week, when we celebrate the individuals who give their time and energy to make a difference. Volunteers are woven into the fabric of our society, supporting neighbors, strengthening local organizations, and helping our community thrive. We are deeply grateful for all that volunteers do. Learn how you can get involved in volunteering in the April issue of the Golden Gazette.
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Parenting can be tough! It’s OK 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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Recognizing Tech-Facilitated Abuse
Technology-facilitated abuse is a form of abuse where someone uses digital tools—think: phones, apps, social media, or smart devices—to control, harass, monitor, or harm another person. It often shows up in relationships where there is already a pattern of power and control, but it can also happen in other contexts (such as stalking or harassment). Learn what it looks like.
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Make Your Move at the Fairfax County Career Fair on May 5
Find a new job and make a difference in your community at the same time. Working in local government expands your network, opens opportunities to advance your career, and leverages your prior experience into local impact. Meet with agencies actively hiring for Fairfax County positions in public safety, IT, finance, public health, and more! Tuesday, May 5 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center. Register now.
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 Tuesday, April 14 – Exploring the Dimensions of Aging - The Clay Lab: End of Life Conversations
Join Inova ElderLink and the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging for online training to help family and professional caregivers. Embody Clay as he and his family cope with his terminal illness and move into hospice care, learning how clear and caring communication can help with end-of-life choices and understanding what to expect in his final days. Register now.
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Tuesday, April 14 – Free Virtual Parent Café: The Power of Play in Parenting
Join the next free Virtual Parent Café, Tuesday, Apr. 14, 6:30 to 8 p.m. to discuss “The Power of Play in Parenting.” Play is the language of children and as parents we can increase our connection with children by joining them in it. Children of all ages experience greater confidence, fewer behavioral issues, and improved mental health when caregivers use the power of play in their daily interactions with them. Join us for this presentation by Greater Richmond SCAN to learn more about the importance of play and how to incorporate it in your interactions with your children. Any Fairfax County parents or guardians with children ages 0-18 years old can register online. For more information, email or call 703-324-7720.
Tuesday, April 14 – Attend a Foster Care Information Meeting
Are you curious about becoming a foster parent? Hundreds of children in Fairfax County need a temporary loving home until they can safely return to their families. Our next virtual information meeting is by invitation only on Tuesday, April 14, at 6:45 p.m. Complete this short interest form for prospective parents or learn more online.
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Wednesday, Apr. 15 – Medicare, Medicaid, and Long-Term Care: What You Need to Know
In this webinar, hosted by the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging, Lisa Pratt, Staff Attorney for Healthcare and Elder Law with Legal Services of Northern Virginia (LSNV), will educate family caregivers of older adults and people with disabilities on long-term care planning. This presentation provides an introduction to what Medicare and Medicaid will cover for long-term care, why planning matters, and what steps you can take today to help you prepare before care is needed. Register now.
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Thursday, April 16 – Redefine Your Path: Health and Human Services
The third webinar in the “Redefine Your Path: From Federal Expertise to Local Impact” series will focus on how federal workers and contractors can make the move to local government health and human services career tracks. 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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