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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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Medicaid Rules Are Changing in Fall 2026
Are you up to date on the upcoming changes to Medicaid eligibility? The first change goes into effect October 1, 2026 and will limit Medicaid eligibility for adult noncitizens (who are not pregnant or within the 12 months postpartum) to Legal Permanent Residents, Cuban-Haitian Entrants, and Compact of Free Association (COFA) Migrants. Noncitizens who do not have an eligible immigration status, but meet all Medicaid eligibility rules, may still be able to get Medicaid coverage for emergency services. These changes apply only to adults. Learn more.
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Cooling and Healthy Summertime Treats
As the temperature rises, it is tempting to seek cooling treats like ice cream, popsicles, soda, and other sugary desserts. While they may be refreshing, the high-sugar content of these treats can lead to energy crashes, blood sugar spikes, and weight gain. With some simple swaps, you can refresh with cooling summertime treats that support your health. Learn more in the June issue of the Golden Gazette.
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Foster Care Success Story: Family Flourishing
When a young girl entered foster care, her therapeutic foster family became one of the first pillars of stability in her young life. While her parents worked toward reunification, her aunt, grandmother, and other relatives stepped forward with open arms and steady hearts to support her journey through foster care. Learn more.
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Unscripted: Conversations about Sexual and Domestic Violence—Rape Kit Reform
It was a long time coming, but it has finally happened—it being rape kit reform. After 16 years of advocacy, the Joyful Heart’s End the Backlog Campaign has achieved what once felt impossible: all 50 states have enacted at least one pillar of rape kit reform, getting one step closer to eliminating the backlog of hundreds of thousands of untested rape kits sitting in storage across America. On this episode of Unscripted, host Kendra Lee sits down with Domestic and Sexual Violence Services hospital accompaniment specialist Kendal Cristaudo-Davis and Astrid Strangio, a forensic nurse examiner in the Inova Ewing FACT Department, to talk about rape kit reform.
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¡Consejos para solicitar empleos en el gobierno del Condado de Fairfax!
Esta sesión informativa será en español. Join DFS-Workforce Development and Department of Human Resources for an information session about how to apply for jobs with Fairfax County. You will learn how to navigate the online application platform step by step and understand the hiring process. We will also share practical tips for strengthening your application and highlighting your skills. This is a great opportunity to ask questions in Spanish and better prepare for your next job opportunity with the County. Thursday, July 16 from 3-5 p.m., attend either in-person or virtually. Learn more and register.
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Body Safety Facilitators Needed
Empower children, make a difference in your community, and help prevent child abuse in a non-alarming way. The Body Safety Education Program is seeking volunteers who are available on weekdays to teach our evidence-based, age-appropriate lessons in local schools across Fairfax County. We offer flexible scheduling around your availability, thorough training, ongoing/onsite staff support, and the opportunity to choose the classes you prefer. Our next new-facilitator training is Thursday, August 27, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Si usted habla español, ¡necesitamos su ayuda! Learn more or apply online, or email DFSBodySafety@fairfaxcounty.gov.
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Disasters and Interpersonal Violence: What’s the Connection?
Natural disasters do not cause domestic or sexual violence, but the physical, mental, and socioeconomic effects of disaster can escalate interpersonal violence. Learn more about the increase in reports of domestic and sexual violence after a natural disaster and how this increase impacts the entire community. Note: Hurricane season started June 1 and runs until November.
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Weekly on Tuesdays – Conversational English for Job Readiness
Practice and improve your conversational English so you are confident and prepared for employment. No registration required. Sessions are held every Tuesday from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. at VCW Fairfax Annandale Center (7611 Little River Turnpike, Suite 300W, Annandale, VA 22003).
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Monthly – Virtual WIOA Information Sessions for Job Seekers
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) offers workforce development services to eligible job seekers. Attend a virtual information session to hear more about WIOA as well as the other programs and services provided by the Virginia Career Works centers.
Held twice a month on alternating Fridays at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
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Tuesday, June 30 – Redefine Your Path: Careers in Education
Don’t miss the fourth session, on Tuesday, June 30 from 10-11:30 a.m., in this webinar series designed to help federal talent explore pathways into local government. This session will expand the conversation to education career opportunities in K-12, adult education, and community college. Attendees will hear from panelists from Fairfax County Public Schools, Loudoun County Public Schools and Northern Virginia Community College. Register now.
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Tuesday, June 30 – Promoting Resilience in Children Growing up Without Dads
This practical, data-informed workshop will equip caseworkers with a deeper understanding of the emotional, behavioral, and developmental impacts that children experience when fathers are absent. You’ll gain actionable, evidence-based strategies to better support, engage, and empower children for a brighter future. Session will be held from 12:30-1:30 p.m. via MS Teams. Learn more about the NOVA Regional Fatherhood Workshop Series.
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Tuesday, July 7 – Meet the Employer: GMU Facilities and Campus Operations
GMU Facilities and Campus Operations is hiring skilled plumbers and HVAC technicians! If you are a plumber or HVAC technician with multiple years of experience, we encourage you to attend on Tuesday, July 7 from 3-6 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center. These roles come with many benefits. GMU cannot extend same day job offers. Candidates are highly encouraged to apply for roles in advance at jobs.gmu.edu. You will meet recruiters and learn more about the roles which can help you in the application process. Register here!
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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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