Family Services – Community Corner

Virginia's 2026 General Assembly session was chock-full of legislation supporting survivors of sexual and domestic violence, including paid medical, family, and sick leave; expanded stalking protections; and stronger firearms restrictions for people convicted of assault and battery against family or other household members. Get more information on how new laws, which went into effect July 1, help survivors.

Youth in foster care face many invisible educational obstacles such as changing schools often, having fewer stable and supportive relationships, and experiencing mental health challenges at higher rates than their peers. That’s why we are proud of the 17 youth in Fairfax County foster care who have persevered to graduate from high school, professional certification programs, college and beyond this year. We will hold a celebration of their accomplishments later this summer. Join us in supporting their amazing accomplishments by donating items on their personal wish lists to help them as they move forward in life. Thank you for your support!

SHAPE the Future of Aging is a strategic plan to support aging well in the Fairfax Area, guiding the work of Fairfax County to support older adults, caregivers, and adults with disabilities. SHAPE also helps our community partners as they plan programs and services. Learn about the progress made during year three of the five-year plan in the July issue of the Golden Gazette.

Virginia SUN Bucks is a one-time benefit to help families with the cost of groceries during the summer when children are not in school. Each eligible school‑age child will receive a one‑time $120 benefit. You can use SUN Bucks to buy groceries — including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy and meat — at grocery stores, farmers markets and other businesses that accept SNAP EBT benefits. You can apply online, by phone or by mail. Learn more and apply now.  

Parenting can be hard! But you’re never alone. Our parenting partners are just a call away to provide advice on child development, bonding, stress relief, and more. Parents, caregivers, and anyone working with kids can rely on the trusted support system at the Parent Support Line! Call 703-324-7720 or email, Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

The latest session in the Redefine Your Path series with DFS Workforce Development explored how federal employees can transition into impactful careers in education across Virginia. A particularly resonant message came from Dr. Brent Via, Associate Director of Career Planning & Development, Northern Virginia Community College: “Students—especially adult learners, veterans, working parents, and career switchers—really want to learn from people who’ve been in the field. Your real-world experience is a huge strength in the classroom. Also, we always need grants, and we have a grant department that's growing.” Multiple entry pathways were discussed, including substitute teaching, adjunct instruction, provisional licensure, and Virginia’s Career Switcher Program. Watch the recording to start redefining your path today. 

The intense heat didn’t stop members of Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Clinical Services team from lending a hand. The group whacked weeds, whitewashed fences, and got in a little cuddle time with some of the pets up for adoption at the Human Society of Fairfax County’s Centreville farm. Though this group of counselors usually can be found supporting survivors or teaching emotional regulation to people who cause harm, on this day they swapped their therapeutic toolkits to volunteer as temporary farmhands. Learn more about Clinical Services team’s day jobs.