The Human Services Department's Family and Children's Services division provides services to children who have been abused, neglected, or who are at risk of abuse or neglect. Child welfare services focus on child safety, child and family well-being, and permanent homes for children.

 

Our first priority is always to keep children safely in their own homes with their parents. If that is not possible, children are placed in foster or relative caregiver homes until it is deemed safe enough for their own families to care for them again. If returning to the care of their parents is not possible, placement with relative caregivers is sought first and a permanent plan is developed for legal guardianship or adoption. We work collaboratively with many local agencies and community partners to support and strengthen families and keep children safe in Santa Cruz County.

 

To learn more about the components of our child welfare services CLICK HERE.