Fairfax County is marking National Child Abuse Prevention Month this April with a focus on building stronger families and promoting well-being. The county has adopted the theme “Building Stronger Families: Solid Foundations for Family Well-being” to emphasize the importance of stable and nurturing environments for children.
The campaign underscores that while love is essential, other elements such as community resources, parenting knowledge, support systems, self-care, and empathy are crucial to a family’s stability. Research indicates that preventing adverse childhood experiences like abuse can lead to better long-term health outcomes and lower societal costs.
Residents are encouraged to recognize signs of child abuse or neglect, which may include malnourishment, poor hygiene, unexplained injuries, behavioral changes, young children left unsupervised, or unsafe living conditions. The county reminds parents that there are no specific laws in Virginia regarding when a child can be left alone; however, local guidelines recommend that children eight years old or younger should never be left unsupervised at home or in public spaces.
Support services are available through the Parent Support Line at 703-324-7720 on weekdays for advice on child development and parenting challenges. For immediate concerns about a child’s safety, individuals can contact Child Protective Services’ 24-hour hotline at 703-324-7400 anonymously if desired. Fairfax County’s Department of Family Services also offers various parenting classes and support groups both virtually and in person across the county.
Additionally, free Virtual Body Safety classes using the Childhelp Speak Up Be Safe curriculum are available for Pre-K through sixth grade students residing in Fairfax County. These sessions aim to help children develop skills to identify risks such as abuse or cyberbullying. Community members can further contribute by mentoring youth or supporting parents who may need assistance.
As part of its ongoing commitment to family well-being and child safety education initiatives this month, Fairfax County encourages residents to participate in volunteer opportunities through Volunteer and Partner Services.
