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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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Back-to-School Routines for a Calmer Year
As the new school year is beginning, many families return to (or create) routines to help their children stay on track and thrive. The start of the school year is a great time to establish routines, but don’t worry, it’s never too late! Get some helpful tips provided by our Parenting Education Programs staff!
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Stay Healthy This School Year with Cardinal Care
Welcome back to school Fairfax County students! The start of the school year is a good time to make sure your child is up to date on doctor and dental visits. Learn more about free health and dental coverage with Cardinal Care.
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8 Self-Care Tips for Back-to-School Season
School bells are beginning to ring, so it's essential for parents to prioritize self-care amidst the flurry of activities necessary for getting their students (and themselves) ready for study schedules, after-school clubs, and fall sports leagues. Try these eight effective strategies to help you manage stress and maintain your well-being during this busy time.
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Applying for Fairfax County Government Jobs: Upcoming Information Sessions
The Department of Family Services - Employment Services, and representatives from the Department of Human Resources - Employment Division, will give an overview of the job application and hiring process on Tuesday, August 26; Tuesday, September 23; and Tuesday, October 14. Visit our Job Fairs page to see times and locations and to register.
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Making a Difference: Volunteering with GrandInvolve in Title I Classrooms
For over ten years, older adults in Fairfax County have been discovering a powerful way to give back to their communities – by stepping into classrooms through GrandInvolve, a county program that connects volunteers with Title I elementary schools in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). Learn more about the positive impact this program is having on students and volunteers and how you can get involved in the August issue of the Golden Gazette.
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Foster Care Unit Success Story: Court Liaisons Develop Early Warning System for Fracturing Families
Fairfax County Government is known for being innovative. Recently, the Fairfax County Department of Family Services has gained recognition for being the only jurisdiction in the state of Virginia to have two dedicated full-time court liaison positions. Their work, which is focused on preventing unnecessary transfers of troubled youth into foster care is being praised as a model for the whole state! Learn more.
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Unscripted: Conversations about Sexual and Domestic Violence—How Parenting Style Impacts Future Relationships
Authoritative. Permissive. Free-range. Conscious. Fear-based. The list of parenting styles is wide and varied. If you want to raise happy, healthy children, experts say you might want to consider another style: gentle parenting—that’s parenting without shame, blame, or punishment. But can this style of parenting help young people choose healthy partnerships when they grow older? Find out on this episode of Unscripted: Conversations about Sexual and Domestic Violence, where host Kendra Lee mixes it up with Domestic and Sexual Violence Services’ Andrea Nunes-Gardner and Jennifer Perkins and Children, Youth, and Families’ Tanisha Cox and Heather Potter.
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Thursday, Aug. 21 – Free! Voices Unveiled: Documentary Screening & Panel Discussion
Join the Fairfax County Department of Family Services Adult & Aging Division, The Clowder Group and the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services to watch two thought-provoking documentaries, All the Lonely People and Heroes of Adult Protection – Fred’s Neighborhood. Each documentary tells the story of older adults facing challenges such as social isolation and adult abuse. A panel discussion with the filmmakers and state leaders will take place after viewing the films. The screening will be held at the James Lee Community Theatre, 2855 Annandale Rd., Falls Church, VA 22042 and will begin at 9:30 a.m. Register to attend. Learn more about the event.
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Tuesday, Sept. 2-Dec. 9 – Free Virtual Parenting Classes (Parenting Children Ages 5-11 years old)
Do you want to develop your confidence as a parent and build stronger relationships with your child? Join our free weekly Virtual Parenting Classes, starting Tuesday, Sept. 2, from 6-8 p.m. Designed for parents of children aged 5-11 years old, these classes will inspire you with strategies for encouraging positive behaviors, building self-esteem, and creating lasting family memories. To sign up or for more information contact us by email or call 703-324-7720.
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Wednesday, Sept. 3-Dec. 10, 2025 – Free Parenting Classes in Spanish (Parenting Children Ages 5-11 years old)
Cultive relaciones sanas con sus hijos. Are you ready to become a more confident and effective parent? Join our free weekly Spanish-language, in-person parenting class starting Sept. 3 at Messiah United Methodist Church in Springfield! This class is designed for parents with children ages 5-11 years old to help you to understand your child’s development, encourage age-appropriate behaviors, learn about discipline and routines that work. The class meets every Wednesday from 5:30-8 p.m. To sign up or for more information contact us by email or call 703-324-7720.
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Wednesday, Sept. 3-Dec. 10, 2025 – Free Virtual Parenting Classes (Parenting Children Ages 0-4 years old)
Parents caring for a child aged 0-4 years old, join us for free weekly parenting classes, starting Wednesday, Sept. 3! These classes will teach you the basics you need to know, from supporting your child’s development to creating healthy routines and boosting your parenting confidence. Classes are offered online every Wednesday, 6-8 p.m. To sign up or for more information contact us by email or call 703-324-7720.
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