Brandon T. Nichols

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors appointed Brandon T. Nichols director of the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) in July 2022. Director Nichols is regarded throughout the nationally as an accomplished professional with more than 20 years of expertise in child welfare, foster care, adoptions, mental health and law.

Director Nichols previously held the roles of DCFS chief deputy director and acting director. Prior to that, he served as an attorney for the Los Angeles County Counsel’s Office where he represented and advised DCFS for a number of years. Most recently, Director Nichols worked as the Executive Director of the County’s Jail Closure Implementation Team that focused on decarcerating and closing the Men’s Central Jail. In this role, he also led efforts to provide mental health services to inmates throughout Los Angeles County jails.

Emmy-winning reporter Naibe Reynoso interviewed Director Nichols for an episode of LA County Presents – One on One. They discussed the Department’s mission, prevention efforts, initiatives and his wish for children in care.  Click below to watch.