Department of Family Services – Children, Youth and Families

CONTACT INFORMATION: Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
703-324-7500 TTY 711
12011 Government Center Parkway, Pennino Building
Fairfax, VA 22035
Oriane Eriksen
Director

June is Fatherhood Awareness Month

Fatherhood Awareness Month Graphic 2022

Fathers matter. Whether it’s giving his baby a bath, learning how to braid a daughter’s hair, helping with virtual schooling, eating together with family, or cheering from the stands, dads are vital in the upbringing of their children. 

A father’s influence continues to be important as children grow up. When dads talk with older kids about their daily lives, help them with college and career decisions, and share parenting wisdom with their adult kids, the impact is immeasurable.

Research tells us when dads are involved in the lives of their children, those children tend to be more psychologically and emotionally balanced and tend to have better social skills, higher grades and stronger parenting skills when they start their own families. When fathers are involved, children are less vulnerable to childhood poverty, substance abuse, juvenile delinquency and teen pregnancy.

June is Fatherhood Awareness Month, and Fairfax County is taking this opportunity to celebrate fathers. Join us!


Proclamation

Fairfax County sealAt their meeting on Tuesday, June 7, 2022, The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will proclaim June, as Fatherhood Awareness Month, a time to raise public awareness of the importance of a father’s engagement with his children and family. 

Learn more about the proclamation.


Community Engagement Toolkit

message cloudsFathers are irreplaceable in the lives of their children. They contribute to their children’s safety and stability, and there is a direct link between positive father involvement and child well-being. Share these easy-to-use social media tools as a way to recognize dads for all they do. 


Overcoming the Odds, a Family Reunited

video screenshot Amar MawusiAs a person in recovery, Amar Mawusi faced overwhelming odds to regain custody of his children. He credits the Father Engagement Program with giving him the roadmap for the path he needed to follow to put his life back together and maintain a safe, nurturing home for his children when they needed him most. Check out the video.


Pocket Dad Fatherhood Advice Videos

Pocket Dad Video graphic logoIt's a fact – fathers are important to their children! Their positive involvement contributes to child safety and well-being.

Through each Pocket Dad video, our Father Engagement team members talk about relevant, timely and interesting topics to help dads be better dads. New videos are added each month on topics such as discipline, co-parenting, self-care, and more. Check out the videos


Ways to Make a Difference in a Teen’s Life

parent and two teenagersLooking for some ways to make a difference in your teen’s life? Overwhelmed by their attitudes? Struggling to connect? Or perhaps you want to help a teen who needs support.

Check out these ways to make a difference in a teen’s life.

Fairfax Virtual Assistant