Family-Focused Prevention Services

Services to Strengthen Families and
Prevent the Abuse and Neglect of Children

In partnership with our community and other county agencies, our programs provide no-cost, community-based prevention and early intervention services to strengthen families, promote healthy family functioning and encourage families to become self-reliant. Programs include:

• Befriend-A-Child
• BeFriend-A-Parent
• Blue Ribbon Campaign to Prevent Child Abuse & Neglect
• Early Intervention Strategy Team
  
• Family Resource Centers
• Good-Touch/Bad-Touch®
• Healthy Families Fairfax
• Neighborhood Networks
• Nurturing Parenting Program®

BeFriend-A-Child: Adult volunteer mentors provide companionship, support and guidance to children who are at risk of being abused or neglected or who would benefit from a positive relationship with an adult.

BeFriend-A-Parent: Caring, change-focused volunteer mentors befriend an adult of the department to listen, learn, build a trusting relationship and work together on parenting and personal needs and skills.

Blue Ribbon Campaign to Prevent Child Abuse & Neglect: This year-round public awareness campaign, in partnership with the community, provides information, education materials and activities designed to support families and keep children safe from child abuse and neglect.

Early Intervention Strategy Team: A group of human services professionals provide staff training and develop other strategies to assist staff in their work to reduce the future risk of foster care, primarily in African-American familes with children birth to six.

Family Resource Centers: Neighborhood-based centers offer on-site programs and classes to strengthen families. Offering programs and activities in a home-like setting, these "drop-in" centers tailor services to the needs of families in each community. Family Resource Centers are located in the Culmore, Lorton and Springfield areas of the county.

Good-Touch/Bad-Touch® – A child abuse prevention curriculum designed to teach children the skills they need to stay safe. Teaches children to prevent sexual abuse, deal with bullies and actively handle sad or angry feelings. Curriculum is appropriate for children from pre-school through high school age. Children can be referred by teachers, social workers or parents; any child living in Fairfax County is eligible. Program is free and can be presented at community centers, faith-based facilities, Fairfax County government buildings and at sites of organized community activities (e.g. scouts). Presentations made upon request.

Healthy Families Fairfax: This home-based early intervention and prevention program offers first-time parents at risk of maltreating their child an opportunity to learn parenting skills and receive emotional support and case management services.

Neighborhood Networks: Support and referral services link families who are facing significant challenges to community resources and provide them with opportunities to build leadership skills to become resources within their own neighborhoods.

Nurturing Parenting Program®: Group-based programs, offered at community-based sites help parents and their children learn healthy, positive interactions and receive practical advice and guidance on living in harmony.

We welcome volunteers, mentors, and corporate
and personal contributions of time, expertise and funding
in support of our work.

For information on
Fairfax County Department of Family Services
Child Abuse Prevention Services
Call 703-324-7720  TTY 703-222-9452

This document is available in an alternative format upon request. Please call 703-324-5870.
Allow two weeks for preparation of the material.